Mission XX: Seducing The Great Seducer

"I am so glad she finally decided to introduce you to my parents. Jasmine's new year gift to you is awesome and I am happy with this gift," Elizabeth standing close to where he sat said.

"Happy New Year, Dad," Elizabeth said with smiles turning to face her father.

"I am happy you finally noticed me," Mr Avans said sounding jealous. Elizabeth hurried to sit beside him.

"Dad, you know that is not the case. I noticed you since I stepped foot into the sitting room. I was just too happy to see Jasmine that is why I momentarily forgot to greet you. Don't take it to heart Dad," Elizabeth said as she hugged her father's left hand.

Out of the two of them, she was the closest to her Dad but her closeness to her Dad doesn't change anything. He is strict with them both and this is the number one reason why they are closer to their mum than their dad.

Seeing that her father will not let it go, Elizabeth signalled Alfred to come closer. When he was standing beside her, Elizabeth stretched and collected the black shopping bag from Alfred's right hand.

"Dad, look at what Fred and I bought for you," Elizabeth quickly placed the shopping bag on her father's legs.

While Elizabeth and Alfred were trying to please Mr Avans, Jasmine was helping her mother out. With Jasmine not around Jackson felt very bored to the point that he snuck away from the sitting room.

Jasmine was talking with her mum when she sighted Jackson at the dining-room door. She rushed to his side abandoning what she and her mother were discussing.

"Hey, what are you doing here instead of waiting in the sitting room with the others?" Jasmine standing in front of him asked. Jackson pulled closer and whispered some words into her ears.

"With my woman not by my side I felt bored to death," Jackson whispered only to pull away when he saw that Mrs Avans was staring at them.

"I came intending to help out with setting the dining table," Jackson said loudly so that Mrs Avans would hear him. Jasmine was about to tease him but Jackson quickly turned her around to face her mum in case the naughty lady had forgotten that they were not alone.

She quickly composed herself when she realised that her mum was staring in their direction.

"You are a guest so how could we possibly make you work even though we were short of hands?" Mrs Avans asked no one in particular.

"Auntie, you don't have to consider me as a guest because I have long considered here my second home," Jackson made a bold statement without thinking.

"Isn't that too soon to say especially when we haven't given you our permission? And I am sure you haven't forgotten what her dad said right?" Mrs Avans said. She felt so relieved that she was the only one around. She was certain her husband would have lashed out at Jackson for making such a bold declaration.

"Mum, father isn't around so you don't have to be so strict with him. I know that you will love and support whoever your beloved daughter chooses so stop pretending already," Jasmine said rushing to her mother's side. She embraced her mum tightly.

"My mum is the sweetest in the universe. She can never bear to see me sad so I know you will definitely give us your permission, right?" Jasmine said acting like a spoiled little brat. She didn't let go of her mother.

"Stop being so smooth tongue because I won't fall for your tricks this time around," Mrs Avans said gently unwrapping Jasmine's hands around her waist.

"Mum...,"

"Trisha, go and inform everyone that lunch is ready," Mrs Avans addressed her maid which was the only employee in the dining room at the moment.

About two minutes after Trisha left, Jasmine hugged her mother's hand again.

"Mum, Ice Prince is a nice guy...,"

"Ice Prince? Who is that?" Mrs Avans asked pretending as though she didn't know whom Jasmine was referring to.

At the moment there is only one man Jasmine would speak up for so how could she not guess what she was talking about?

"I mean Jackson is a really good guy. Apart from loving me a lot, he also respects me and his elders. He is the best son-in-law you can ever find out there so please give us your permission and try to talk to your stubborn husband. You are the only one he listens to....," A loud cough coming from the direction of the entrance made Jasmine pause.

Jasmine slowly turned her gaze towards the direction the voice came from. She was stunned when she saw Elizabeth at the door holding onto her father's hand.

"I tried to hint you but father stopped me from doing that," Elizabeth defended herself when she saw Jasmine's fierce gaze directed at her.

"Let's eat," Mrs Avans said pulling Jasmine along with her. Jackson who was the only guest there followed their lead.

They all ate quietly. In the middle of their meal, Elizabeth initiated a conversation.

"Dad, do you know that Jasmine's company has fully recovered from the last incident. Their newly released game is a hit now. Its achievement is better than most long-established game companies. Aren't you proud of Jasmine?" Elizabeth said with a smile.

"What's there to be proud of when that is all Catherine's hard work? She was nowhere to be found when all these were going on," Mr Avans cold voice dampened everyone's mood. Elizabeth smile slowly faded away.

"Dad, Jasmine have a reason for disappearing....,"

"I can see you have finally decided to admit she disappeared for a month and cut off all contact with everyone. You were so hell-bent on covering up for her, I wonder why you said the truth," Mr Avans cut Elizabeth short.

"Dad...,"

"Lizzy, stop trying to make him say nice words about me because I never had such expectations from him," Jasmine said in a firm tone. Jackson and Alfred were lost at what to do or say to change the mood.

...

HAPPY NEW MONTH!!! HAPPY MARCH ????????????????????????

I can't believe the month of my birth is already here. Don't forget to send your best wishes to me on March 18, because that day is my birthday. Also, remember to send gifts hehe....