The Ring Gave It Away

ZACHARY'S POV

I hate family dinners.

One day of the month I'm forced to eat with my parents and siblings and talk about how the the previous month went.

I was mostly the center of attention since my parents were at my neck to find a wife and settle down.

I walked in my parents house with a Vior paper bag alongside with Olivia who helped me pick out my present for Flora. "Thanks again Olivia I don't know what I would have done without you." I thanked her again letting her in until I considered shutting the door. "Oh it's nothing it's been a while since I had dinner your parents and Flora. Besides I need to break the news to them about my engagement." Fiona said flashing her ring.

"Congratulations. I better be the first person you inform when you get married." I winked at Olivia who blushed a little. "Of course, you'd be the first person I'll relay the news to." Olivia promised, we both looked ahead to see Flora running up to me, I stretch my arms wide open but she ran past me and hugged Olivia.

"Olivia, is this really you ? You never come over anymore. Why is that ?" Flora feigned annoyance. Now I partially remember why I stopped Olivia from visiting she always stole my thunder.

Olivia knelt down a bit so her eyes met with Flora's.

"Well you can ask your big brother about that. He said you guys didn't want me around."

Is this how people feel betrayed ? Olivia just set me up.

"That's not true. We don't even want him around." My sister said as my heart ached. "Oh don't say that Flora, your brother got you a present." Olivia says as Flora turns and noticed the paper bag in my grasps.

"Present ?" Flora studied me in disbelief.

"Well since you don't even want me around I'm giving it to mom." I scoffed dramatically making a turn from her. "Your presents suck anyways." Flora hissed, she had one eye on my paper bag curious to what I got. "Well I guess mom is going to get the latest brand of sweet 16 clutch." I took out the purse showing it off. "Where did you get that ? It's not even out yet ?" Flora runs up to grab the purse but I lift it up in the air.

"I thought my gifts sucked." I mimicked her previous statement. "Well not this one." My sister said jumping to yank her present.

"Apologize." I said as she groaned.

"I'm sorry" she said while I hand her the purse. She runs to Olivia to show off her purse after.

Soon Jacob showed up and it was time for dinner, Mom and Dad were catching up with Olivia, I didn't mind as long I wasn't the topic of conversation.

"Oh my Olivia it's been a while I'm glad you finally paid a visit. How come you stopped visiting ?" Jacob, Olivia and Flora's eyes landed on me. My parents noticed and shift their gaze towards me.

"It was nice while it lasted." I muttered inaudibly while wiping my lips with a napkin.

"What did you say Zachary ?" My mother asked.

"She was busy with work, that's why she couldn't make it." I answered hoping she would buy it.

"So you were overworking the poor girl ? Zachary I thought you better." My mother countered as I groaned in annoyance.

" I wasn't overworked Diana, I've been busy with personal things too so I couldn't make it." Olivia came to my rescue I mouthed a thank you as Olivia winked at me. "Like what ?" My mother pestered further like always. "Mom that's enough." I interrupted.

"It's okay Mr Zach, I really love it when your Mom asks me things like this she reminds me of my mom." Olivia said unintentionally reminding us about her mother's death. Her mother was the reason she became my secretary in the first place, a rather sloppy attempt to get me and Olivia to date.

We did go on a date once but stayed as friends. It was better that way we relate better as close friends and that was the best decision we made.

But my mom occasionally tries to ship us, she badly wants Olivia to be her daughter in law.

"Dad you've been oddly quiet." Jacob immediately changed the topic of discussion.

"He's probably bummed out because his basketball team lost." I joked, my dad chuckled lightly.

"Exactly. They keep losing everytime. I'm considering changing teams." Dad said as he ate quietly he dropped his spoon he used getting everyone's attention.

"So Zachary, when were you going to tell us ?" My dad and mom looked at each other smiling mischievously. I looked around to Jacob and Olivia's faces, they were also unaware of what my parent were talking about.

"Tell you guys what ?" I asked looking visibly confused. "That you and Olivia finally got engaged." Me and Olivia froze. Olivia started coughing violently until Flora handed her a drink.

"What gave you that idea ?" I asked.

"The ring gave it away. It's not even expensive. Olivia honey don't worry we'll get you a bigger one. I'm so happy." My mom lamented with a huge smile, Olivia looked over to me waiting for my directions.

As much as I want my mom to be happy, I didn't want Olivia playing this game. "I didn't get her that ring ?" I said starting off. "I didn't even propose to her." I finally muttered.

"Then why is Olivia wearing an engagement ring ?" My mom asked. "I got engaged last week by my fiance." Olivia mutter in a chuckle.

"The reason I'm here was to invite you all to my engagement party." Olivia said as my mom and dad congratulated her. My mom gave me side glares the entire dinner till Olivia stayed catching up with my mom and sister.

Me, dad and Jacob were sharing a glass of vodka as we watch the three of them talk about her fiance.

"I'm never going to hear the end of it." I groaned in annoyance. When Olivia leaves I'm going to hear a nagging of how I missed an opportunity to wife a potential daughter in-law for her.

"I hate to be in your shoes." Jacob mocked, I rolled my eyes ignoring his gaze.

I looked over at Olivia as she laughed at my mom's joke. Soon she'll be married and have time alone for her husband. She won't be coming here anymore.

I kind of regret calling off the relationship when we first dated if I wasn't a coward we could have been engaged by now.

"Stop staring at Olivia weirdo." Jacob said bringing me back to reality.