Dinner
1051 Words
She looked in between them confusingly. "Family house? Are we not going to your own house?" She questioned.
"No, we are going to my parents house." He answered without looking at her.
Vivian was dumbstruck. "How can you just give the announcement all of a sudden? You are supposed to talk to me first about this." She reared in anger.
"Why do I need to inform you first?" He asked in a casual tone.
She was silent for some seconds. "Because we are married." She said.
"We are married only in name. I can't speak of my personal business with you."
"But this is not personal! I am involved! I am not even prepared at all." Vivian argued with a crying voice.
Ralph scoffed, "I won't speak to you about anything. I do my things my way." He insisted.
"Get me out of the car then." She suddenly said.
Ralpha threw an unfazed look at her like she bored him. "You don't have a choice, Vivian. We are going to see my parents."
Vivian tried to unlock the door, forgetting that it was still moving but found it locked. She threw a knowing glance at the driver who avoided her eyes instantly.
"If you are going to continue to behave like this, I should leave." She said with flaring nostrils. God, what is wrong with this man? Booking an appointment with his parents without letting her know? That's totally unacceptable!
Ralph sighed, turning his phone to her. She read the message he just opened and she became tongue tied. The message was sent two minutes ago that he needs to be in their family house immediately, with his new wife.
Vivian scoffed at whoever typed the message. What did the person mean by 'New wife'? Don't they want him to be married? He is old enough even if it is just a contract marriage.
"I am sorry --" She was about to apologize.
"Don't." He cut her off immediately and she swallowed.
The way he has been conversing in the car was different from the way he talked to her in that party hall. 'It is just a facade.' She remembered and sighed.
"I can't go like this. I didn't even bring any gifts with me." She complained, hoping he would try to convince them to shift the meeting to tomorrow so she can be prepared.
Ralph looked at her and she suddenly felt uncomfortable under his gaze. "The dress is fine. My parents arent those obsessed with cheap gifts."
"Are you trying to say I am cheap?" Vivian's facial expression turned to an angry one. What is wrong with him? There are no cheap gifts. It is the heart and intention towards it that matters.
Ralph didn't answer her. She turned away to the road angrily. She felt like just going away from him. What kind of stupid mistake did she make in signing a contract with him?
Finally, the car stopped and Vivian jerked her eyes open. She was already dozing off. Ralpha stepped out of the car and she did so too, readjusting her dress to look presentable.
'I hope they will be nice.' She thought.
"They know I am married so we need to act like we are really in love." Ralph reminded her and she nodded slowly. The facade resumes in a couple of minutes as he took her hands in his and walked to the entrance door.
A middle aged woman dressed in apron opened the door. "Ralph!" She smiled, pulling him into a hug and Vivian saw him relax into her embrace, closing his eyes tightly. Was that a facade too or he is close with her?
Vivian gazed around the environment. They are very wealthy to be able to pull off this gigantic mansion. What is she talking about? Ralph is very rich. She wasn't sure how he got very wealthy that quickly which means his parents must be super wealthy too.
Flowers were beautifully arranged at every turn she saw. Maybe his mother is a lover of flowers because they aren't plastic ones. She recognized them as they are still growing beautifully.
"I believe this is her?" The woman whispered, breaking Vivian's serene moment. Ralph nodded. "Welcome, young lady." She pulled Vivian's hands. "My name is Carol, Ralph's nanny." She introduced herself.
Before Vivian could say anything, Carol pulled her into a hug. "You look very beautiful." She whispered and Vivian found herself smiling, thanking her for the compliment.
They walked inside hand in hand. The living room was very wide. A big television hung on the wall. Her stares remained on the fascinating chandalier that beautified the room.
Ralph led them traight to the dining room. The family must be having dinner. "Oh, there they are!" Vivian wasn't sure who spoke.
Vivian raised her head up nervously but was shocked to her bones. Charles was sitting right with his mistress, Franca. "What is the meaning of this?" She frowned, throwing a glance at Ralph.
"Good evening." Vivian made sure to greet everyone seated round the table.
"Goodness! You look more beautiful in person." A young woman whom she assumed to Ralph's mother kissed her cheeks gently. "My name is Bella Humprey and this is my husband, William Humprey." She introduced with pointed hands.
Vivian waited for Bella to introduce Charles but she just went to sit down. She threw Ralph another glare. Why isnt he saying anything? He just acted nonchalantly like he doesn't want to be here. She sighed and tried to relax.
"You are welcome to the family." Ralph's father smiled at her and she couldn't help but smile back.
They were so warming towards her. She didn't expect she will meet such lovely family but wondered what Charles and his mistress are doing here. They were also still wearing the clothes they had in the party earlier. It seems it is an urgent meeting just like Ralph had said.
"Have you met Ralph's younger brother? We just heard the news of his fiancee being pregnant." Ralph's mother said, beaming with smiles as she pointed.
Vivian's eyes widened. "Charles is your brother?" She exclaimed and Ralph just shrugged with a hard glare on his face.
"Do you know Charles?" Ralph's mother interrupted and Vivian's entire body got sweaty immediately.
- Writer
