The stranger she had made out with last night was not just anyone...he was the first son of the Williams family she's marrying into?
Sweat broke out on her forehead as a wave of disbelief and panic washed over her.
What had she done?
Bethany's hands trembled as the stranger...no, the first son of the Williams family—stepped fully into the room.
His presence was commanding, his sharp eyes locking with hers for a fleeting moment before he turned to greet his parents.
The memory of last night flashed in Bethany's mind.
The way his lips felt against hers, the heat of his touch. Now, he stood here, composed as if nothing had happened.
"James," Mr. Williams said proudly, "meet the Blake family."
Bethany's stomach churned as James turned toward her and her family. His expression was calm, giving no hint of recognition.
"Pleasure to meet you all," James said smoothly, his voice betraying nothing.
Bethany couldn't find her voice. Her throat was dry, and her heart pounded so loudly that she was sure everyone could hear it.
Clara, sitting beside her, leaned closer to their father.
"He doesn't seem like someone who's bankrupt," she whispered, though her voice carried across the room.
Bethany shot Clara a glare but remained silent. She couldn't trust herself to speak without stuttering.
The butler entered with wine, pouring glasses for everyone.
As Bethany's fingers brushed the stem of her glass, she felt James' gaze on her again. This time, it didn't flicker.
"Shall we begin dinner?" Mrs. Williams said, her smile warm but her eyes assessing.
"Of course," Mr Blake replied with a grin.
The meal started awkwardly. Conversation flowed between their parents, with Clara interjecting now and then to insert herself into the dialogue.
Bethany barely touched her food, her appetite long gone as James sat across her.
"What do you think of the estate, Bethany?" Mr. Williams asked, breaking through her thoughts.
"It's... beautiful," she replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.
James instantly leaned back in his chair, studying her.
"You don't seem particularly excited about this arrangement," he said, his tone light but probing.
Bethany's eyes snapped to his, her heart skipping a beat. "It's just sudden for me," she replied curtly.
"It is," James agreed, his lips curving into a faint, enigmatic smile. "But sometimes, unexpected arrangements lead to... interesting outcomes."
Bethany's cheeks flushed, and she quickly looked away. Clara, noticing the exchange, smirked but didn't say anything.
"I'm sure you know our current situation?" Mrs. Williams asked, making Bethany steal a glance at her father before turning to face her.
"Of course ma'am, I'm aware." Bethany forced a smile.
"And you know how," Mrs. Williams pointed at Nicholas and continued, "he can be lacking in so many ways...which means you both will be staying with us in this house."
'Stay with them?' Bethany thought, her anger rising but she controlled herself.
"Understood ma'am," she finally responded, and her father exhaled in relief.
"Then the wedding would be taking place in three weeks!" Mr. Williams announced, making everyone gasped out in shock.
James immediately stared at Bethany, seeing how she was holding back her tears but he quickly looked away.
Nicholas appeared over joyous with the announcement as he continued to glance at Bethany every now and then, not noticing the sadness in her eyes.
They finished having their meal and as dessert was served, Mrs. Helen spoke up.
"It's wonderful that we're strengthening ties through this union. Bethany, you'll have a supportive family here."
Bethany bit her tongue, refusing to let her anger show.
Supportive? Where was that supposed family when her mother was fighting for her life?
Before she could respond, Clara chimed in with a mocking tone. "Bethy is lucky. Not everyone gets an opportunity like this."
Bethany clenched her fists under the table, her nails digging into her palms. Clara's smug tone made her want to scream, but she kept her composure.
James, however, noticed. His sharp gaze flicked between the two women, his brow furrowing slightly.
After dinner, everyone moved to the lounge for coffee and conversation.
After noticing how timid Nicholas was to the extent that he couldn't strike up a conversation with her, Bethany excused herself, needing air.
Then she walked to the balcony...
Bethany leaned against the balcony railing, letting the cool breeze soothe her frazzled nerves.
But that peace was short-lived...
The sound of the balcony door opening made her stiffen. She turned sharply, her breath catching when she saw James stepping out.
"You looked like you needed to escape," James said, his voice calm but laced with an edge.
"I needed fresh air. That's all." Bethany crossed her arms, her voice clipped.
James took a step closer, his eyes scanning her face.
"I noticed you've been quiet all evening. Is it the company, or is something else bothering you?"
"Nothing is bothering me. I'm just not in the mood for small talk." She forced herself to appear composed.
James smirked faintly and moved closer, standing just a foot away.
"Is that what you're calling it now? Small talk?" He asked.
Bethany's pulse quickened as he tilted his head slightly, his gaze softening.
"You weren't so reserved last night," he added quietly, his tone almost teasing. Then Panic surged through her.
"James, please—"
Before she could finish, he leaned in and captured her lips in a kiss. It was sudden and for a moment, she stood still.
Her senses snapped back, and she shoved him hard.
"What the hell are you...you doing?" she demanded, her voice trembling with anger.
"Wasn't you who begged for this last night?" James' expression shifted, surprise flickering in his eyes before they darkened.
Bethany's stomach dropped, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
"That was a mistake!" she snapped, her voice rising a bit but not enough for those in the lounge to overhear her.
"I was drunk. I didn't know what I was doing, and I regret it."
James folded his arms, staring at her in disbelief.
"Is that how you usually handle yourself around men when you've had too much to drink? Throw yourself at them and then pretend it never happened?"
Bethany felt the sting of his words like a slap, and before she could think, her hand flew across his face.
The sharp sound of the slap echoed in the air, and James' head snapped to the side.
"Don't you dare talk to me like that again," she hissed, her voice low and filled with rage. "You don't know anything about me."
James turned back to her slowly, his eyes blazing with anger. For a moment, he said nothing.
Then, with a sharp exhale, he muttered, "welcome to the family," and stormed off, leaving Bethany alone on the balcony.
She pressed her hands against the railing, her body trembling...