MEETING HIS FAMILY
663 Words
IN THE JADE’S MANSION
Brian kept stealing glances at me through the front mirror. Each time our eyes met, he would quickly look away as if nothing had happened.
We arrived at Jade’s Mansion, a grand structure that screpamed wealth and old money. Brian stepped out first and walked around to open the car door for me. As I got down, he held my hand and leaned closer.
“I’m being this gentle and caring only because we’re in my parents’ house,” he whispered. “Don’t get any ideas. It doesn’t mean I like you or anything.”
I rolled my eyes, already irritated.
As if.
“Trust me,” I muttered under my breath, “the feeling is mutual.”
“And one more thing,” he added casually. “Act like the perfect fiancée deeply in love. I don’t want them doubting this relationship.”
I resisted the urge to slap that rude mouth of his.
He rang the doorbell, still holding my hand.
The door opened almost immediately, revealing a woman dressed elegantly in expensive clothing. She looked to be in her mid-forties but appeared far younger.
“Look who’s here!” she exclaimed warmly. “Brian, my son, I missed you!”
She pulled him into a tight hug.
“You’re always so busy. You don’t even visit your mother anymore.”
“I’m sorry, Mom,” Brian said gently. “Work’s been keeping me tied up lately.”
She sighed but smiled anyway. “I understand.”
Her eyes then fell on me.
“And who is this pretty young lady?” she asked, her smile widening.
Before Brian could respond, a deep male voice interrupted.
“Isabelle, why don’t you let them sit before drowning them in questions?”
I looked up to see an elderly man descending the stairs with the help of a cane. He wore glasses and carried an air of authority.
“Dad,” Brian said, walking over to him.
“It’s been a while, son,” the man said warmly. “Have you finally listened to an old man’s advice? Is that your fiancée?”
“Yes, Dad,” Brian replied.
I smiled shyly, playing my role.
We all moved to the living room, where his parents sat down expectantly.
“Mom, Dad,” Brian said, “meet Natalie Blanks, my fiancée. Nat, this is my mother, Isabelle Jade, and my father, Jerry Jade.”
“Nice to meet you,” I said politely, smiling and showing my dimples.
“You’re welcome to our home—and our family, Natalie,” Isabelle said warmly.
Jerry chuckled. “My son definitely takes after me. He has good taste in women. When I first saw my wife, I knew she was the one, so I wasted no time going after her.”
“Mr. Jerry,” Isabelle interrupted dramatically, “you’re forgetting something. You didn’t get me that easily. I was quite hard to win.”
We all laughed.
“Thank you,” I mouthed softly, smiling sweetly.
I had expected his parents to be rude and arrogant...just like him, but I was completely wrong. They were warm, loving, and welcoming. It made me wonder how someone like Brian came from such wonderful people.
“You’re very beautiful and elegant,” Jerry continued. “A perfect match for my son. Not one of those girls who expose themselves just to be paraded on television.”
“Dad, please,” Brian said awkwardly.
He was clearly referring to Hailey—his model girlfriend.
Now I understand why he chose someone else, I thought.
We talked for a long time, laughing and sharing stories. I genuinely enjoyed myself. Brian seemed relaxed around his parents, especially his mother. He adored her—it was obvious.
The thought of my own mother suddenly surfaced.
My chest tightened.
If only mine were still alive.
Tears stung my eyes, but I forced them back, refusing to let them fall.
- Writer
