The Family Dinner
766 Words
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ROSE POV
As we arrived at the family dinner, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. Adrian's mom, Mrs. Smith, greeted me warmly and welcomed me with a gentle smile.
The atmosphere was serene and sweet, with soft music playing in the background.
But as we sat down at the table, I noticed Rachel, Adrian's sister, gazing at me with a spiteful look.
Her eyes seemed to bore into my soul, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. I tried to brush it off, focusing on the delicious food and the gentle hum of conversation.
As we ate, I began to feel more at ease. Adrian's family was kind and courteous, asking me questions about myself and genuinely listening to my responses.
Mrs. Smith beamed with pride as she talked about Adrian's accomplishments, and I found myself smiling along with her.
But every now and then, I'd catch Rachel's eye, and the warmth would dissipate. Her gaze was like a cold breeze on a summer day, leaving me feeling uneasy and unsure.
I pushed the feeling aside, determined to enjoy the evening and make a good impression.
As the night wore on, I found myself relaxing in the presence of Adrian's family.
Mrs Smith was kind and welcoming, and I began to feel like I belonged. But Rachel's presence lingered, a subtle reminder that not everyone was happy about our arrangement.
"Rose is a very delicate name for a beautiful lady like you".
Mrs Smith complimented and I appreciated with a warm signature smile.
"Thank you ma".
"It's mom". She corrected
I chuckled shly, "Thank you mom".
"I heard you were once his PA, how come we never met?". Rachel later spoke.
I nodded slowly.
Mrs. Smith gasped in amusement, "Oh really? Wow! That's good, you must know his likes and how grouchy he might be".
We chuckled expect for Rachel who added,
"And with a child whose father was not known".
Guess she has done her findings.
I turned to Mrs. Smith who was so shocked.
"You are a single mom and you are looking like this? How old is your daughter?".
Rachel rolled her eyes. I smirked at her because her plan is not going as planned.
"She is five. You would love her mom". Adrian later chipped in.
Mrs Smith was very happy, "Whoa! I'm in love with her already dear".
I answered Mrs. Smith's other questions with ease, trying to make a good impression.
Again, Rachel turned to me with a sly smile and asked,
"Are you ready to stay with him even though he's left with nothing? Because very soon, he'll be left with nothing... not even his clothes."
I felt a surge of shock and embarrassment at her words.
She already knew about the contract Adrian had specifically asked me to keep our arrangement a secret for six months.
Mrs. Smith's expression turned stern, and she scolded Rachel,
"That's enough, Rachel. Don't speak about things you don't understand."
But the damage was done. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. Rachel's words hung in the air, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was in over my head.
I glanced at Adrian, but he seemed unfazed, his expression calm and collected. How could he be so serene when his sister was hinting at our secret?
I forced a smile and tried to brush it off, but the tension lingered.
I was still reeling from Rachel's earlier comment when Mrs. Smith asked about our wedding date.
Adrian quickly piped up, "We're thinking of having it this next Wednesday."
My heart skipped a beat. This Wednesday? That's just a few days away!
I had barely any time to prepare for my own wedding, fake or not.
Mrs. Smith clapped her hands together, excitement radiating from her face.
"Wonderful! I'll start making the necessary preparations right away."
But Rachel's expression was far from thrilled. She looked like she'd just sucked on a lemon.
And as we were leaving the dinner table, she whispered in my ear, "You should get ready to face hell."
I felt a chill run down my spine. What did she mean? Why was she being so ominous?
I tried to brush it off as mere sibling rivalry, but her words lingered in my mind, making me feel uneasy.
And as I glanced at Adrian, who was oblivious to the exchange, I couldn't help but wonder what I had gotten myself into.
This fake wedding was starting to feel more and more like a nightmare. And I was scared.
Really scared.
- Writer
