Chapter 7: King's Family

My brows furrowed, thinking why he couldn’t just tell me directly what the occasion was.

‘Do I look like a fortune teller to predict what’s the occasion?’ I grumbled in my mind.

But as we approached the garden, I couldn’t help but be amazed.

“Wow!” I uttered in astonishment, seeing the venue adorned with colorful flowers and lush greenery, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. There were also balloons and elegant lanterns hanging from the trees, casting a warm glow over the area.

And as we reached the entrance, a welcoming arch made of blooming roses and cascading vines greeted us.

However, I felt a little anxious when almost all the guests turned their heads after they noticed us coming. And from how they dressed, they all seemed to be from the upper class. So, I assumed that the host of the party might be a very important person of the same class.

Subsequently, I saw Sarah from afar approaching us. At first, I almost didn’t recognize her when she beamed dazzlingly at us as soon as she saw us coming. Because unlike before, she now looked elegant, wearing a peach floral lace sheath cape dress and matching it with a contemporary white pearl studded pair of earrings and a choker necklace.

“I’m glad that you made it on time,” She greeted me delightfully and gave me a light hug.

“Auntie, is it your birthday?” I inquired as I smiled graciously after we separated from the hug.

Since she was wearing an extraordinary dress this time, I thought it must be her birthday.

She laughed softly, “No, it’s not my birthday, dear. But today is really a special day for our family. Come on, everyone was already waiting for us.” She explained then she turned to Leo and greeted him as well.

My forehead creased, baffled upon hearing her remarks. ‘What does she mean everyone was waiting for us?’ I asked myself as I got more inquisitive about the occasion.

Then my eyes slightly bulged as I glanced at Leo, ‘Don’t tell me, it’s his birthday?’

I felt ashamed at the thought as I was really not aware if that was the case.

Sigh. Why didn’t I think of it earlier?

Anyhow, I followed Sarah when she led us to the front table near the center. But my stomach growled at the sight of food at the buffet table.

I glimpsed at my watch and saw it was past five in the afternoon. That’s why I felt starving already as I hadn’t eaten anything yet for breakfast and lunch.

I was busy with my thoughts about food when I suddenly heard someone, “Good afternoon, everyone! Let us all welcome, Angela. The new addition to the King’s family. Angela, welcome to the family.”

Everyone clapped their hands. Then the venue was filled with a resounding "pop" as the party poppers were simultaneously triggered along with a colorful explosion of confetti and streamers cascading down from the canopy.

I was so astounded by the sudden introduction of the host. Moreover, I hadn’t thought that the event was a welcome party for me.

I was still in shock when Sarah tightly held my hand and mumbled with a sincere smile on her lips, “Welcome to our family, Angela. I hope you loved our surprise party for you because we owe you big time.”

It warmed my heart while tears welled up in my eyes. I couldn’t believe that they would give me this kind of welcome party. But I scolded myself as I knew that this party was not really for me.

“Auntie, you don’t owe me anything,” I replied truthfully. Then I let out a deep sigh in order to prevent my tears from falling.

How could I tell them that I did not deserve this welcome party? That I was only pretending to be my twin sister? Sigh. If only I knew about it, I should have delayed it until Angela returned.

‘Angela, when will you be back?’ I suddenly asked in my mind.

Then I heard Sarah respond, “No. From now on, call me mom. And yes, we owe you big time since we haven’t welcomed you properly to our family. We should have done this before your wedding but for some reason, we couldn’t do it like a normal family.”

“You couldn't do it like a normal family?” I repeated, my brows furrowed.

“Yes, because our family is special.” Antonio King answered my question in a deep cold voice as he appeared behind me.

I instantly felt nervous by his sudden appearance since during the wedding he obviously ignored me. Besides, he didn’t even finish the wedding ceremony. That’s why Sarah hadn’t had the chance to formally introduce me to him. And I hadn’t had the chance to talk with him.

Furthermore, my heart pounded as I thought if they belong to a family of vampires like what I watched in movies.

‘Is that the reason why they neglected me before, especially Leo who was always avoiding me at home? And now they are going to reveal their real identity?’ I wondered while my hands and feet started to feel cold.

I swallowed hard at the thought but of course, I immediately brushed off the idea since it only happened in movies and not in reality.

Three women also appeared from my back, following Antonio. One was in her fifties, the other one was in her thirties and the other one was in her early twenties. And they all looked fabulous in their attire.

The youngest among the three women was smiling brightly at me.

“Hi, Angela! I’m Christine. I’m Leo’s most beautiful cousin. I’m pleased to finally meet you!” She cheerfully introduced herself as she extended her hand.

So, I gladly accepted her hand and we shook hands as I responded, "Nice to meet you,"

Then she continued, “And this is my mom, Ofelia, and my older sister, Bernadette.”

“I'm glad to meet you too,” I replied with a gentle grin.

Ofelia and Bernadette smiled back at me. However, their smiles didn’t reach their eyes. So, I felt a little uncomfortable. Unlike Christine, I could feel that her smile was genuine through her eyes.

“By the way, I’m so sorry that we were not able to attend your wedding last month. It was my mom’s birthday and we’re out of the country for her birthday trip.” Christine disclosed.

“Christine,” Ofelia mumbled as she gave her daughter a mysterious glare and then glanced at me.

“No worries. It’s not a big deal. I understand.” I answered with a sheepish smile as I waved my right hand.

Then Sarah butted in, “Angela, Ofelia is the only sister of Leo’s late father."

“I see,” I nodded in acknowledgment.

Sarah continued, "And as Christine mentioned, they are Leo's cousin. I hope you get along well in the future.”

My smile widened, "I'm looking forward to it."

“Yey, I’m excited to bond with you. According to Aunt Sarah, you also love coffee. You know, I also love coffee.” Christine remarked eagerly.

However, my mind was occupied as I wondered how their family became special. In my observation, they were like other families. Nothing was unusual.

Anyway, I noticed one thing. Ofelia and Bernadette seemed to be unhappy with my presence. The displeased look on their faces couldn’t be hidden by their fake smiles.

“Mom, Angela hadn’t eaten anything yet. I’m sure she’s already starving. So, if you’ll excuse us, ” said Leo. Then he held my elbow and guided me to the table where our meals were served. I was slightly startled by his gestures. Nonetheless, I was grateful that he pulled me out of there as I was feeling awkward under their peculiar gazes. Besides, I was really starving.

Not long after, Leo and I were sitting at a six-seater round table. It was my first time to have meals with him. So, I felt a little bizarre when he handed me the cutleries and assisted me in getting the dishes and putting them on my plate.

We were in the middle of our meal when I started a conversation.

"How does your family become special?" I couldn't help but ask as I was really curious about it.