The Sleuthy Secret Of A Snazzy Socialite

CHAPTER 4

Once I left his office, I came up with an elaborate plan of action. Time to rope in psychology 101.

I designed an amazing invitation for a marriage of a friend I didn't even have until half an hour ago. I printed it out, clicked a picture and sent it out to my parents.

"Remember Leila from my high-school group? She is getting married. I'm so excited! ^_^"

Then I hacked, wait scratch that, I logged into my mom's personal Facebook account and liked a few wedding ensembles, and then un-liked them. This should ensure a steady stream of those onto her feed.

Perfect. Now we let the dish stew before adding anything else.

Then I updated all the files I was working on. Soon they'll be transferred onto other people, do I wanted to finish off as many I could.

***

The week went by pretty fast and even though I visited my parents every other week, the weekend found me at the mansion again.

"Hey mom, did you get that invitation I sent you?"

"Yes we did. It is on 25th, right?"

"Yeah. I'm so excited for Leila. She is so happy with Shane and the way she talks about him is so damn adorable!" I almost squealed. My inner fangirl needs a pat on the back.

"I'm happy for her. You guys sure grow up fast."

"That we do. We are the perfect age for newly weds." I chuckled. "By the way, I sent you guys the invitation so you can accompany me. I haven't got a date,and I can't trust my friends to not disappear on me." I pout.

"Aww sweetie, sure we'll come with you."

I grin at her gratefully and skip towards my room.

Once I close the door, I let out a sigh of relief. This was more tiring than my daily workout. How could those hollywood stars act all their lives.

I decide to take a quick nap before dinner and slump down onto my bed.

***

The dining table was overly quiet that night. However, I had been busy shoveling food into my mouth. Now that I was down to my slice of chocolate cake, I could see my parents exchanging glances too often to pass as normal.

I realised they were mouthing at each other.

She might not be ready!

She might be seeing someone.

We can't force her.

But we need to tell her.

Then you do it.

No you do it.

I sigh silent, placing my fork down.

"What is it? You two are driving me crazy. What do you want to tell me?"

"How did you know?" My dad gasps.

"I know you guys too well for your own liking." I state. No need for them to know that I've learnt how to read lips.

"Well, umm, you know the Abbeglens?"

I look at her, confused out of the world. Of course I know them. I've known them ever since I was 12.

"Their son is coming back. You might remember Andreas." she continues.

I nodded as I'd hearing all this for the first time. I won't be the one to disclose that by now I know what his monthly expenses are and what he does on weekends.

"Well, the thing is......" she trailed off and looked to my father for help.

He sighed and took up where she left. "As your mum said, he is coming back in April. The Abbeglens have proposed marriage."

I let my jaw drop.

However, he ignored me and continued. "They are quite orthodox and feel like the perfect match is an arranged one. As much as I want to change our status from friends to family, we know that we can't force you."

I keep opening and closing my mouth for about 10 seconds before I realise it and shut it.

" So, are you saying that I have to marry?" I ask tentatively

"Honey we know this is a lot for you. If you say no, we would understand, but just consider it once." my mom says.

"Do you guys really want me to marry a guy without even knowing him?"

"No, no. We'll talk to Walters. You will have all the time to get to know him and consider your decision. We just want your happiness. We think you need a guy in your life."

"Mom, dad, this is too much. I'll consider it, but don't get your hopes high. I have to see if he is good enough. Plus, the one thing that I don't need on my life is a guy. I'm happy. However, I will give it a serious thought. If you don't mind, can I retire for the night? I feel tired."

"Of course hun. Nighty night."

"Good night Nicki."

I flash them both a smile and move up the stairs, managing to keep my shoulders slumped.

Once I closed the door behind me, I lunged for a pillow from my bed and screamed into it. Holy shit, I worked my ass off the whole week for nothing! Wow. Sometimes life works in ways so unconventional, it leaves us gaping at it, both in horror and in  awe.

I sat down on my bed for a moment, going over what had happened. I felt that I had reacted appropriately, even though I had been so close to losing it. I think my act was good enough to let my parents know that I didn't want to dive right into it, but that might consider it, and there was a possibility of a no.

Now that I had one thing under me, I decided to give myself break. I stood in front of my small bookshelf and looked at the titles, finally settling on The Prisoner of Azkaban. You just can't go wrong with Harry Potter no matter how old you are.

~x~

Hey readers,

It's been about a week and here are two more chapters. Hope you enjoy them. Xoxo

Love
Thea ❤