A Complicated Arrangement

Chapter 3

Above is Lionel.
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~The next day~

"Come on, Bella. They are already downstairs with your father. Hurry up!" Said Elly.

The maidservant finishes the last touch of Isabelle's gown. A beautiful maroon gown adorned with white and garnet gems. The gown had white frills peeping out of her sleeves, whilst the round top of her dress highlighted the natural roundness of her bosom. Elly was always jealous about it due to her flat chest. Bella developed early, with curvy round hips and large perky breasts while managing to maintain her slim, tiny waist. However, she was always modest in her dress, carefully hiding her curves and breasts. Today her mother had her wear that gown. She hated it.

Bella pulls her top of her dress up tp cover her cleavage a bit. "Why do I have to wear this? This is ridiculous. I refuse to go downstairs." Folds her arms.

Elly sighs. "I guess I will have to force you down then. Hmmm, let's see... why did you go out of your way to bake those raspberry scones? You could have let the cook make some pastries. Are you trying to impress? Hmm?" She smirks.

"What?! No! Never!" Blushes Bella. "I did no even know that they were coming today. I made that for myself."

"Well right this moment your famous scones are being served to them."

"How do you know that? Oh Elly did you see him? What did he look like? Is he arrogant? Nice? Tell me! I am so nervous!"

Just then mom called out to us to join them. We were led downstairs to meet our guests. I shied away from them upon hearing me being discussed. I sat next to my father so that his tall body can hide me a bit. I felt eyes on me. I knew they were all looking at me, but I git this weird feeling that their was one person who was staring at me intensely. Then I met his gaze. He was so hot. Excuse me, I meant handsome. I couldn't believe how daring he looked. I couldn't pull my gaze away from his big bright blue eyes.

"Your daughter is as gorgeous as I remember John. I just knew that my son had to marry this girl. It is hard to find a beautiful girl who is as intelligent and talented as your daughter. These scones melt in my mouth. However, we would not make you cook for us my dear. We are equipped with fine staff who will feed you the best in our area."

I adjusted a strand of my red curl behind my left ear, shyly. "Thank you Mrs. King."

"Call me Fiona, my dear".

"And call me Adam. We will be your new parents but don't be so formal about it."

I felt an arm squeeze me. I jumped and sighed in relief seeing that it was my Dad. "We have a tradition here that the bride and groom cannot see each other until the wedding. Your mother and I used to sneak out. Don't be like us." He chuckled. "Go on, be with him. This is Lionel. Give him a tour of our estate. You will not be able to see him until the wedding."

I blushed at the thought of being alone with him. I excused myself to chat with Elly in private, but she was not with us. That is strange, wasn't she right next to me?

I found her near the balcony crying. I instantly hugged her. "Elly? Are you ok? I have not left yet you know."

She started wiping her tears quickly amd faked  a smile. She was hiding something. I had to know what was troubling my friend. After interrogating her for what seemed like an eternity, she told me the most horrific news.

"He- Lionel... he is the one at the lake. He is the one I had been too shy to talk to all this time."she sobbed. She was an emotional wreck.

I stood there in shocked while she ran out to her carriage.

I followed her outside, but I was too late, she was already some distance away.

"Elly, wait!!!!"

She was gone.