Tension for Lunch

Amelia stumbled back a little as Kris leaned in, his lips brushing dangerously close to hers. Her heart skipped a beat, but instinct took over, and she wriggled out of his grip.

"Kris!" she scolded under her breath, stepping away just in time for the door to creak open.

Tony the butler stood at the doorway, eyes wide, then quickly covered them with a dramatic gasp. "Oh dear heavens! My apologies, young master, Miss Quinn. Lunch is ready. The family awaits you in the garden."

Amelia’s eyes widened. "It’s not what you think!"

Tony gave a suspicious cough and turned around, still peeking through his fingers. "Don't worry Miss, I didn't see anything. Nothing at all," he muttered before shutting the door behind him.

Amelia spun toward Kris and stomped on his foot. "What was that? I told you no funny business! If this fake relationship is going to work, I need to make a good impression. We need your family’s blessing if we're going to pull this off."

Kris, rubbing his foot with a wince, chuckled. "Okay, okay. No more fooling around. I promise. Let’s just survive this lunch. Nothing must go wrong at that table."

They made their way to the garden, and Amelia's stomach twisted as the sight came into view. The Fox garden looked like a royal affair— trimmed hedges, flower arranged so beautifully and a long white tablecloth-covered dining table where the entire Fox family was already seated.

Veronica stood first. She was a sophisticated woman with silver highlights in her hair and perfectly arched brows. She walked over and greeted Amelia with a European-style kiss on both cheeks.

"You must be Amelia," she said with an air of elegance. "I’m Veronica Fox."

"I know who you are," Amelia blurted, then quickly caught herself, putting on a more modest smile. "I mean, It’s a pleasure to meet you."

"Get a hold of yourself and sit down," Mr. Fox cut in dryly, talking to Amelia.

"Richard!," Veronica snapped. "Don’t be rude."

Amelia swallowed her pride and took a seat beside Kris, who gently squeezed her hand under the table. She noticed there was an empty chair across from them, but didn’t ask.

Moments later, the sound of a cane tapping against the patio floor caught everyone’s attention. It was Chairman Fox, he walked in with the help of Tony. He scanned the group, and when his eyes landed on Amelia, they lit up.

"Welcome to our home again dear," he said warmly. "Good to see my grandson's been treating you well."

"Again?” Mr Fox was surprised

"Yes” said Chairman Fox,"She's saved Leo on countless occasions including yesterday's incident”

“Yeah I heard about that" Veronica butted in. “Good thing you were there or else we don't know what that lady would have done to Leo"

“I'd say it was a little too convinent that she was there at that moment wouldn't you agree" Mr Fox said, he was looking for a fight.

“Enough" Chairman Fox said as he looked at Mr Fox.

Amelia smiled, touched by his kindness. "Thank you, for allowing me into your home Chairman Fox. The pleasure’s mine."

The lunch began. Waiters brought out fine silverware and trays filled with gourmet dishes Amelia could barely pronounce. She nibbled on a piece of salmon while the table buzzed with small talk.

“What of your parents?" Mr Fox asked.

"My mom died when I was little So I grew up with my dad and step mum” Amelia said with a heavy heart as she remembered all what Liliana had put her through.

"What of jobs? Do you work or are you a girlfriend by profession” he took a sip from his glass.

“I’m actually a journalist but I'm also into photography”

"Wow, a resourceful woman” Veronica said, praising Amelia.

"Oh please honey, spare her the praise. That's no achievement” Mr Fox shot at Veronica.

“What of past relationships? Any baby daddies we should know about?"

Amelia swallowed hard, Mr Fox was beginning to ask too many questions, questions that she wasn't ready for.

“No sir, my last relationship was when I was in college but we broke up"

“Because you got pregnant?"

“No sir because I wanted to focus on my future and make something out of myself"

There was an awkward silence at the table for a while, that is until Veronica cut through the tension.

"So," Veronica said, dabbing her lips. "How did you two meet?"

Mr. Fox snorted. "Probably at a club?"

The table fell into awkward silence until he laughed. "I’m joking. Or am I?"

"Actually," Kris began, leaning back confidently, "we met at a business meeting. She was—"

"No, no," Mr. Fox interrupted, turning to Amelia. "I want to hear it from her."

Amelia looked at Kris, who nodded encouragingly.

They had already rehearsed this, having the perfect back story in check

"It was at a company dinner," she said with a soft smile. "Our companies were collaborating, and we happened to sit close. I noticed he kept staring at me. And then after the meeting, he came up and introduced himself. We exchanged numbers and... well, here we are."

She placed a hand on Kris’s and smiled at him sweetly. "Your son is a wonderful man. I feel so lucky to have him in my life."

"How sweet," Veronica cooed.

"Of course she feels lucky," Mr. Fox said with a scoff. "Kris is rich. That’s why she’s here, they're all the same."

"Richard!”

Chairman Fox was about to say something, but Kris slammed his palm on the table, rising to his feet.

"That’s enough, Dad. I've had it with your constant digs at her. Amelia is my fiancée. I don’t care whether you don't want to accept it or approve of it. I’m going to marry her whether you like it or not."

The table went quiet.

Then we heard footsteps.

Everyone turned around to see who it was.

A figure emerged from the entrance of the garden, hips swaying, high heels clacking on the floor. The sun hit her just right, making her red hair shimmer.

Jessica Bell's.

Kris froze. "Jessica?"

Her red lips curved into a sly smile. "Surprise."