The Billionaire's Promise
Chapter 58: Family Reunion

Chapter 58: Family Reunion

Erik kicked the door to the master’s bedroom with his leg and then placed Aryana gently on the bed. He hovered over her and gently kissed the tip of her nose.

Aryana saw a glint of desire in Erik’s eyes and she suddenly heard alarm bells in her ears. Aryana pushed him gently and sat up.

"Honey, can I take a look around?"

Erik stood and led her out of the bedroom. There were two guest rooms, a study, and the fourth room was a mini gym. The kitchen was equipped with a high-end stove and cookware. The dining table was good for six people. There was a small utility area that also housed the washing machine.

"There is a maid that comes every day except Sunday to cook and clean but she leaves in the afternoon,"

Erik raised his wrist to check his watch.

"Come, I’ll take you out for lunch. I am starving."

Aryana hesitated. She was worried about being seen with Erik in public.

Erik smiled. He led her out of the penthouse and through the fire exit. Aryana now remembered that she had lunch one time at the restaurant on the top floor. She realized just now that it wasn’t the top floor.

...

Erik and Aryana arrived a few minutes before the appointed time in his grandfather’s mansion. Erik opened the car door for her and he protected her head when she came out of the black Bentley.

Erik’s relatives were whispering as he lead Aryana directly into the house. It was the first time that Erik brought a girl to a family gathering.

"Are you nervous?" Erik asked as he gently squeezed her hand. Aryana nodded.

"Don’t worry, I am here. They cannot bully you."

Aryana tilted her head towards Erik and she gave him a reassuring smile. Her two dimples accentuated her pretty face. She decided to wear very light makeup. She also wore a casual knee-length sleeveless dress with a square neckline. She let her slightly curly hair cascade down to her waist. She dyed her hair auburn which highlighted her fair skin

"Happy birthday Grandpa." He handed him an exquisitely wrapped small rectangular box. Grandpa accepted the gift and tore open the gift wrapper. A black box appeared and inside lay a titanium Patek Philippe watch.

"Hmp. At my age do I need such an expensive gift?" Grandpa Lee complained. But even though he complained he put the watch on his wrist.

"Grandpa, I’d like you to meet Aryana Jones, you’re future daughter-in-law." Erik’s hand rested on Aryana’s waist.

Grandpa Lee regarded Aryana from head to toe. His piercing gaze made her uncomfortable but she kept her smile.

"Happy birthday Mr. Lee," Aryana said smiling sweetly and two dimples appeared on the corners of her mouth. She handed him a gift bag of premium organic supplements. "I’m pretty sure that Mr. Lee lacked nothing so I can only wish you good health."

Grandpa Lee accepted the gift and passed it to the butler. "From which family did you hailed from?"

Aryana was about to reply when Erik cut in.

"I will tell you more about her later after you greet your other guests and after we had dinner. I will introduce her to the other family members first."

Erik introduced Aryana to his uncles and aunts. Grandpa Lee has four sons and two daughters from his wife and a son and daughter from his mistress.

George Lee was a business tycoon and the chairman of Lee Holdings where Gaeya Corporation is a subsidiary. Each of his sons manages a company. The Lees are into real estate, banking, shipping, and agriculture.

When Aryana learned the names of Erik’s uncles and the extent of Lee’s influence and riches, she was uncomfortable and scared. She felt as if a bucket of ice was poured over her and she realized how undeserving she was of Erik.

’What have I gotten myself into?’ She murmured and her grip on Erik’s arm tightened. Erik looked at her and smiled reassuringly.

"You are doing great. You are the most beautiful and your smile is the brightest." Erik whispered to her as he clasped her hand in his.

"Big brother, you are here." A cheerful voice greeted Erik before a teenage girl pounced on him. Erik hugged her back before pulling away and patting her on the head.

"You have grown taller Megan." He said as he continued to ruffle her hair.

"Of course. I am in grade ten now. Hey bro, stop that your ruining my hairstyle." She said as she slapped Erik’s hand. She glanced at Aryana.

"And who is this?" She narrowed her eyes and scan Aryana from head to toe. She admitted that the woman was very pretty.

"This is Aryana."

"Is this your retaliation to Julia for her scandal the other day?" Henry’s deep voice filled the big living room which attracted the attention of their relatives.

"Why did you bring a nobody here instead of Julia? She already clarified that the woman in the viral video wasn’t her."

Erik sneered.

"Dad, Julia can lie to the entire world but not to me. Don’t forget that the man she was with was Franco." He purposely lowered his voice so only his father heard it.

"Your date tonight is very pretty Erik. She looks a bit familiar. Have we met before?" Martha changed the topic to diffuse the tension between Henry and Erik.

"Mom, I remembered her. She was the guest at the villa in Paradise Island." Justin blurted out. The woman has a unique beauty which was why it was easy for him to remember her.

"My name is Justin. I am Erik’s younger brother. Nice to meet you, Aryana." He said as he extended his hand for a handshake.

"Nice to meet you, Justin." She held his hand loosely for a quick handshake but he grasped hers tightly and did not let go.

"Where did my brother find such a beauty." He said in a charming voice.

Aryana pulled her hand but he still did not let go.

"Let go," Erik commanded in a cold voice and glared at Justin.

"Don’t you dare flirt with your sister-in-law!"