(End of flashback)
His thoughts were interrupted when he noticed a figure approaching. He turned his head to see Clarisse, Clinton, and two maids following behind. But it was only Clarisse who caught his eye. She looked so different, so beautiful, that it took him a moment to react. Her presence stood out, like a goddess walking toward him. His lips parted in awe as he looked at her.
Without realizing it, he opened the door and stepped outside, meeting her blue ocean eyes that held him captive. Her beauty was even more striking than before, and though she looked lean, it only accentuated her stunning features. But something was missing.
There was a smile he had seen, one that always soothed his day. The smile he had been looking forward to seeing again. But now, it was gone. Every time he thought he might see it again, her face turned blank, empty, and expressionless. Yet, despite this, Christian smiled inwardly and thought to himself, “I’ll get that smile back. I’ll bring it back.”
He gently took her hand and said, “You look so gorgeous, and I’m sorry… that doesn’t even begin to describe it.”
Clinton’s eyes widened in shock. Did he… just say… he’s sorry? Clinton felt like he was going to faint.
Should she say he’s an anomaly? Or was it just because of the strange situation? Clarisse couldn’t quite comprehend what was happening or how she should feel after being complimented for the first time. She gave him a side-eye and then looked away, her chest pounding as his words echoed in her mind.
“Why is he being so nice? Why did he say I’m beautiful? Why?” she kept thinking.
“We’re here,” the chauffeur’s voice broke the silence, and Clarisse’s heart skipped a beat.
“Oh, we’re here,” she swallowed hard, but what happened next only left her more confused, surprised, and a bit scared. The door opened, and Christian stretched out his hand to help her out of the car.
“This man is so crazy,” she thought, her mind racing.
“Don’t worry, thank you,” she bowed slightly, declining his hand and stepping out of the car on her own. He didn’t seem offended and led her into the building.
“Doesn’t the old man say we’re having a family dinner? Why are we here instead of the house?” she thought aloud without realizing it.
“Which house?” Christian asked, overhearing her.
“Ouch! I thought I said that aloud,” she muttered. “You mean our house? The… mansion?”
Christian smiled. “You don’t expect a grown man, married and all, to live with his parents, do you?”
“Huh?”
“But Victor does,” she thought to herself.
“I don’t live with my family. I stopped living with them when I was in college,” Christian explained.
“For real?”
“Yeah, and now I’m married. I don’t want anyone disturbing my wife or making you feel embarrassed every morning.”
“Embarrassed? Why would I feel… embarrassed?”
“They’d probably hear you every night. That wouldn’t be very convenient.”
Clarisse frowned, still not understanding what he meant. By the time she did, her whole face flushed. It’s not what I’m thinking, right?
Christian chuckled at her flushed expression, while she, feeling embarrassed already, couldn’t help but wonder, How could he say that? He’s such a pervert.
They finally entered the house and were escorted to the dining area where everyone was waiting for them. Clarisse stood frozen, her heart racing. Her eyes quickly shifted to the ground when she saw who was seated at the table. Alice smirked, enjoying the reaction she loved so much. Seeing Christian stand before her made her feel an overwhelming attraction.
No man had ever made her feel this way, and that only made her want him more.
Christian noticed her reaction and moved closer to her. He took her hand, gently rubbing it with his thumb before pulling her along. Sharon saw Alice’s gaze following them and turned, grinning when she saw Christian and Clarisse.
“Oh, they’ve finally arrived,” she announced with a grin. Everyone turned to face them, and the collective gaze made Clarisse’s knees go weak. But Christian didn’t let go of her hand. They made their way to the table, and Clarisse bowed before them. “G…good evening,” she stammered.
Sharon didn’t let her finish, standing up and pulling her into a hug.
“My daughter is looking so stunning,” she said, chuckling, before guiding her to sit beside her.
Clarisse looked both shocked and scared.
“How was your journey?” Sharon asked warmly.
“Let her sit first,” Charles said with a laugh. “If someone saw you acting like this, they’d think you had no daughter.”
“I know, right? Dad?” Ashley pouted.
“What are you jealous of? We’re always together,” Sharon teased as she turned back to Clarisse.
“I hope you’re well,” Sharon continued. “I didn’t know your preferences, so I prepared everything.” She clapped her hands, signaling the maids to bring out the food.
Twelve different dishes were placed before them.
“Wow! You didn’t do this when I brought home a fiancee,” Gael said, staring at the spread in amazement.
“Not even at Christmas,” Ashley added, but Sharon ignored them.
“What do you think?” Sharon asked Clarisse, who was at a loss for words.
“What do you think?” Clarisse asked softly, still overwhelmed by the extravagant display.
“They look so delicious,” Alice said, interrupting the conversation. “This is a feast.”
“I know, right? Thank you so much for this; it must have taken a lot of effort,” Patricia said, smiling and thanking Sharon.
“This is marvelous. Thank you,” Ferdinand added. “Toast to this union!” He raised his glass, and everyone else followed suit, except for Clarisse and Christian.
Clarisse couldn’t raise her glass because she didn’t feel like there was one for her on the table. Christian was still holding her hand as they sat beside each other.
“Aren’t you going to greet your mother, Clarisse?” Patricia said suddenly, nearly causing Clarisse’s heart to stop.
“I’m… I’m sorry,” she stammered. “Good evening, ma-“
Sharon didn’t let her finish. “There’s nothing to be sorry about. I got her so occupied that she forgot to greet anyone. But we can do that now,” she said.
“Of course,” Patricia replied with a fake smile.
“Let’s start the introduction properly,” Sharon said, and they all introduced themselves.
“And finally, this is my son, Christian.”
Christian bowed slightly without saying a word.
“He’s so handsome,” Alice cooed. “Someone as handsome as him deserves a goddess,” she added. The room fell silent.
“I’m sure Clarisse is trying to meet your needs,” Patricia said, “but I apologize on her behalf for any bad behavior she might have displayed,” she added politely to Christian.
Sharon and Ashley exchanged glances before turning to Clarisse, whose gaze remained fixed on the table. She couldn’t bring herself to look at anyone.
“She looks fine to me. She’s very beautiful and well-mannered. Why are you apologizing?” Gael said, half-focused on the food.
“Of course, that’s just the appearance,” Patricia said, chuckling. “So, are you saying she’s fake?” Christian asked. “That she’s using this act to cover up?”
“You can still choose a better one if you’re not satisfied,” Patricia said, smiling and bowing politely while Alice adjusted herself in her seat.
Christian scoffed at the absurdity of it all.
“I’m surprised,” Gael said, looking up from the food. “Or should I say, I don’t understand. Maybe I’m inexperienced, but I’ve never heard a mother speak of her daughter like this. Judging by my amazing mother, I would question if you’re even her mother.”
Patricia laughed awkwardly. “Of course I am. I’m just apologizing on her behalf.”
“Really? It’s like you knew she had a bad character. Do you push your bad daughter onto my brother?”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.