Do You Two Know Each Other?
951 Words
Emily’s POV
“Don’t forget dinner at my mom’s place.”
Brian’s family always hosted a big family dinner every six months. I would have loved to spend the weekend resting at home, after everything that happened this week.
The doorbell interrupted my train of thought. It was the delivery rider. I had ordered food for breakfast and lunch for myself.
Ever since I got to know who my husband was, I stopped putting in so much effort. Why cook for a cheating husband whose plan is to use me?
As Brian reached out for the food, I snatched it away from him.
“Ouch. Didn’t you order for both of us?”
I rolled my eyes. “Why would I do that? This is for me alone. Stay away from it.”
Brian scoffed. “Since when did we start this?”
“Oh, we’ve just started. Get used to it.” I crossed my arms.
“Since you got out of the hospital…you seem different.”
My brows shot up.
“That sounds like a non-issue.” I shot back.
His jaw tightened, “You have never talked to me this way.”
I let out a short laugh. “You clearly don’t know me too well,” I paused. “Dear husband,” I added mockingly.
He looked at me baffled and surprised. He exhaled through his nose, like he was barely holding his frustration back. “You need to get some rest, this is not you Emily.”
Instead of going back and forth with him, I walked out of the parlor and went into the room.
This is just the tip of the iceberg, dear husband.
***
“And I caught her trying to jump over the fence. One of her legs slipped and she went right back to the ground.” Everyone laughed at Aunt Daphne’s story. She was talking about how she caught one of her staff members stealing from her.
It was stories like these that made me look forward to family dinners. It was always fun.
One of Brian’s cousins leaned back into the chair.
“Did y’all see the mess with Taylor Swift's ticket? My boyfriend waited for over five hours and still didn’t get one.”
Vanessa walked in like she was a part of the family. I glared at her as I watched her settle in. In a giggly voice, she rushed to hug me. I was sure Brian had invited her.
It wasn’t her first time attending but I hadn’t paid much attention to it. But now, it is pissing me off seeing her here.
Vanessa laughed. “The Eras Tour? People are going crazy online. They are literally fighting over it.”
“I would not be surprised,” someone muttered.
“Ticketmaster sure doesn’t care enough.”
Brian shrugged, “People complain every year and still buy the tickets.
***
It was time for each person to stand and say what they were grateful for as tradition.
It was Brian’s turn, and he stood up and raised his glass.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without my wife.”
He placed his hand on my shoulder. I looked around the room and caught some faces smiling.
“She’s incredible.”
Vanessa shifted uncomfortably in her chair.
I am sure amazing now means foolish. The fool who funds your fake businesses.
“Emily has always believed in my dreams, she supports me in every step I take.” Brian continued proudly.
“Men who publicly profess their love for their partners are the worst type of partners.”
Aunty Eloise is my favourite person in the family. She knows how to stir things up.
Brian’s mother cut in and scolded her.
“Eloise, why would you say such now! You must have had a lot to drink.”
“I haven’t even had enough to drink yet.” She let out a mirthless laugh.
“My dear ladies, never lose yourself for a man.” She continued.
Brian’s mum's temper flared up.
“Look around the table, who has a failed marriage here? You, Eloise! Don’t you dare fill their heads with nonsense.”
“Failed? I call it a win for me. No children, no husband. Honestly, I am happy living this life.”
Aunt Eloise is a hardcore feminist. I adore her so much, she was the type who never gets humiliated by a Man.
***
The noise became too much, so I decided to go out to get some fresh air.
The cold breeze brushed against my skin.
I inhaled deeply, I needed this.
“You look like someone who just escaped a sentence.”
The voice was familiar.
My heart fluttered.
It was Lucas Reed.
He leaned against a black car parked in front of the house.
“Wha-What are you doing here?” My throat went dry.
His lips curved slightly, like he enjoyed how flustered I was.
“Now that’s an interesting question.”
“I could ask you the same,” he said, pointing at the house.
“This is my husband’s family house,” I said.
“Your husband” he repeated, his expression changing instantly.
“Yes,” I said firmly.
“Well,” he said, crossing his legs. “That makes the situation more interesting.” He added.
Before I could respond, the front door opened and Brian’s voice cut in.
“Emily?”
His eyes landed on Lucas and then back to me.
He stepped closer and raised an eyebrow.
“Do you two know each other?”
My heart skipped a beat.
Which one would make things easier?
The truth.
Or a lie.
- Writer
