"May I please be excused?" Rachel implored, her voice quivering with an unspoken weight. She could no longer bear the stifling atmosphere at the table.
Without waiting for a response, Rachel rose from her seat and exited the dining room.
Observing Rachel's departure, Maria felt a surge of empathy and instinctively stood up, murmuring, "Excuse me as well."
Maria followed Rachel and found her pacing in the hallway, her distress evident.
"Rachel..." Maria began, but Rachel's frustration broke through.
"Are you going to finally tell me what's happening, or should I just continue assuming the worst? It's clear that something is wrong."
In a hushed tone, Maria suggested, "Let's return to dinner for now. This isn't the right time."
"No, Mom! Tell me now." Rachel's eyes blazed with determination.
Understanding Rachel's stubbornness and realizing the truth needed to emerge, Maria sighed. It was time to reveal the painful reality.
Maria recounted everything – the investment gone awry, the potential humiliation of their family name, the approach to the Hills for help, and the condition imposed by them: Rachel marrying their intractable son, Nick.
Tears welled in Maria's eyes as she apologized to her daughter. "I'm so sorry, Ray. It feels like we're stealing your happiness away."
Seeing her mother cry shattered Rachel's heart. She drew Maria into a comforting embrace, murmuring, "Mom, please don't cry. None of this is your fault. And no one can take away my happiness without my consent."
Maria's tears flowed freely as she struggled to speak. "Your father and I...we..."
Rachel cut her off gently. "You don't need to explain, Mom. I know you both would've found another way if there was one."
Reassuring her mother, Rachel reminded her of her love and support throughout her life. She was ready to take responsibility for her family's future.
"Dry your tears, Mom. We're going back to dinner, and I'm going to give the Hills what they want – a remarkable daughter-in-law." Rachel's determination rekindled her spirits. She was willing to play along if it meant preserving her family's well-being.
Maria's sobs broke through once again. She despised the fact that her daughter had to shoulder such a burden. Rachel's willingness hurt even more.
"Mom, please don't cry," Rachel pleaded.
"I'm so...sorry...my baby," Maria choked out.
"It's okay, Mom. I'll ensure things work out. I promise." Gently, Rachel wiped Maria's tear-streaked cheeks. "Now, let's go back to dinner."
Maria took a deep breath and nodded. "Alright."
Rachel and Maria reentered the dining room, where Sarah was in the midst of regaling others with extravagant tales from her country club escapades.
"There you are. Is everything alright?" Sarah inquired as Rachel and Maria took their seats.
"Of course, Mrs. Hill, everything is perfectly fine," Rachel responded with an assured smile.
Sarah's gaze lingered thoughtfully before she finally spoke, a warm smile crossing her lips. "Rachel, I believe the timing of the wedding should be up to you. As the soon-to-be bride, it's only fair that you have a say." Her words were sincere and carried a genuine kindness.
In truth, Sarah's intentions revolved around securing a stable arrangement for her son, Nick, whose reputation as a playboy had begun to grate on her nerves. She was weary of the gossip circulating in her country club, social circles, and the ever-persistent realm of the internet. She understood Nick's tumultuous journey after his first serious relationship crumbled. His behavior was a result of his internal wounds, a way of dealing with his pain by seeking solace in fleeting encounters. Nick's list of conquests stretched far and wide, covering both London and the United States.
Sarah and Abel, recognizing Nick's prowess in managing the family businesses and his generally good health, had overlooked his behavior for quite some time. Yet, the rumors of his involvement with married women sparked concern, prompting them to intervene.
"I think a wedding next month would be quite splendid," Rachel responded with a radiant smile, leaving everyone in the room momentarily stunned. "Moreover, I'm looking forward to spending quality time with Nick and getting to know him better." As she finished speaking, she placed her hand gently atop Nick's left hand resting on the table.
Nick's reaction was frozen bewilderment, and the room fell into an astonished hush.
Sarah's face lit up with delight. "That's absolutely wonderful. I knew you were the perfect fit." Her happiness was palpable. "We'll initiate the wedding preparations. Right, Maria?" Sarah turned to Rachel's mother, who nodded in agreement, her enthusiasm not quite matching Sarah's.
Nick remained silent, his attention locked onto Rachel's hand atop his. Confusion clouded his mind. Had he missed a crucial development? Wasn't this the same woman he had conversed with outside? The same woman who had been resolute in her declaration that she'd never marry him?