Falling in Love with You

Chapter 7 Inviting Jessica

Jonathan Pov...

I haven't told Jessica anything yet, and I’m struggling with how to break the news to her that I’m getting married, but it’s not to her. It’s a delicate situation because I want to wait and see who Dad chooses for me to marry before I talk to Jessica. This uncertainty makes it even harder to approach the conversation, as I don’t want to hurt her feelings more than necessary.

I woke up lazily, a headache throbbing as I kept thinking about what to do and how to talk to the fiancée my parents had chosen for me. How would I tell her I am proposing to my current girlfriend, the one I truly love? This is the hardest situation I've ever faced. Why must Dad do this to me? Why can't he accept Jessica for me?

I'm certain Jessica won't agree with this. Ever since Dad arranged the marriage, I haven’t stayed at home. I've been living in my apartment because I can’t bear to see the extravagant gifts they send us. I refuse to touch or open them, as doing so would feel like accepting her as my fiancée. When I voiced my refusal, my sister stayed silent. She's not fond of Jessica either.

I picked myself up and walked out of my room lazily. I nearly fell to my knees in shock when I saw Dad sitting on the couch, reading with a coffee mug in front of him. I rubbed my eyes to make sure I wasn't hallucinating, but the scene remained unchanged.

"Dad!" I mumbled, surprised to see him inside my house.

" I told you to take Jessica last night. Are you going to disobey me because of her? Can you not see what flaws she has? When are you going to believe she is a fox? Is this how you handle the situation? You are still immature Jonathan! " Dad uttered sternly, his face serious this time. I don't get him! I can't see anything deceiving in what she does. All I can see is that she is the perfect woman to be my wife.

" Sorry, Dad! Can I bring her tonight? " I asked with no choice.

" It's up to you. Tomorrow night is the dinner where you will meet your fianceé! " He uttered firmly before putting down the magazine on the table.

I sighed and walked into the kitchen to prepare food for us when he spoke up.

" Don't bother. I have a breakfast meeting nearby. I brought you food your mother cooked. " He said, squinting slightly before walking out. I could feel how disappointed he was. His tone and gestures were different from his usual demeanor.

" Take care, dad! I'll see you tonight! " I shouted.

Dad is adamant about pushing me into an arranged marriage, convinced it's for the best. I find myself intrigued by the woman he's selected, curious about who could meet his exacting standards. Dad doesn’t make significant decisions lightly; he wouldn't have agreed to this unless he believed it was worthwhile. While I trust his judgment, the issue is that I'm already in love with someone else. This dilemma leaves me caught between my feelings and my father's expectations.

I can't win with Dad unless I leave the house and raise myself, then he won't mind me.

I texted Jessica to invite her to dinner with my family tonight, and she immediately agreed, brimming with excitement. She enthusiastically shared all sorts of details and even mentioned a gift she planned to bring to impress everyone. When I told her that Nathalie would also be there, her joy reached new heights, and she practically screamed with delight at the other end of the line. Now, I’m left with the challenging task, of telling her I’m already engaged to someone she doesn’t know.

I picked her up in town before heading home, having bought flowers for her to give to my mom. I wasn’t sure what else she had bought for my family, but her giggles and excitement were evident as she kept admiring her dress, and asking if she looked presentable enough. I reassured her each time, though inwardly I sighed, knowing that no matter what she wore, my family disapproved of her. The thought weighed heavily on me, and I couldn’t help but cry silently to myself.

"Good evening Uncle James." She squeaked happily to Dad when I opened the door before giving him the present she had prepared.

"Good evening!" Dad replied stoically.

When we arrived in the kitchen, Jessica eagerly hugged Mom from behind, startling her. Sometimes, her enthusiasm gets the better of her. Can't she show more restraint, or is she simply unaware that she isn’t always welcomed? I don’t want to hurt her feelings, so I haven’t been honest about her standing with my family. I keep these thoughts to myself, reminding myself that I’m here to protect and love her, even if others may not feel the same. Jessica is kind, sweet, and thoughtful, though her clumsiness and occasional nuisance can be off-putting to those who don’t know her well.

"Hi, Auntie! Good evening! " She beamed. Mom was not pleased with how she approached her, but she tried to become civil and just casual in front of her.

"Good evening Jessica," Mom uttered formally, giving her a quick smile.

"Uhm, auntie. I have something for you. I know you will love it as I can smell you always wear this perfume. " She happily squeaked. Poor Jessica, can't she read the room, or was she pretending?

"Thank you!" Mom replied. Jessica looked at me and I just smiled. Poor Jessica! I'm hurt seeing this.

" Mom, take this. Jessica chooses for you! I hope you will love them. " I chimed, giving her the bouquet that I picked. Mom doesn't love all flowers and if Jessica chooses, she might exaggerate and it will affect her image.

"Thank you!" Mom smiled, grabbing them from my hand before putting them on the bar counter. I pulled Jessica gently, guiding her to sit next to me. She smiled, pecked me on the lips, and said thank you. It was the first time she had done that. Did she notice how awkward this dinner was? I wondered. The room was filled with an uneasy silence, broken only by the clinking of silverware and the occasional forced conversation. Mom and Dad exchanged glances, and I couldn't help but feel a mixture of embarrassment and curiosity about Jessica's sudden display of affection.

We were all seated and about to eat when Nathalie came in talking while engrossed reading something on her phone.

"Dad, we have a batch reunion at Ferre-" She paused and didn't complete her sentence when her eyes spotted Jessica on the table.

"Oh! Sorry! I didn’t realize we had a guest. I wasn’t informed. " She apologizes, turning on her heels to leave, but Jessica interjects before she can go.

" It's alright, Nathalie. I don't think it's appropriate for you to leave. This is your home, and you’re welcome to join us if you haven't had dinner yet. " Jessica said politely, surprising both Dad and Mom. They exchanged a look before turning their gaze toward me. Their expressions were filled with curiosity and they suspected me. I shook my head, pretending not to understand. I could tell Dad suspected I had somehow orchestrated Jessica's comment. I’m no magician, but I felt something like this might happen tonight.

" No, thanks! I just had dinner with my friends before coming home. Please enjoy your meal. " Nathalie replied politely as well, but for me, it was like mocking her.