'' Where have you been ? '' Ryan was seated next to the fire place with a cigar in his hand. '' I've been waiting for you for quite a while now. ''
Freya stopped in her tracks. Her heart was pounding , she was afraid but she wasn't regretful. She'd confessed her feelings to Bain. She'd kissed him. His taste still lingered on her lips.
'' What are you thinking about? '' Ryan rose from his seat and approached her. His steps echoed across the gigantic room until he stopped right in front of her. '' You...'' He puffed smoke in her face.
'' What are you doing ? '' She coughed as she drew away from him.
'' I'm observing you , my dear. '' Head to toe , he looked at her. '' You are different. ''
Her heart skipped a beat. She clutched the sides of her dress and mustered the strength to look him in the eye.
'' H-How? '' She was firm.
'' Are you seeing someone... someone other than me? '' He spoke casually with a hearty chuckle but it was funny...it definitely was not funny to her.
'' Mom , Dad...I'm home! '' Ruth's voice echoed as she came in. '' Quit acting all lovey-dovey and welcome me! ''
She ran to Freya and hugged her. Freya was glad Ruth came. She wasn't sure she'd be able to hold on if Ryan had pressed the matter.
'' Dad , I won't hug you. '' She folded her arms and glared at him.
'' Why? '' Her pulled her cheek. '' What did I do? ''
'' You came up with this stupid idea of playing ' house ' with Alec and his girlfriend. '' She rolled her eyes.
'' Well then. It looks like you and her aren't exactly on the same page. '' Ryan held his daughter 's hand. '' But you'll have to behave , for you brother. ''
Just then Alec came in. He was clad in a silver suit , gel in his hair. a handsome man indeed but a frown was applied on his face. He didn't want to have diner with Gwen's family with Ryan present. To make things worse , Ruth was joining them.
'' Alec , you're here. '' Freya hugged him. She knew he didn't want this. She'd tried her best to convince him until he finally agreed.
'' You're not ready? '' Alec noticed she wasnt dressed yet.
'' Don't worry. I'll be done in ten minutes. '' She smiled as she ran off.
'' Are you sure this is the place ? '' Louis adjusted his neck tie as he held his mother out of the car. Gwen got out too. She looked around , the place was fancy. Very fancy. She placed her hand on her chest and took a mouthful of air. She was nervous. She always felt uneasy when Alec's dad was brought into the equation.
'' You can do this. You can do this. '' She repeatedly chanted mantra she'd seen online. ' God! I'm going nuts? '
'' Shhhh....'' A familiar arm wrapped around her waist and those familiar lips kissed her tender skin. ''Calm down.''
She felt her temperature rise and at the same time , she felt herself calm. She turned to him.
'' You're here. '' She was glad he was the first person she saw. '' I'm nervous -''
She nearly vanished when she realized Alec's entire family was right behind him , watching them. She coughed and distanced herself a little from him.
'' Good evening. '' Freya smiled and hugged her lovingly. '' You look ravishing. No wander he's all over you. ''
'' I...'' Her face was burning up. She turned to her mother for help.
'' I'm Marylnnne. Her mother . '' She shook Ryan's hand. '' Pleasure meeting you. ''
'' Let's take this inside , shall we? '' Ruth walked past them.
'' Love how it's going already.'' Louis smiled sarcastically before following her in.
The clink sound of glasses and forks was literally the only sound coming from the table . No one said anything much , just occasional small talk from Marylnnne , Freya and sometimes Ryan. Gwen was really uncomfortable. This was going horribly. She noticed that Louis and Ruth were getting along. Weird .
' Hhhhm....' she sighed . Then she got a good look at Alec. He was fazed out. It was like he was not in the room. He was seated across the table so she stretched her foot to his. She was sure she'd kicked him enough times. Why didn't he respond?
'' Gwen. '' Ryan smiled at her. '' Is something wrong? Do you need anything? ''
Her eyes shot open and her blood pressure shot up to the skies. Was she touching his dad? She gulped. Hard.
'' No... nothing 's wrong. '' She smiled back weirdly.
'' So , it's just you , your brother and your mom. How about your father? '' Ryan asked casually.
Freya and Alec both looked up from their plates. Freya's mouth dried. Why was he asking this?
'' He is no more actually. '' Marylnnne said with a distant sadness in her voice . '' Marcus left us a long time ago. ''
'' I'm sorry about that. '' Ryan sympathized. '' Life goes on. Remember that. '' He smiled . '' So , how long has it been since his passing? ''
'' It's been eight years. He died on our anniversary. '' Marylnnne smiled. '' It was the most beautiful day of my life because it was the last time I ever saw him smile. ''
Louis bit his lip to control the tears . The wounds were still fresh and time hadn't really done much healing. Gwen felt a piercing sting in her heart. She closed her eyes for a bit and calmed herself.
'' Marcus...I think I've heard this name somewhere before. '' Ryan racked his brains.
'' Marcus Barkley. ''
Freya gasped inwardly when Marylnnne revealed this.