Family Dinner

SHELDON 

I felt like a Christmas tree with all the shining pieces of jewelry I put all over me for the dinner with Denzel's family. I don't usually get a chance to wear so much but I knew it was the perfect touch Denzel needed beside him. 

He was a living darkness with most of his outfits being too dark-colored. I'd represent the light coming into his world. That might make us blend. 

After getting his text message that he was downstairs, I scurried off to meet him. Yesterday ended with him dropping me off in front of my building. We didn't say anything to each other afterward because of the thong he found in his pocket. I don't know if he's mad or disappointed that he couldn't get the girl's number.

But I had better things to worry about like the information I had to study about him.

Winter's calls also blew up my cellphone the minute I was about to go to bed. I told her I would explain everything later but she gave me a choice. Either I'm in or I'm out. I still haven't decided if I'd continue working with her. 

A black SUV was parked outside when I arrived on the ground floor and the back door opened almost immediately. 

Like an amateur, I peeped inside to make sure it was him. 

It turned out to be him alright, with his eyes dark and his gaze boringly set on mine.  

The driver came right over and helped me sit next to Denzel. 

The seats were huge so I shifted closer to him to close up the space. 

"I bought you a new ring." He whispered before shoving out a red box from his pocket. 

Goodie, I keep getting shinier. But I hope it fits this time. 

I considered selling the first one since I can't wear it.

"Thanks," I said as the car started moving. 

There was silence and I noticed Denzel hasn't complimented my dress yet. I'm looking smoking hot. Why isn't he commending me for being this beautiful as his fiance?

He didn't say anything for a while so I had to let it go.

"Can you use cutleries?" He asked like he was forgetting something.

"Yes, I can. I'm literate. What do you take me for?!" I snapped. 

"Just avoiding uncomfortable situations." He dryly replied, not moving an inch. 

He's too calm. I don't like that, which means he's not exactly my type either.

"What would you have done if I can't use cutleries?" I asked fisting my hand. 

"Nothing. It's too late to watch online videos on how to use them. I'd let you eat however you want. Just be yourself." 

I nodded. He just dodged a bullet. I slowly unclenched my fist knowing that I won't be able to punch him. Instead, I started checking out the area we were driving through. 

Soon enough, we reached our destination. I wasn't disappointed with the huge mansion sitting in between an open field. Several cars aligned outside and a water fountain made of porcelain was in a clear view.

Staff from the house opened the door and I got down first before Denzel walked around the car to join me. He linked hands with me while I tried to pull up the right look.

We both went into the house elegantly. But my classy walk was interrupted by a little boy running ahead of us with speed. He popped out of nowhere. Startled, I almost freaked out if it wasn't for Denzel who unexpectedly smiled at him. 

"Uncle Denzel!" The boy said happily running around us. 

"Stop running around, Oscar!" A lady scolded with a cute baby in her arms. I was confused for a second, wondering whose children they were. Then, it immediately clicked that they belonged to Denzel's older brother who got married at a young age. I read a bit about him as well.

With the little kid out of the way, we continued heading to wherever Denzel was taking me.

I wasn't able to greet the woman carrying the child but she didn't seem to mind as she started going after Oscar. I guessed she was the nanny.

When we got to the dining room, I finally saw where everyone was — the dining table. Except one person was missing.

Denzel's mother, Mrs. Raven first caught my stare and we simultaneously smiled at each other. I wasn't expecting such a reaction to our meeting for the first time but I wanted to be as social as possible. 

Mrs. Raven was so stunning as a grandma. There's not a spot of dirt and her hair and makeup seem so neatly done. 

In Denzel's file, she's the wealthiest in the family because she came from a wealthy home. She provided her husband with a job and other properties.

Why on earth would Mr. Morgan cheat on her? Well, I barely knew a thing about him before. 

"Hello, Sheldon. Please, have a seat. It's nice to finally see the secret lover my son has been hiding from us for a long time." She offered, wearing a cheerful smile.

"Thank you, ma'am." I chipped before settling down on a chair with Denzel by my side. 

I was about to put my purse on the table but when I thought of what could go wrong, I dropped it on the floor, next to my heels. I didn't want his rich sister and mom to notice my handbag is fake. 

Okay, I wasn't sure if it was fake but I didn't buy it from a reliable source. 

I might lose their trust even before they get to know me better.

"My husband will be here shortly." Mrs. Raven interpolated. 

I was wondering where the man was. Good thing I didn't have to ask.

Alongside Denzel's mom and sister, his older brother and wife were sitting right across us. The wife was dressed so perfectly in a green dress and jewelry. 

"This is my first son, Rehan, and his wife, Lena. And this is my daughter, Kimberly." Mrs. Raven introduced and I ravishingly greeted them all with a confident smile.

At that moment, the man of the moment, Mr. Morgan entered. He was dressed casually.

It was until he sat down that he noticed my presence. His face drained instantly with panic. But his wife's chuckling pulled us both out of a trance.

"Honey, this is Sheldon, Denzel's fiance." Mrs. Raven introduced.

Mr. Morgan blinked twice before lowering his head. His response was taking so long so I just had to be that bitch who rubs it in.

"Good evening, sir. It's a pleasure to finally meet the father of the love of my life." I said slightly bowing my head.

He lifted his head the same second and cleared his throat. "The pleasure is mine." 

I was surprised Mr. Morgan can't pretend or handle this properly in a way no one would suspect he has met me before. He was looking helpless and spent time arranging his napkin longer than he should have. 

No one seemed to notice anyway as the workers started serving our meal. 

I heard Mrs. Raven has a serious heart condition and she has had surgery on different occasions but she looks so strong. 

I watched her cut a steak on her plate effortlessly.

"So, Sheldon. What do you do?" She asked probably noticing that I was staring at her like a fan girl.

I'm a whore, ma'am. I considered answering but I inwardly laughed at my stupidity.

"I'm about to graduate from college. But in the meantime, I run a boutique." 

"Oh, really? That's impressive. And your parents?"

"They're dead." 

A few gasps go around but I don't find any meaning to it. 

"Sorry about that." 

Mr. Morgan looked uncomfortable but I hope he doesn't snap.

"Denzel said he met you at a hospital. Do you love children?" Lena suddenly asked and I grinned. 

"Yes, I love them a lot," I replied relating to my answer this time around.

"How many kids do you want to have with my brother?" Kimberly asked.

Boldly, I answered; "Five."