Arabella POV
I don't know if it's right or wrong but I said yes to Ashton when he invited for dinner in his parents' house. I hesitated a moment but he's very persistent until I agreed.
Ashton went inside to a big gate and I saw a beautiful modern house. Their house is so beautiful just like ours, well both family's own hotels chain so I don't wonder why.
He park his car in their garage and I was about to open the door but he stop me. I look at him in confusion.
"What?" I asked him.
"Stay there, I will open the door for you" then he exited in the driver sit and run around on my side to open the passenger door for me. He offer his hand and I took it.
"Thank you!" I said to him then I pry my hand to his since he did not let it go.
"Ashton my hand!" I said to him while we walk towards the entrance of the house. But he just shrugged and keeps walking instead.
I saw his mother and father waiting for us in the entrance. A smile form in their face when they both saw me.
"Oh my God, your bringing a girl at last to meet us" his mother said while she approach us. She kiss his son and hug me. I was taken a back for moment but I regain my compose soon after. I smile to them inwardly.
"Hello, I hope I am not intruding in your family dinner!" I said while I blush since his mom can't keep staring at me.
"Mom don't do that! Ashton said. Thank God he noticed how awkward her mother stares at me.
"Oh I'm so sorry dear! I just surprised and overwhelmed. Your so beautiful and gorgeous no wonder you catch the heart of my son!" His mother said playfully. I avoid their stares since it's so awkward. They must have think that I am his girlfriend.
"Where are your manners, let our soon daughter in-law enter our house honey" his father said.
I look shock and I look to Ashton who seem to ignore his father comment.
I felt his hand guiding me to enter their house. When I am fully enter the house is absolutely beautiful, it's full of modern design.
I took a sit in the living room as his mother seated next to me.
" What kind of food do you like? I hope you will love my cook, I personally cook it myself. Actually I don't do the family business I leave it to my husband and son. Hehehe.. I want to be full time mom!" She said laughing.
"That's good of you Mrs. Carter!" I said politely.
"Don't call me that dear... Call me Sofia or mom instead" she said smiling.
The house keeper said that dinner is ready and we went to dining room.
Ashton and I sitted beside each other while his father and mother sitted on the other side.
"So what do you do dear?" His mother asked me.
"I'm a doctor Sofia". I said then she and her husband look each other.
"So you take after your mom?" His father said.
"Yeah! But it's my dream to be a doctor ever since I am young. With the help of influence too with my mother, I admire her dedication to her work" I said to them.
"Your father already stop working right?" His dad said
"Yes! He wants to have time with my mom together. Actually as we speak they're already on their vacation" I told them as I giggled.
"So who manage both of the business?" His dad asked once again.
"For my dad's business of course it's my brother's and for the hospital, I managed it together with Aunt Emma daughter Emmie"
"Dad stop that! You're talking about business" Ashton said.
" Ashton here is the only son, so he manage alone" his father continue his charade about business.
"Where did you study dear in college? I didn't seen you" his father asked again.
I felt Ashton tense body beside me and i try to avoid his gaze since I know he's looking at me now.
"Actually I went to University of Oxford in United kingdom" I answered to them.
"Oh that's why I didn't notice you. Why not Harvard dear? It's more prestigious than Oxford and best in medical school too!" He inquired
"Actually, I was being recruit to that school but I declined. I wanted to stay away from my home land at that time. I wanted to start a fresh" I said while my hands are sweating due to intense feeling I feel for being hot seat in the dinner.
"Do you cook dear?"his mother asked
"Yes Sofia!" I smile while I try to swallow the food in my mouth.
I felt Ashton squeeze my thighs and I look at him. He smile to me sweetly.
"Mom actually she's good at everything!" He said proudly to his parents.
"Really?" His mom said in wide eyes
"Your very beautiful girl, I bet Ashton have many rivals already!" His dad playfully and throw a smirk to his son.
" We're just friends!" Finally I voice out my thoughts
"Huh? Who?" Sofia asked.
"Ashton and me were just friends!" I said to clarify the information.
"Ouch I thought you're going to be my daughter now" his mother said like she was in pain. I can see she wanted to cry.
"Mom, dad that's enough! We are getting to know each other for now" then hold my hand softly. But I glared at him since his parents are staring at us
"I never knew that a day will come that I can see my son being gentle and corny cheesy to a woman!" His dad snark a remark to his son.
"Dad.. please!" Ashton whine
"Dear do you like the appetizer?"
"Yes Sofia it's very delicious!" I answered
"Oh next time, come early and we can cook together. I never had any moment where me and a daughter to cook together since I only have a son. And he doesn't like to cook together with me too. So please fullfil my dream and cook with me!" She said in a hopeful smile.
"I will try Sofia!"
"Don't try let's do it. How about tomorrow?" She asked me in a gleeful sound.
"Umm I will try to since I don't know my schedule yet!" I said
"Oh...." I saw how her eyes shows disappointment. So I take back my words and said instead.
"I will come tomorrow" I said and I smile to her.
Ashton and his father smile to me.
"Thank you.... Thank you so much my daughter!" Then she ran into my arms and hug me..