The Blackmail Bride

Chapter 9

Warning

My mother set down her silverware with a loud clatter. That behavior from her was unheard of so my father and I turned to her. She whipped her head back angrily before facing my father at the head of the table.

"I don't understand why the Blacks would want the Ruiz family invited to the wedding!"

My father picked up the napkin and wiped his mouth with a shrug. "Michael said it was a personal request from his son," he answered, "And considering they're shouldering the full expenses for the wedding, I don't see any reason to negate their decision."

I paused mid-chew at that statement. Jace ordered it. He actually invited the Ruiz family.

I had to press my lips together to hold off from smiling. He actually invited my best friend.

"Isla," my father called.

I went alert in a moment, blanking my expression, "Yes, sir?"

He waved a hand to the maid behind me. The maid was quick to obey and at once set down some of my personal things in front of me. Specifically my iPhone, my Gucci wallet and my Mac.

"Jace said he needed a way to contact you," for some reason, my father was grinning from ear to ear in a satisfied manner.

I didn't get why. But I politely replied, "Thank you."

My mom was watching me from narrowed eyes, "Did you tell Jace Black to invite the Ruizes? After what happened in Prestigio, really?"

I stiffened, not knowing how to reply to that. She was still speculating but I was a bad liar. My Dad waved her off with a laugh.

"Isla," Dad turned to me again, "whatever it is that you're doing, continue doing that. Jace Black seems to be taken with you and I'm proud of you for that. Michael keeps saying he's already seeing some changes in Jace. Rosalie seems to be very pleased with the match."

I remained silent.

My mother raised a shaped eyebrow at me, "Is that so? Well as it should be. Do something right once in a while instead of dragging this family into scandal."

At the sharp words, my hands involuntarily clenched and I looked down. My mom was never one to mince words. If I answer back, I was only going to make the ordeal longer so I stayed quiet still.

"Stop that, Susan." Dad scolded her. A contrast to my mom, my father was in an unnaturally positive mood, "Why don't you bring him lunch today, hm? I'm sure Jace would appreciate that."

And before I could think it through or answer, my mom was already snapping at me, "That's not a request, Isla."

I didn't know when my parents suddenly became... chummy with the Blacks. I remem
ber the dinner we had inthis same table and there was barely a civil word out of the whole conversation. Shouldn't they hate my parents for what they'd done? And whatever those changes that my dad was talking about, I was immediate to discard as without merits.

Jace Black believed I trapped him into marriage. Even though I was just another victim of this situation.

Yet somehow, I found myself obeying my parents per usual. And here I was after thirty minutes, in the kitchen, thinking of what I could possibly bring the man. My mom wanted me to prepare homecooked food for Jace.

I even found myself making effort. And I told myself it was because of the invitation extended to the Ruiz Family. To my best friend.

"Miss Isla, is it true your fiance is already taken with you?" A maid stage-whispered from across the island. There were three of the kitchen staff with me. And aside from them was the head of the house staff, Mrs. Jefferson who was quick to glare at younger maid, Monica, "do you want to lose your job?"