The Royal Contract

1139 Over family dinner

Finally, he breathed a sigh of relief when his ex-girlfriend left his apartment without a fuss. The last thing he wanted was another commotion, controversy, scandal, and drama.

At that moment, he just wanted to shower, pack up an overnight bag, and finish his errands. Then leave his apartment and return to Ria and her son. The more he was away from them, the more he realized that he could not live without them.

He was about to leave his apartment, remembering he had to stop by a sports shop when he heard the doorbell ring. He was not expecting any visitor, but he hoped it was not Blaire changing her mind.

“Wait!” He loudly shouted, dropping his bag on the side of the couch, and went to check the door. He was surprised to see who was behind it.

“Mom.” He greeted first. “Dad. What are you doing here?” He asked, suddenly face-to-face with his folks.

The last time he talked to his father was when he sentenced him to work for Alex. After that, his father refused to see him. He used to be close to his mother, but after the Blaire incident, he tried to avoid her.

“We are in the vicinity, so we thought of checking if you are home.” His mother answered. “Aren’t you going to invite us inside?”

It was the first time his parents bothered visiting him in his apartment. Usually, they summoned him to go home if they needed something from him. Therefore, he was not used to seeing them around in his place.

“Of course, come in.” He opened the door wider, allowing his parents entry to his domain.

.....

His mother scanned his apartment, probably scrutinizing his taste. But his father would not be bothered as he went straight to the couch and sat like he owned the place.

“Do you like something to drink?” He knew his father would like a fine whiskey.

“No, maybe next time.” His father declined as he leaned on the backrest and crossed his legs.

“We are not staying long.” Her mother simultaneously answered. Her mother followed his father but sat on the long couch as she patted the seat beside her, indicating that he should join them.

But he also noticed that her mother was unsatisfied with what she had seen. It was a sign that she disagreed with his living condition.

Although he had an expensive apartment, it was still subpar to his mother’s taste. It was not the best. And his mother only wanted the best for his only son.

“So, what brought you here?” He finally asked, wanting to get through this unexpected meeting as soon as possible.

Besides, he had another appointment. He was supposed to meet with Tabby in an hour. He wished to discuss Ria’s situation with him. He wanted to know who was looking for Ria, especially if she and her son were in danger.

And why?

Although he already speculated that it might be her ex-boyfriend wanting to cause trouble. However, he would guarantee that the scumbag would not get near Ria and Edison again. Not if he could help it.

“We are here to see how you are doing. It has been a while since you last came home.” Her mother replied, looking displeased with his choices of furniture. It was a bachelor’s pad. Of course, his mother would not like it.

But it was true.

Since he broke it off with Blaire, he never bothered to go home and visit. He had stayed in his apartment, not this one, but his previous one, doing everything he could to forget her.

It was the reason he ended up working for Marcus and Alex in the first place. He had been drinking with his friends, doing shitty things, and asking for trouble. His life had been a mess until he met Ria.

As far as he was concerned, she saved him.

“I have been busy. If you remember, you force me to work for Alex.” He sarcastically responded. But he guessed he should be thankful to his father. Or, he would not have met Ria in the first place.

“Of course, I remember, and I am so proud of you, my son.” His father, Senator John Andrews, interjected. “You seem to be doing a great job.”

He had never seen or heard his father talk to him in such a manner. Usually, he was disappointed and furious with his failures but never praised him for his hard work. Maybe this time, he finally did something right.

“I am just trying to clean up my act. I know this last year has been rough. But I am doing much better now.” He admitted, glad he could finally talk to his parents again, especially his father. He always wanted to make him proud.

“I recently spoke to Alex, and he highly praised your performance.” His father continued. “He said that you are almost through with your work there. He offered you a job, but you declined to take it.”

He was not expecting that he would perform well in business. His father had raised him to become a politician. Although there were similarities, there was still a massive difference between the two.

“I don’t think I want to continue working for him. But I am already looking for other opportunities.” Zach answered his father.

Since meeting Ria, all he could think about was fixing his life and making a future for them. The family that he intended to build with her at the center. He had already made some plans, nothing concrete, but he was getting there.

“That is great.” His father nodded his approval. “Maybe we can talk more about those plans of yours.” He offered.

“I love that.” He enthusiastically answered his father, knowing he could use the support of his father.

“We are having dinner later. Why don’t you join us?” Her mother suggested. “We will love it if you will be there.” Her mother seemed to plead with him.

He thought about it, thinking that he was supposed to have dinner with Ria and Eddie tonight. But he also needed his father’s support for the plan he had in mind.

“Ok. I will be there.” He finally made a decision, thinking this was for Ria and Edison.

His parents finally said their goodbyes, expecting to see him tonight. He suddenly wondered if it would be the perfect timing to introduce Ria to his folks over family dinner.