The CEO'S Forbidden Heiress

meeting His Parents

After their first meeting, Nora and Hilary gradually grew fond of each other. They began texting constantly, having video calls late into the night, and finding every possible excuse to see each other.

Hilary had just finished another video call with Nora. He stared at his phone for a moment before smiling to himself.

“I thought she wouldn't accept me,” he murmured, a smile spreading across his face.

It had been two weeks since their first meeting, and somehow, neither of them seemed able to stay away from the other.

At the other end of the call, Nora was always seen smiling. The atmosphere in her house had completely changed, and everyone in the household had noticed it.

Nora had become more diligent with her work. She wanted to prove to Hilary that she was confident, hardworking, and capable of handling responsibilities on her own.

With Hilary's guidance, she had already managed to secure several potential contracts for her father's company, contracts that could bring in millions of dollars if finalized.

Hilary had taught her a lot in just two weeks.

“So, Hilary has already taught you a lot,” Mr. Kata remarked one afternoon when he visited Nora in her office.

“Yes, he has,” Nora replied with a smile.

Mr. Kata sat down on the couch in her office and looked around.

He immediately noticed the changes Nora had made.

Her father's framed photograph now stood beside her desk. She had repainted the walls, replaced the old chairs, rearranged the furniture, and added a few modern touches to the room.

“This office is giving young-adult vibes now,” Mr. Kata said with a chuckle.

Nora smiled faintly.

“Keeping everything the way it was reminded me of him,” she explained. “And I don't want to keep feeling emotional every time I walk into this office.”

As she spoke, she wiped a tear from the corner of her eye.

Mr. Kata's expression softened.

“I'm sorry. I didn't mean to remind you of him.”

“It's fine,” Nora replied quickly. “We can talk about something else, please.”

Mr. Kata leaned back against the couch and studied her for a moment before smiling.

Nora noticed.

“Why are you smiling?”

“Nothing,” he said. “It's just that you've been unusually happy these days.”

Nora frowned slightly.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean…” Mr. Kata paused, a teasing smile appearing on his face. “He treats you well.”

The moment he mentioned Hilary, a cute blush spread across Nora's cheeks.

She couldn't hide her feelings.

“I think I like him,” she admitted softly.

Mr. Kata stared at her blushing face for a few seconds before smiling.

“I'm happy for you.”

He paused.

“I think with Hilary's help, everything will become easier for you.”

Nora looked at him gratefully.

“Mr. Kata, I'm really grateful to have you here.”

“I'm glad I can help.”

A few minutes later, Nora closed her office and left with Mr. Kata.

That evening, however, was different.

Today, Nora was going to meet Hilary's parents.

For the first time since she had started seeing Hilary, she felt genuinely nervous.

She was certain his parents would dislike her, especially considering the long-standing rivalry between their families.

Nora stood in front of the mirror and looked at her dress one more time.

She had chosen a simple blue dinner gown with a round neckline and sleeveless design. A slit ran along one side of the dress, reaching just above her knee.

She kept her makeup minimal and styled her hair into a neat bun.

She wanted to look simple but classy.

Nora sat on the edge of her bed, waiting for Hilary.

Several minutes passed.

Then she heard a car horn outside.

A moment later, the butler appeared at the door.

“Miss Nora, Mr. Hilary is here.”

Nora immediately stood up.

She straightened her dress, took a deep breath, and walked outside.

The guard opened the car door for her, and she stepped inside.

Hilary turned toward her and smiled.

“You look beautiful,” he said before gently kissing her cheek.

“Thank you,” Nora replied.

But Hilary immediately noticed the anxiety in her voice.

He shifted closer to her and took both her hands in his.

“Are you afraid?” he asked gently.

Nora looked at him but didn't answer.

Hilary already knew the reason.

“They dislike your family,” he said softly.

Nora lowered her gaze.

“But even if they don't accept you, I will still marry you. Their opinion doesn't determine our relationship.”

Nora's eyes immediately filled with emotion.

Hilary pulled her into a warm hug.

“I love you, Nora.”

“I love you too, Hilary.”

They remained in each other's arms for a few moments before Nora finally pulled away.

The car continued toward Hilary's family home.

When they finally arrived, Nora stared through the window in awe.

The compound was enormous.

It looked somewhat similar to her family's residence, but this one was even bigger and more beautifully designed.

The car drove straight toward the entrance of the mansion and came to a stop.

Hilary stepped out first before walking around to Nora's side.

He held out his hand.

Nora looked at the massive entrance in front of them and hesitated.

Hilary gently squeezed her hand.

“You can do it, love. I'm here with you.”

He smiled reassuringly.

