The car ride was awkward as they had already imagined. Isla kept looking at the rushing scenery outside the car window.
The awkwardness around them was nerve-wracking but they welcomed it anyway.
" We are here." Leo said, as he unfasten his seatbelt and turned his body to look at his wife.
She was looking outside of the window, she had been here before, during funeral but at that time she didn't observe her surrounding.
The building was situated around a amazing area. The building itself was beautiful , it stood tall and even just by looking at it anyone could say that it is expensive.
" Are you gonna get out?" Leo's irritated voice broke her train of thought as she hurriedly made her way out of the car.
Leo pulled his sunglasses and placed them on his eyes. The atmosphere around this man shouted authority that would want anyone to bow at him.
Isla felt inferior beside him. From their clothing to their behaviour and their attitude, they are complete opposite.
Leo looked at her and started walking and Isla followed behind, keeping a notable distance.
Leo lead them towards the building and entered in the lift. Isla hurried her steps and stepped into the lift. Leo eyed her again, making her feel even more smaller.
They didn't tried to make a conversation. Isla was still uneasy by the behaviour Leo had in her apartment. He looks dangerous and he is dangerous.
A ping sound was heard and Isla sighed in relief as now she can't even breath when her husband is so near to her.
Leo glanced at her, silently ordering her to follow and she did as she was asked. Her steps are clumsy, again, opposite to that of her husband's confident steps.
He walked towards a door and rang the bell. Isla kept fidgeting with her fingers as they waited for the door to get opened.
" Hello , young master. Please come in." A maid who opened the door said as she stepped out and let the couple in.
Isla felt the gaze on her , all the maids were now eyeing her with curiosity. It was making her uncomfortable, not that she already wasn't.
" Welcome son!" Alice exclaimed as she wiped her hands on her apron that she was wearing.
Isla had never seen her, George had told her that Leo's mother is in Japan for business. The said women's hairs were jet black, just like Leo, falling perfectly on her shoulders like a curtain.
" Mom ." Leo greeted, albeit not as cheerfully. He leaned down to peck his mother's cheeks and Isla just stood there, awkwardly.
" You are getting bulkier each passing day." She said as she patted on her son's shoulder who just shrugged.
Her gaze shifted towards Isla who was dressed weakly in sweater and pants that are overused. Isla could tell that this woman is judging her.
She eyed her , from top to bottom, taking in her cheap dressing and the mess her hairs were. She looked as poor and poverty-stricken as she was.
" Hey Isla!" George said as he walked towards them from his room, dressed in plain white shirt and pants. He hugged Isla , pecking her scalp.
" Hey George." Isla greeted too as they pull away from the hug. Alice was looking at the interaction with scowl on her face.
" I have specially cooked food for you ,Leo. " Alice said as she untied her apran and handed it to one of her maid.
" You should have said the maids to cook food. Why are you doing their work?" Leo said as they all went to sit on the sofa.
Isla sat on the single sofa chair whereas, Alice and Leo sat side by side .
" I wanted to cook food for you. It has been two weeks since we last met." She said with scowl on her beautiful face. Isla conclude that Alice love to pamper Leo.
As they sat there, Isla observed the surrounding. It was a penthouse, with full length glass wall . The wall were painted white with furniture having hues of soft yellow and grey.
" We should eat lunch." George said as he motioned the maids to place the food on table.
Isla can't help but think that having several maid is not necessary. There are around 6 maids in the kitchen right now , which is not necessary.
.....
" So how is the contract with Mr Kim going?" George asked as he cut the steak .
Leo wiped his face mouth with tissue, before speaking.
" It is going well that but they are taking too much time to negotiate." Leo said as looked at his dad.
" You will meet variety of people, Leo. Get used to it." George said as he continued eating. Leo rolled his eyes before replying.
" I am not complaining, old man. I am just answering your question." Leo said , irritation evident in his voice.
" Will you two stop discussing business on table. " Alice called, voice holding authority that both her husband and her son to shut their mouth almost immediately.
They all were enjoying their family time that no one noticed that the newly wedded young girl wasn't eating anything. She kept fidgeting with the food, playing them around the plate.
For some reason, Alice wasn't really fond of Isla, that much she had observed. Ofcourse, she would want her daughter-in-law to be fr best family and not someone who is a nuisance. Isla hates to admit that yes, she is a nuisance.
This marriage took place because of George and her mother, Alice was at Japan at that time.
" We should get going. I have meet my friends this evening." Leo said as he glanced at his wife who was looking at her lap.
They all stood and Isla wanted to help so she went to place the plates in the wash basin.
"Don't do it. It's the work for the maids." Alice said, her gaze sharp. " Even though your lifestyle was different but atleast try to blend into our society." She said, not even looking at her.
Isla chest tighten at her words but she just nodded .
Leo and George were busy in their conversation that they didn't noticed the interaction between Alice and Isla .
" Promise to come here soon." Alice said as they all walked towards the door . Leo and Isla were walking side by side.
" Promise, mom. Bye , old man." Leo said as he walked out of the apartment, Isla following him.
They sat in the car again and gravity of situation settle on them. This time they are heading towards Leo's apartment.