Billionaires Under The Mistletoe

Chapter 8: I'm In Trouble

[ZACH]

The warm shower didn't ease my tension, but I couldn't afford any delay. I threw on a simple shirt and jeans, grabbed my wallet, and bolted out of the house without informing anyone where I was headed. I jumped into the waiting taxi, my thoughts tangled with how I’d explain everything to my mother.

When we arrived at the airport, the sight before me made my stomach knot. My mother sat in the VIP lounge, a royal presence surrounded by an entourage that screamed authority. Even here in Connecticut, thousands of miles away from our country, her aura stood out. As she caught sight of me, her head tilted slightly, her eyes lit up, and she broke into a wide smile, standing to welcome me.

“Hiltzachy!” she called, her voice filled with warmth and pride.

“Mum,” I murmured, managing a small smile as she enveloped me in a tight embrace.

She pulled back slightly, studying me. Her hand reached out to place a lei around my neck, a traditional gesture that reminded me of home.

“My son,” she whispered as her hands cupped my face.

I smiled, but still felt uneasy. My heart raced as I glanced around, praying no one who knew me was here. The weight of the lie I was living had never felt heavier.

“Mum,” I began, gently taking her arm. “Can we talk? Privately.”

Her brows knitted together in confusion, but she nodded. As I led her to a quieter corner, two security guards shadowed us. Typical. Even here, she couldn’t escape protocol.

“What is it, Hiltzachy? You seem tense,” she said, her voice laced with concern.

I ran a hand through my hair, unsure how to begin. The words sat heavy on my tongue, but I knew I had to say them. “Mum, please don’t think I’ve lost my mind when I tell you this.”

She tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. “I’m listening.”

“I… have a girlfriend.” The words stumbled out.

Her expression softened, and a small laugh escaped her. “Is that what have you so on edge? Son, that’s wonderful news!”

“There’s more,” I added quickly, raising a hand to stop her excitement. “It’s not as straightforward as you think.”

She studied me closely, her smile faltering slightly. “Go on.”

I hesitated, but the weight of the situation pushed me forward. “It’s a fake relationship, Mum. I’m pretending to be her boyfriend to help her out with her family during the holidays. She doesn’t even know who I really am. I haven’t told her I’m a prince.”

Her brows shot up in surprise, and for a moment, silence stretched between us. Then her lips curved into a knowing smile.

“You speak of this girl like she’s more than just someone you’re helping. Do you have an interest in her?”

"I do, but I'm still unsure. We're getting to know each other, and this is more than just a fake boyfriend act. I genuinely want to explore where this leads us. To be honest, I'm dreading the traditional arranged marriage. I want someone who loves me for who I am, not just my title or influence."

She reached out, placing a hand on mine.. "Take your time, son. And if you need guidance, I'm here for you."

I smiled softly.

"But son, if this girl makes you feel something real, it’s worth exploring. I’d like to meet her.”

My stomach tightened at the thought. “Mum, it’s too soon. I didn't say I've chosen her as a wife already. We're still getting to know each other. Besides, this is just a favor, not—”

“Hiltzachy,” she interrupted gently, her tone firm. “You’ve never gone out of your way to play pretend for anyone before. I want to meet the girl who’s made you do just that.”

She was right, as always. The truth is, I'm drawn to Daphne. But I'm not yet sure of my feelings and I wasn’t ready to admit that aloud; not yet.

“Fine,” I relented, sighing. “You can meet her. But, Mum, please… keep things simple. She can’t know who I really am.”

Her lips turned into a smile. “For you, son, I’ll do my best to blend in. But don’t wait too long to tell her the truth.”

I felt relieved that Mum understood. Dad would have never been so open-minded.

"By the way, how's Dad? And how are things back home in Tonga?" I asked.

"Everything is fine," Mum replied. "Of course, they miss their prince, but we released a statement saying you're abroad for studies."

I smiled. "I hope to come home with a bride by the time I'm back."

Mum's expression turned serious. "Don't feel pressured, son. Take your time, so you don't make a mistake. Remember, the choice you make also affects our country."

"I know, Mum."

---

When I got back to the house, I was met with chaos. Voices echoed from the living room, sharp and biting. I stepped in to see Daphne and her sister, Nicki, locked in a heated argument. Damon stood nearby, looking torn between stepping in and staying out of it. Leah, too, was trying to intervene, her hands raised in a plea for peace.

“What’s going on?” I asked, my voice cutting through the tension.

Daphne’s eyes snapped to me, and without a word, she turned and stormed upstairs. I followed her, ignoring the stares of the others as I bolted the bedroom door behind us.

“Daphne,” I said softly, approaching her as she stood by the window, her back to me. “What happened?”

"That little brat! She thinks she's everything! It's always about her. I'm so frustrated I'm tempted to do a DNA test to see if I'm really part of this family! This unfair treatment is driving me crazy!"

I'd never seen Daphne so upset. I guided her to the bed, holding her shoulders.

"Daphne, it's okay. Take a deep breath."

She did as I instructed. "Can you tell me what happened?"

She took a deep breath before launching into the story. "I made lunch, and then she had the nerve to comment on my size! And to make matters worse, Mum suggested I make something different, saying it would be great to have more variety for lunch when in other words, it was just to please Nicki…."

I listened attentively as Daphne continued to vent about the argument with her sibling.

"Are you done?" I asked softly.

She took a deep breath. "I'm calm now!"

I raised an eyebrow. "No, you aren't. Would you like a soft massage? It can help ease your tension. Trust me, it works."

Daphne hesitated, then nodded in agreement. I pulled out some oil from my bag and waited for her to emerge from the bathroom.

Minutes later, Daphne emerged from the bathroom, a towel wrapped around her, her skin still damp from the shower. My throat tightened at the sight, but I forced myself to focus.

“Lie down,” I instructed, my voice steady despite the rapid beat of my heart.

She complied, stretching out on the bed and exposing her back. I poured oil into my hands, warming it before gently pressing my palms against her skin.

Her soft sighs filled the room as I worked, easing the tension from her shoulders.

“Mmm., this feels good. You weren’t lying,” she said groggily.

I smiled. “Told you.”

For a moment, the world outside the room faded, leaving just the two of us.

“Zach?” she said softly.

“Yeah?”

“Thank you. For everything. I know this wasn't part of the arrangement but you've been doing a better job than I am.”

Before I could respond, she shifted suddenly, sitting up, and the towel slipped.

My eyes widened, and my jaw dropped as her breasts were now in full display before me.

“s**t,” she gasped, grabbing the towel and wrapping it around herself again. “I’m so sorry!”

“It’s… it’s okay,” I stammered, my voice hoarse.

She wanted to say something more but she bolted back into the bathroom, leaving me sitting there, my heart pounding and my body responding in ways I couldn’t control.

I glanced down, groaning at the sight of the bulge in my pants. Just one glimpse of her breasts and I was already rock hard.

And knowing we’d be sharing the same bed again tonight?

Fuck. I was in trouble.