"Are you going to tell me what's going on between you and Nicholas Hill?" William finally voiced his question as he and Rachel arrived at the entrance of Rachel's family estate.
Rachel sighed, her shoulders slumping.
"I really don't want to talk about it."
William scoffed, concern etched on his face.
"Do you have any idea who he is?" William asked with a furrowed brow. "No decent girl should be within a mile radius of him."
"Yeah, Will, I'm very aware of his reputation," Rachel replied sadly, her gaze fixed on the ground as she fidgeted with the zipper on her jacket. It was the very reputation she had heard about repeatedly.
"So, what the hell were you doing with him then?" Will asked, his anger flaring. He couldn't help it; he just couldn't control his emotions when it came to Rachel being involved with Nicholas Hill.
"It's a... complicated story."
"Well, I'm all ears," Will replied, his tone softer now.
"Fine then."
Rachel closed her eyes tightly before reluctantly revealing, "I'm betrothed to Nicholas Hill."
"What?" William asked, his confusion deepening.
"We are engaged, Will. I'm going to marry Nicholas Hill next month. The engagement party is in two weeks," Rachel answered, finally looking up to meet William's eyes.
William fell silent, his mind racing with the revelation. Rachel didn't say anything either.
She was exhausted from the situation and tired of explaining it to people. She'd only confided in William because they'd been friends since childhood, much like Derby and Kelly.
William swallowed hard before finally speaking up, "Why?" he asked, his perplexity evident.
"Because if I don't, my parents would lose everything. I really don't have a choice, Will, believe me," Rachel replied, a deep frown creasing her face as she fought back the tears threatening to fall.
"Why didn't you tell me all this sooner, Ray? Was that what was bothering you the other day?" William asked, his voice tinged with empathy.
"Yeah," Rachel replied sadly. "I just hate that this is happening, and I can't do anything about it." Rachel's voice quivered, and she couldn't hold back her tears any longer.
William didn't hesitate; he pulled Rachel into his arms. "Don't worry, Ray. Everything is going to be alright," he said softly, his tone soothing. Rachel heard his comforting words, but she didn't see the determined look in his eyes that had appeared on his face.
******
"Oh, my," Sarah Nick's mother exclaimed as she examined a breathtaking ruby-studded necklace. Her eyes sparkled with delight. "This is absolutely perfect. Rachel would look stunning wearing it," Sarah said, a genuine excitement lighting up her face.
The two women, Sarah and Maria, were on a delightful jewelry shopping excursion for Rachel and Nick's upcoming engagement ceremony. They had chosen the city's finest jewelry boutique, and the jeweler was working diligently to impress them with the most exquisite pieces.
Sarah's enthusiasm was palpable as she perused the array of jewelry before her, but Maria, Rachel's mother, offered only occasional smiles. She was not as enthusiastic about Rachel and Nick's union, not happy at all.
With the impending issuance of invitations, the news of Rachel and Nick's marriage would soon be widespread. Their social circles, country club members, friends, family, and the media would all become intertwined in their lives. Maria couldn't help but think that it would all become too overwhelming to manage.
As Maria closed her eyes, she pondered the impending whirlwind of attention. In truth, though, she cared little about the social intricacies. Her primary concern was how all of this would affect Rachel, her beloved daughter.
She anticipated a barrage of questions from people, questioning her decision to let Rachel marry Nicholas Hill, a man known for his reputation as a social playboy.
"Maria?" Sarah's voice broke through Maria's distant thoughts. Sarah had noticed Maria's detachment and was now genuinely concerned. "Is everything all right?"
There was no immediate reply from Maria, who seemed lost in her thoughts.
"Maria!" Sarah finally raised her voice, snapping Maria out of her reverie.
Maria blinked and stammered, "Oh, my... I'm terribly sorry. I was just... lost in thought."
Sarah, understanding the concern in Maria's eyes, reached out to hold her hand reassuringly. "No need to explain, Maria. I'm a mother too, and I recognized that look on your face," she said with a warm smile. "I understand your worries, but trust me, Rachel and Nick are perfect for each other. I know it in my heart."