The Royal Contract

1144 Playing along

He had bought new baseball gloves and balls for Edison, so they could throw some balls when they were in the park. He also arranged for tickets for the following Sunday’s championship ballgame.

Then, he brought flowers for his date and some chocolates for Sasha, who loved the white with minty and nutty flavors. He could not wait to see them. And, of course, he was excited to introduce Ria to his folks.

Zach was on his way to her apartment to pick her up. He wanted to be early, but it took time before he could finish all his errands. Then, his phone buzzed, so he quickly grabbed it.

“What meeting?” He suddenly asked after reading the message from Ria. He was confused about whether the meeting was personal or for the company. However, he did not remember any scheduled appointments at work today, specifically tonight.

He hurriedly dialed her number, wanting to catch her at home and drive her wherever the meeting was, but she was not answering his call. She just said that she would tell him all about it after.

It did not make sense since they had already made a plan. Ria would not suddenly cancel on him at the last minute. But she did say it was an emergency. Nevertheless, he had nothing to worry about, and she would talk to him later.

“Where are you, Ria?” Zach finally left a message on her phone, hoping she would respond when she got it.

Eventually, he turned the car around and drove toward the restaurant where he was meeting his parents. He would like to find Ria, but the City was enormous. She could be anywhere. He was better off waiting until she replied to his message.

In the meantime, the least he could do was spend some time with his family. He needed to talk to his father anyway. They could always meet Ria another time when she was available. Maybe they could bring Edison too so they could also meet him.

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A few minutes later, he was already walking inside the restaurant, guided to the table where his folks were already seated and waiting for him. He greeted them and took the vacant sit beside his father.

“I am so glad you can finally join us for dinner again.” His mother excitedly said as she squeezed his hand to make him feel she truly missed him.

Truthfully, he was a little bit of mama’s boy since his mother had spoiled him rotten. His father was the disciplinarian in the family. Therefore, somehow they had balanced the way they had raised him.

He was not a complete spoiled brat since he still knew his values. But, of course, he had outgrown that phase in his life and learned to live independently. At least, he had slowly learned his lessons.

“You know I will not miss the opportunity to spend time with you,” Zach answered his mother as he ordered his meal.

The only time that they had a misunderstanding was when his mother tried to defend Bianca. She always liked her since Bianca’s mother was her best friend. They wanted them to end up together.

But, of course, it was his life, and he would decide what to do with it. He disobeyed his mother when she ordered him to propose to Bianca and marry her. His life spiraled downward after that.

He had been hanging out with the wrong crowd and had his ass put in jail. It took him hard labor to realize that he was ruining his life. And Ria had shown him the correct path towards the light.

“I thought you said that you said you are bringing your girlfriend with you. Where is she?” His father asked as if he was searching for someone behind his back.

He had called his father after they had left, informing him that he intended to introduce Ria to them. But he guessed they would have to wait till next time.

“She was sorry she could not come. Something important came up.” He told his parents, making excuses for her.

“Who are you two talking about?” His mother asked, suddenly confused since he had not shared that news with her. Seemingly, his father did not say anything either.

“I am sorry, but I forgot that your son was supposed to bring his new girlfriend and introduce her to us.” His father casually explained to his wife, like it was not such a big deal, as their food arrived.

“And who is this new girlfriend?” His mother asked once the servers had left their table, leaving them alone again.

“Her name is Ria, and I work with her,” Zach enthusiastically stated. Then he also shared with them how great and intelligent she was. How she also impressed Alex with her creativity and talent.

“She seems to be a lovely woman.” His father seemed fascinated and interested in meeting her. “Maybe we should set up another dinner so she could join us.” He even suggested.

“That would be great.” He accepted his father’s proposal, thinking that would be a good idea.

“Anyway, we ask you to join us tonight because I think you are ready, son.” His father suddenly changed the topic as they went through the main course.

“Ready for what?” He asked, a little confused, but he might have a slight idea of what he might be referring to since he knew what his father had always wanted.

“It is time that you start your political career.” His father said what was already swirling in his mind, not because he wanted it but because he was dreading it.

All his life, his father raised him to be just like him. But somehow, he never liked it. But he never saw any other way until he had worked with Alex. It opened new doors for him, other opportunities he wished to explore.

“Dad...” He was about to decline his father’s offer when his mother suddenly greeted someone at his back.

“Bianca...” He heard her name before he could see her.

“Fancy seeing you here, my child.” Her mother rose from her chair and hugged his ex-girlfriend.

He could only wonder if this was just a coincidence or another one of his mother’s plots to reunite the two of them. And he would not be surprised if Bianca was playing along.