“No one is going to bully you.”

Nora finally smiled.

Together, they walked toward the entrance.

The moment the doors opened, Nora stepped inside.

The palace was huge and spacious.

An enormous crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, illuminating the beautifully decorated interior. The decorations were elegant and expensive, while the servants stood neatly in their positions, dressed in spotless uniforms.

The marble floors were so polished that Nora could see her reflection on them.

Every corner of the palace was breathtaking.

Hilary gently took Nora's hand and led her toward the dining area.

The moment they entered, Nora stopped.

His parents were already seated at the table.

But they weren't alone.

Several members of Hilary's family were there as well.

Nora looked at Hilary in surprise and leaned closer to whisper, “You didn't tell me this was going to be a full family meeting.”

Hilary looked equally surprised.

“I honestly had no idea they were all coming,” he whispered back. “But if you're not comfortable with this, we can leave.”

Nora immediately shook her head.

“No. That would be disrespectful. We're already here.”

Hilary smiled slightly and squeezed her hand.

“Alright.”

He guided her toward the dining table, pulled out a chair for her, and waited for her to sit before taking the seat beside her.

Nora exchanged pleasantries with everyone at the table.

Most of them welcomed her politely, but Hilary's aunt was different.

From the moment Nora sat down, the older woman barely concealed her dislike.

Her eyes constantly followed Nora, as though she were searching for something to criticize.

Nora noticed, but she remained calm.

She wasn't going to allow anyone to provoke her.

Dinner was soon served.

Before Nora could reach for anything, Hilary began helping her.

He dished some food onto her plate, peeled the shrimps for her, and even cut the chicken into smaller pieces.

Then, without hesitation, he fed her.

Nora smiled shyly.

However, Hilary's aunt looked furious.

“Hillary,” she said sharply, “are you supposed to be the one cutting that chicken for her? Doesn't she have hands?”

The table suddenly became quiet.

Hilary slowly looked at his aunt.

“Yes, she has hands,” he replied calmly. “But she is my fiancée, and I want to pamper her.”

His aunt's expression hardened.

Nora immediately kicked Hilary gently under the table.

He glanced at her.

“Stop it,” she whispered.

“She started it first,” he whispered back.

Nora fought back a smile.

Hilary's father cleared his throat, bringing everyone's attention back to him.

“Nora.”

“Yes, sir?” Nora answered immediately.

He looked at her for a moment before speaking.

“Considering the fact that our families don't exactly have a good relationship…”

“Exactly,” Hilary's aunt interrupted. “She doesn't belong here.”

Hilary's father turned his eyes toward his sister.

The woman immediately fell silent.

He continued.

“I have no right to choose a bride for my son. You both seem to be in love, and I can't be the person who tears you apart.”

Nora's face softened.

She hadn't expected those words.

“Thank you, sir,” she said with a grateful smile.

For a moment, she felt relieved.

But she was still waiting for one person to speak.

Hilary's mother.

Nora slowly turned toward her.

The older woman hadn't said a single word since Nora arrived.

She simply stared at her with an unreadable expression.

Then, without saying anything, Hilary's mother pushed her chair back and stood.

Everyone looked at her.

She didn't acknowledge anyone.

She simply turned around and walked out of the dining hall.

Nora's smile slowly faded.

She didn't need anyone to explain what that meant.

Hilary's mother was not pleased about her son's choice.

She had always wanted Hilary to marry her friend's daughter, Laila.

The silence at the table became uncomfortable.

Eventually, Hilary's aunts and uncles began leaving one after another.

Soon, only Hilary, his father, and two of his brothers remained.

Hilary reached beneath the table and gently held Nora's hand.

He knew she was beginning to feel uncomfortable.

“Don't worry,” he whispered. “I'm here.”

Nora looked at him and gave him a small smile.

Despite everything, she appreciated his support.

Hilary's father and brothers continued speaking with her, making an effort to welcome her into the family.

They asked her questions, joked with her, and slowly made her feel more comfortable.

For the first time that evening, Nora began to relax.

But deep down, she knew the truth.

She had just walked into a battle.

Hilary's mother wasn't going to accept her easily.

And Nora wasn't planning to back down either.

She had no intention of allowing anyone to decide her future for her.

She loved Hilary, and she was determined to marry him whether his mother approved or not.

But there was something else.

Something Hilary didn't know.

Nora had her own reasons for wanting this marriage.

And those reasons had everything to do with the power and influence surrounding their two families.

As Nora left the dining room with Hilary by her side, she glanced back toward the hallway where his mother had disappeared.

Her heart tightened.

This was only the beginning.

And Nora had a feeling that the real battle was about to start.