Chains of Contracted Marriage

CHAPTER FIVE

ETHAN

I followed Lillian out of the car, my eyes fixed on her stiff back. She was clearly upset, and I could sense the anger radiating from her like an elite force.

As she stepped away from the car, I offered her my arm, but she was still clearly upset, and then I saw an aunt in the corner of my eye. I quickly closed the distance between us, my hand reaching out to grab her by the waist. I pulled her back against me, holding her firmly in place.

"Hey, calm down," I whispered into her ear, my breath sending shivers down her spine. "You're showing your emotions too much."

Lillian's body tensed at first, but as my words sank in, she began to relax, her muscles slowly releasing their tension. I could feel her breathing slowly, her heart rate decrease.

But even as she calmed down, Lillian still tried to pull away from me, her hands gently pushing against my chest. I didn't let her go, holding her firmly in place as I led her towards the entrance of the mansion.

As we stepped inside, I could feel the weight of my family's expectations bearing down on me. I knew that Lillian was still upset, but I also knew that she needed to put on a good face for my family.

I gave her a gentle squeeze, my hand still wrapped around her waist. "Let's get through this, okay?" I whispered, my eyes scanning the room to make sure we were alone.

Lillian nodded, her eyes flashing with a hint of resentment. But she didn't pull away from me again, instead allowing me to lead her deeper into the mansion.

As we entered the grand dining room, all eyes turned to us. I could feel the weight of their gaze, the whispers and murmurs that seemed to swell into a deafening roar.

My hand tightened around her waist, I felt my grip grow possessive as I led her through the crowded room. It looked like a prize on display, a trophy to be won as we walked through, greeting relatives while passing through.

We made our way to the head of the table, where my grandmother stood waiting. She looked as imposing as ever, her expression a mask of indifference.

"Ah, Lillian," she said, her voice dripping with sophistication. "It's lovely to see you again."

She leaned in to give her a light hug and a kiss on the cheek, her eyes glinting with a hint of curiosity. "Please, do take a seat," she said, gesturing to the table.

I pulled out a chair for her on the dining table, keeping my eyes on Lillian as I sat down. I felt a shiver run down my spine as other relatives took seats beside me, and I suddenly felt her thigh brushing against mine.

The room fell silent as we took our seats, the only sound the clinking of silverware and the soft hum of conversation. I felt like we were on trial, with the entire room waiting to see how she would perform.

My grandmother took her seat at the head of the table, a regal smile spreading across her face. "Let's begin, shall we?" she said, her eyes glinting with a hint of mischief.

As we took our seats at the dinner table, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the spread before us. The table was laden with an array of dishes, each one more exquisite than the last.

I took a deep breath, trying to take it all in. The table was set with fine china, crystal glasses, and silverware that sparkled in the soft light of the candelabras. A delicate lace tablecloth added a touch of elegance to the setting.

As I looked around, I saw that the table was divided into several courses, each one carefully arranged and garnished. There was a platter of succulent roasted meats - beef, pork, and lamb - accompanied by a selection of steamed vegetables and savory sauces.

Next to the meat was a dish of pan-seared fish, its delicate flakes glistening with a light drizzle of lemon butter. A basket of warm, crusty bread sat alongside, emitting a mouthwatering aroma that made my stomach growl with anticipation.

To my right, I saw a selection of salads, each one carefully composed and garnished with edible flowers and microgreens. There was a classic Caesar, a Greek salad with juicy tomatoes and crumbly feta, and a more exotic concoction featuring grilled shrimp and mango.

The drinks were equally impressive, with a selection of fine wines, champagnes, and juices arranged at the center of the table. I spotted a bottle of Château Lafite, a glass of which Ethan had poured for me earlier, and a champagne flute filled with a delicate, rose-petal-colored liquid.

As the dinner began, the room fell silent, the only sound the clinking of silverware and the occasional murmur of conversation. I took a deep breath, trying to relax and enjoy the meal, but I couldn't shake the feeling of being on display, with the entire family watching my or rather our every move.

I took a sip of my wine, trying to focus on the surrounding conversation. Dinner had just begun, and the table was filled with the sound of lurking family members.

Some relatives were all trying to make small talk with me, asking me questions about my date and our relationship. I was doing my best to be charming and gracious but dismissive, and it was starting to feel like a strain.

Just as I was starting to relax, my father spoke up. "I'm sure you're all aware that Ethan and Lillian's engagement has been announced," he said, his voice booming across the table.

I felt a surge of anxiety as all eyes turned towards us. There was no engagement, at least not yet. I saw Lillian freeze in her seat as she turned to my father, who looked unbothered.

"And I'm pleased to announce that the wedding will take place in two weeks' time," my father continued, a smile spreading across his face.

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. Two weeks? That was impossible. I wasn't even sure if I wanted to marry in a month, let alone in such a short amount of time.

I turned to Lillian, my eyes searching for some sign of what she was thinking. But her expression was a lot to understand, her eyes fixed on my father as if waiting for further absurdities before a reaction.