A Family Feud

Leon took the ice pack from Ella and placed it on the bar stand. He stood up, took her hand, and placed it on his chest while gazing into her pretty eyes.

"It hurts here," he smirked.

He guided her hand gently towards his abs, still maintaining eye contact. "It hurts here also."

He was about to go lower when Ariella forcefully pulled her hand free.

"Can't you take me seriously?" Ella's brows furrowed. "I am concerned for your welfare but if you don't want it, it's fine. I'll let you be."

She stood and was about to walk away but Leon stopped her. He pulled her closer and held her by the waist. He lifted her chin and fixed her loose curly hair behind her ears.

"You drive me crazy when you are mad."

"Really!" Ella turned her face away still pouting angrily.

"Ella," he softened his voice, "thanks for taking care of my bruises but, I want you to understand one major rule in this house. When you observe that I am in a foul mood, I suggest you give me some space at that moment. Okay."

Ella felt hurt within but returned her gaze to him. "Okay, I'll try and remember that," she said.

Leon could see the hurt in her eyes. He never intended for her to feel this way. That damn Chloe! He tried to smile and kissed her gently on the lips before releasing his hold on her.

"I'll be in my room if you need me," she said calmly and walked away.

Leon was touched by her calmness. He knew within that she was unhappy with the way he treated her.

"Women are such beautiful and complicated creatures," he mused. "That's why I'm better off alone."

He finished up his drink and went over to his room for a shower and change of clothes before going over to Ella's room.

He knocked briefly and entered.

Ella was seated by the dressing mirror putting on a pair of earrings when Leon stepped in.

She wore a white gown with a floral pattern and a pair of stilettos to match. Her silky and curly hair was let down, free and flowing.

"Wow! You look so beautiful darling," Leon walked over to her and planted a kiss on her cheek. "My dad is soft towards the females, so he is going to like you," he smiled genuinely.

"How about your mum, should I be worried," Ella looked up at him.

"Well, she may be tough but she's a sweetheart." Leon stared into the mirror admiring Ella.

Leon made Ella stand up to face him. "Remember one thing," he gazed keenly into her eyes. "No matter what my parents or anyone say, I chose you and we are in this together." He took her left hand and placed a flawless red diamond ring worth millions of dollars on her finger. "You cannot back out, until the end of the contract."

Ella was overwhelmed by the beauty of the ring. She screamed, hugged, and kissed him.

"Yes! Yes! Yes!" She raised her left hand, admiring the ring on her finger.

Leon was fascinated by her excitement. If this had been a real proposal, he wondered how she would have reacted.

Leon and Ella walked into the mansion at Carlpole later that evening. They were greeted and welcomed by the happy faces of Ivory and some house staff members.

Ivory was overwhelmed by Ella's beauty and she clung to her asking questions and sharing gossip.

Leon felt a bit jealous of Ivory's over-friendly attitude towards Ella. He knew Ivory wasn't a difficult person to impress. And he was also aware of Ella's captivating aura on people around her.

When Ivory saw Ella's engagement ring, she almost screamed the entire mansion down.

Leon had to devise a way to keep Ella from his younger sister. He smartly tricked Ivory into letting go of Ella and led her to see his dad in the massive lounge.

Leon's father was as expected, pleased with Ella. He even took a special liking to her when she spoke about her knowledge and passion for fashion design. After spending quality time with his father, Leon led Ella out of the lounge in search of his mother. He made brief enquires and was told his mum was in the garden. He took Ella by the hand and led her towards the garden.

At the moment, both Yvonne and Marissa were seated in the garden as they awaited Leon to bring Ariella over.

When Leon and Ella were finally alone, Ella complimented the splendor and massiveness of his parent's country home. Leon smiled as he listened to her talk. He was impressed with her composure and confidence as she spoke to his father.

"If you think the house is beautiful and massive," he whispered into her ears, "then wait until you see my mum's garden."

They both stepped into the garden and Ella was overwhelmed again.

"It's... It's... enchanting! It's breathtaking! It's magical" Ella's eyes widened as she covered her open mouth.

She ran into the garden and swayed around as if she was in a ballet rehearsal. She sat down on the smooth floor grass, smelled some of the beautiful roses, and played with some flower petals. Then she lay down on the grass and whispered to a fascinated Leon, "I could stay here forever."

Leon mentally took a picture of Ariella, sitting down and admiring the flower. She perfectly fitted into the scenery looking beautiful and angelic. He smiled and watched her for a while before he went over and pulled her up to her feet and held her in his arm.

