Chapter 11
1191 Words
Lucy had no real intention of blackmailing him. It was all a game, a playful tug to test his patience. But when Drake had actually given in, her heart had skipped a victorious beat. He’s handsome… but gullible, she thought, hiding a smirk. For all his intimidating aura, she could bend him with just a few words.
And now, a date. Their first date. She was already imagining candlelit dinners, moonlit walks, maybe even a stolen kiss. Oh, what fun it would be to watch him squirm.
When they reentered the house, the room quieted for a beat before the attention turned on them. A dozen pairs of eyes followed, curious and expectant. Lucy’s lips curved into her sweetest smile, the kind that melted barriers and dissolve suspicion. She moved with practiced grace, sliding into her seat as if she belonged exactly where she was.
Not long after, Momsie and Papsie entered, looking as though they had planned their grand arrival.
“Ah, perfect timing,” Papsie announced, beaming. “The food is waiting.”
Lucy leaned toward him, her voice a conspiratorial whisper. “These are going to be your in-laws, Drakey. You could even ask for their blessing now, if you want.” She winked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Drake blocked her face with his hand and turned away. “Shut up,” he muttered, though his ears betrayed him with the faintest shade of red.
Lucy giggled softly, savoring his flustered restraint. He could fight her all he wanted, but she knew he’d eventually give in. He had no idea how relentless she could be.
The meal began, laughter and chatter weaving with the clatter of cutlery. The air was filled with the aroma of roasted meat, garlic rice, and fresh vegetables—comfort food that carried the warmth of home.
Her parents were in their element, their voices lively, their smiles unrestrained. Across the table, Kelseay shifted uncomfortably as questions began swirling around him, the elders pressing about grandchildren. Poor Kelseay and his hesitant spouse nearly choked on their drinks when Lolo and Uncle Isma prodded too far.
Lucy covered her mouth to stifle her laugh, stealing a glance at Drake. His poker face was admirable, but she saw the stiffness in his posture, the way he pressed his lips thin to avoid betraying annoyance. It thrilled her, this game of watching him try, and fail, to hide his discomfort.
And then, without warning, the spotlight swung towards her.
“We’d love to have grandchildren,” Papsie said, his tone dramatic, “but this Lucy of ours hasn’t even introduced a suitor.”
Lucy almost spat her drink. She grabbed the nearest glass, sipping quickly to buy herself time. Goodness, Papsie!
“Papsie, don’t rush things,” she said brightly, flashing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Besides, I’m about to have a love life of my own. So calm down.” She cast a glance at Drake, who was glaring at his plate as if it had personally offended him. “And we’re not in a hurry either, right, love?”
His shoulders stiffened. He didn’t answer. She nudged the glass back toward him, and reluctantly he took it. The sip turned into a cough, and Lucy leaned in, patting his back with exaggerated care.
“He’s so fragile. I might become a widow before I even become a bride,” she teased.
The whole table erupted in laughter, except Momsie, who gave her daughter the familiar look of weary disapproval.
“Oh dear, son,” Momsie said, directing her words to Drake, “Please be patient with our daughter. She’s terribly shameless. She wasn’t vaccinated properly as a child, and this is the side effect you’re seeing now.”
Lucy gasped dramatically. “Momsie! How could you?” Then, as if nothing had happened, she added with pride, “Besides, Drakey had already invited me on a date.”
The reaction was immediate gasps, widened eyes, and curious murmurs. Lucy tilted her head toward Drake, flashing him a look that said: Play along, or I’ll expose you.
Drake’s jaw clenched. “Y-yeah… I asked her out,” he admitted reluctantly.
“See?” Lucy gushed. “He was so persistent. I tried to say no, but he just kept begging until I finally gave in. Isn’t he sweet?”
Beneath the table, his foot connected with her shin. She winced but covered it with another dazzling smile.
I’m really good at this, she thought smugly.
After dinner, the group scattered—the elders in the living room, their laughter carried down the halls, while the younger ones drifted into pairs and small clusters. Lucy volunteered to help her cousin clean up, sleeves rolled up as she washed dishes beside him.
“You already know?” she asked suddenly, his voice tight. Her hands stilled over the soapy water.
Lucy smirked, flicking a drop of suds in his direction. “I heard your husband talking with my Drakey. Don’t worry, my lips are sealed. I’m not a marites. Well… maybe a little. But this one I’ll keep.”
Her face paled. “I feel guilty. I don’t know what to say to Maureen if she finds out I pursued her fiancé.”
Lucy clicked her tongue. “Fool. It’s not your fault. Maureen chose to delay the wedding. If her fiancé was drawn to you, that’s on him, not you. Forget the guilt. Go with the flow. Who knows? You might stumble into a happily-ever-after.”
“That’s impossible,” Kelseay muttered, cheeks flushed. “We don’t even get along. He irritates me.”
Lucy’s grin widened. “The more you hate, the more you love, cous’. Trust me on that.”
Later, when his hesitant spouse tried to approach again, her cousin avoided him, his expression pinched with frustration. Lucy leaned against the doorway, amused. Beneath the irritation, she saw something else... tenderness, hesitation, maybe even longing.
She crossed her arms, eyes gleaming. “So tell me, cous’… what do you think of Drake?”
“Drake Anderson?” she asked, arching a brow.
Lucy pressed her palms to her chest, her eyes sparkling. “Yes, Drakey. He’s only going on a date with me! Oh, ‘cous’, I’m really falling for him.”
“How do you even know his full name?”
She grinned slyly. “Social media are everywhere. I searched. His pictures are breathtaking! Honestly, I might even try to find topless ones. Maybe even nudes if the universe is kind.”
Her cousin smacked her shoulder lightly, muttering, “You’re insane.”
She only laughed. “Crazy, yes, but divine. And when I finally tame him, the whole village will celebrate.”
That night, Lucy stood by the window, the laughter of her family echoing in the background. Outside, Drake’s silhouette stood beneath the moonlight, his posture tense, his face unreadable.
Her smile softened, though her eyes gleamed with fire.
He had no idea what was coming, she thought. He’ll taste the venom of a crazy, but divine woman. And he won’t be able to resist.
- Writer
