Deceitful Hearts

Chapter 1

Meeting His Parents

Lauretta

My name is Lauretta Benson, the eldest daughter of the Benson family. With my silky black hair, I was renowned not just for my beauty but also for my kind heart and sharp wit.

Everything was going smoothly in my life. My father was wealthy, and I lacked nothing. I had been in love with Clinton for a long time, who worked for my father. I remember the day I gathered the courage to confess my feelings to him, unaware that he felt the same way about me.

Loving and being with Clinton was the best decision I ever made. Despite my family’s disapproval, I chose to be with him. We had been dating for five years, and today he was taking me to meet his family. I was ecstatic and filled with joy. The day I had longed for had finally arrived.

I woke up early in the morning and undressed before heading to the bathroom. I stepped into the bathtub, humming, and started showering. After I finished, I dried myself off and returned to my room. I applied lotion to my body and then selected a short red dress to wear. I put it on, opened the door, and walked out.

Every step I took filled me with happiness I had never felt before. I would become Clinton’s wife. Oh my god, I couldn’t wait to put on my wedding dress.

“Good morning, darling,” my father greeted me as soon as he saw me.

With a smile plastered on my face, I greeted back. “Good morning, Father.”

“Where are you going?” my mother demanded. “All dressed up and beautiful.” Her eyes roamed all over my body, admiring me. Since my mother loved my looks, I was sure his parents would definitely love me.

“Really? Do I look beautiful, mother?”

“Yes,” she replied with a smile plastered on her beautiful face.

My mother was always a beautiful woman with a kind heart. She was also the daughter of the wealthiest man in England. Her marriage to my father was not a business arrangement; it was a true love story. They fell in love at first sight, and their love was so strong that I hoped my life with Clinton would be as wonderful as theirs.

“Are you going out with your friends?” she inquired.

“No, mother. I am meeting Clinton’s parents today," she said. She froze, wanting to speak but unable to find the words.

“What did you just say?” My father roared angrily. I trembled at the look on his face. This was the first time I had seen him like this.

“F-father,” I stammered.

“Shut up," he yelled, “before I shut you up for good.” I quickly fell silent, fearing what he might do next. “I warned you to stay away from that gold digger.”

I tried keeping my anger at bay. I was very angry because of how he spoke poorly of my boyfriend.

“Stay away from him, or I’ll take a step I never wanted to," he warned. “Follow my instructions, or I’ll cut you out of my life.”

“Mother, why are you silent?” I screamed. “Why can’t you talk to Dad and beg him to stay away from my love life?”

She sighed and then approached me, gently stroking my hair. “You should listen to your father. He only wants what’s best for you.”

“Is that what you’re supposed to say, mother?” I cried. No one was ready to support me. “Why? Is it because he is poor?”

He looked at me, his stare burning into my flesh as he spoke with anger. “You’re a fool. I am trying to save you from that good-for-nothing guy, yet you stay adamant, trying to fight your parents because of him. Look at your dear daughter.”

“He doesn’t love you. Listen to your father. He’s only interested in you for your money," Mother added. I looked at both of them as they criticized him and disapproved of our relationship.

“He loves me,” I muttered softly. “I love him as well, and if you can’t stand our love, then I will escape with him.”

“Good,” he fired back at me. “Go. No one is going to ask you to stay.”

I looked at him, speechless. Was this the father I had known all my life? I thought he loved me and would support my choices, but it seemed like wishful thinking. None of them approved of the person I loved simply because he came from a poor background.

“Peter, what should we do?” my mother asked. “What if she left?”

“Don’t worry, Alice. I’m sure she’ll come back begging once she sees his true colors," he muttered, ignoring my presence. Why did they have to ruin my happiness?

“I’m leaving," I uttered firmly, clutching my bag. I turned towards the door, hand on the knob, as my father called out my name.

“I won’t stop you from going," he began. “But just so you know, I won’t take you back once he breaks up with you.”

I smirked, knowing he was trying to trap me here. I was sure he must be waiting for me by now, and I won’t let my father hold me here.

“I won’t be coming back. He will never leave me because we are in love." With that, I shut the door behind me.