"You are acting like a child, Ella," he spoke softly to her as he removed some leaves and twigs that were stuck to her hair.

Ella giggled before answering him. "Are you going to scold me, big brother?" She touched the tip of his nose playfully. And before long, they were locked in a passionate kiss. Their tongues danced around in each other's mouths for a while until a voice broke them apart.

"Do you guys need a room?" Yvonne questioned in a very irritated manner. She turned to Ella and glared at her. "Try to keep your indecent behavior out of our garden," she sneered. "When you get back to your cheap hotels and motels you can continue with your wayward ways."

Leon instantly flared up. "Watch that tongue of yours," he barked. "You will learn to respect my fiancee, Yvonne," his eyes shot fiery darts at his sister.

But unfortunately, Yvonne came prepared. "What fiancee?" She looked around in mockery, "I don't see one except for a cheap sl*t you picked by the roadside," she shot back, daring Leon to do his worse.

Leon was about to slap some sense into her but was pulled back by Ella. Ella said nothing but hugged him desperately. Her eyes were already watery from Yvonne's harsh words.

At that moment, Marissa stepped into the picture.

"What is going on!" She inquired in an irritated manner. "I do not need all this disturbance in my garden."

Ella quickly wiped her wet eyes and pulled herself free from Leon. "Good evening Mrs. Treshvire. It's nice to meet you," Ella tried to regain her voice and composure. "You have such a beautiful garden."

Marissa sneered in Ella's direction and turned her attention to her son. "Leon, who is this stranger you brought to my garden? You know the rules about bringing strangers here." Marissa's forehead puckered and her tone was harsh.

Leon walked over to his mum and kissed her on her forehead. "Sorry about breaking your rules, mum. I wanted to surprise you" he smiled.

Leon held out his hand, signaling Ariella to come closer.

"Mum, I'd like you to meet my fiancee, Ariella Porter. We will be getting married a week and five days from now."

"What! You can't be serious about that!" Marissa's eyes flashed terror.

"Who is she? Where is she from? What family does she belong to?" Marissa questioned her son in disgust.

Marissa's frosty stares frightened Ella and at some point, she felt like running away but Leon's hold on her was firm.

"Whoever or whatever she is, does not matter to me," Leon tried to control his anger.

"That reminds me," Marissa snapped her fingers. "Is this the same lady you were busy flirting with at the Cherry Gala? The half-naked lady?" His mum's eyes shot terrifying flares.

"Yes! The same very beautiful and sexy lady!" Leon's response was sarcastic.

Ella bowed her head in shame and disappointment.

"Ariella! Or whatever your name is, can I talk to my son in private," Marissa's voice could be heard from afar.

"Definitely Mrs. Treshvire," Ariella turned to leave but Leon pulled her back and held her close in his arms.

"Well mum, if you have to say something to me, say it now because we are about to leave, It is obvious we are not welcomed." Leon's eyes had a haunted look.

"Leon!" Marissa's eyes narrowed, you disregard my authority and choose this..." She gestured at Ariella in fury, "this strange thing over your mother?"

"Come on Leon!" Yvonne gave Ariella a frosty look, "of all the hundreds of girls you have been sleeping around with, surely you could have at least picked one that has a decent background."

Leon let go of Ella and charged like a wounded lion toward his sister, but his mother came in between them.

At that moment, Ivory stepped into the scene.

"Mum, Yvonne!" Ivory's face furrowed and she hugged Ariella in her hands; whose eyes shimmered in her tears. "I don't like the way the both of you are mean towards Ariella..."

"Shut up!" Marissa and Yvonne said simultaneously.

But Ivory continued talking without listening to them. It hurt her so much to see Leon in this mood. Also, it hurt her to watch her mum and sister shred, Ariella, like she was not human.

"You haven't even gotten to know her," Ivory's nose crinkled in disgust. "You are only mean towards her because of what Chloe and her mother told you."

Marissa walked angrily toward Ivory intending to slap her but was held back by Leon.

"Ivory, take Ella to your room," Leon instructed with an icy cold voice. "I will be coming to get her in a few minutes."

Ivory did as Leon had instructed after rolling her eyes at her mum and elder sister.

Ariella followed Ivory in silence. She was disappointed by Yvonne's remark about Leon sleeping around which confirmed Denise's story. Although she was happy to be far away from the family feud, she was curious to know who this particular Chloe was and what she and her mother had said.

"Ivory," Ella spoke in her softest and calmest voice, "can you tell me more about Chloe?"