The drive took forty five minutes, which was longer than I had expected. Once we arrived at the gates, I was struck by the grandeur of the entrance.
I glanced at Benjamin, and he remarked casually, "Why the surprise? If you wish, your husband can get one of these in your name. I can certainly afford it. This is no big deal."
Did he really just say that? That I shouldn't be taken aback by the stunning surroundings I was seeing? My eyes scanned the view beyond the windows, taking in the breathtaking array of blossoming flowers. The intricate maze added an extra layer of charm to the already enchanting landscape.
The journey from the gate to the villa felt like a brief three-minute drive. Had I not known we were visiting Benjamin's family, I might have mistaken our destination for a palace. The grandeur was simply overwhelming for a single person to possess.
I had braced myself for layers of security, befitting his family's status. Yet, there was none. Puzzling as it was, I chose to embrace the simplicity and relish the experience.
My excitement was irrepressible, a grin spreading across my face. This was a first for me, seeing such splendor, and, it was extraordinary. I yearned to roam the expansive garden, but I had to maintain my composure, pretending to be smitten with Benjamin. The mere thought was dull.
I was unsure of my feelings for Benjamin, but he was definitely making an impression on me.
We stepped out of the car, welcomed by a handful of maids before we strolled into the villa, our hands intertwined. We were committed to convincingly playing the part of a couple, with no room for errors at this stage.
The opulence enveloping me was breathtaking. Every detail, from the chandeliers to the lavish walls, exuded extravagance.
Marrying into one of the wealthiest clans, I anticipated their customary display of affluence—a generous red packet. It's just their way, a constant showcase of prosperity.
A gentle voice drifted down from the upper level; his mother's. Her face was adorned with a welcoming smile as she exclaimed, "Children, you're here."
I managed a silent nod and a smile, unsure of what to say. As she descended the stairs, I extended a hand, only to be enveloped in an unexpected embrace.
"From now on, my dear, just call me mother. I'd really like that."
"Of course, mother," I replied with a smile.
The moment she stepped back, a new voice filled the air. Benjamin's dad appeared, announcing, "We've been expecting you both," as he approached. Reaching us, he warmly said, "It's nice to see you again."
"It's nice to see you too, sir," I responded.
"Just call me dad," he suggested.
My response was just a silent nod as he pointed us toward the living room, where the plush, pricey cushions were impossible to miss. The wealthy, it seems, are forever surrounded by the more exquisite comforts life has to offer.
Sinking into the couch, I could feel the cushy mattress give way beneath me. It was like sitting on a treasure trove, millions that could completely transform my existence.
I guess you could say my life's taken a turn for the better lately. And, much as I hate to admit it, accepting Benjamin's offer was a really smart move.
Turning slightly, my eyes landed on a family portrait. At first glance, it appeared ordinary, yet there was an unsettling detail—a certain someone in the picture just didn't seem right.
The child's grin was a beacon of pure joy, it was hard to believe it was little Benjamin. It just didn't seem like him at all.
Now, all everyone gets from him is a smirk and a chilly glare at just about everything. He could use a wake-up nudge from that silly attitude of his. I glance at the photo once more, catching the true, carefree smile of his younger self.
Turning to my side to see him , he's lost in his phone, oblivious to the world around him.
I sighed and rolled my eyes. What was I thinking? That he'd suddenly take my hand and act like he cared about me or this place? Two things were crystal clear: Benjamin wasn't fond of me, and he didn't enjoy being home. You could tell just by the way he acts.
His parents sat across from us on the couch, their gazes evident with hesitance. I just sat there, anticipating the moment when they would start bombarding me with questions. It seemed like that was the whole reason Benjamin brought me to see them—if not, then why?
I watched his parents closely, and noticed their facial reactions were clear as day, unlike Benjamin's unreadable expressions. They seemed so sweet together, yet Benjamin's warning echoed in my mind, telling me to keep my distance from his family.
"Emila, how did you guys come across each other?" Benjamin's mom shattered the silence, turning the spotlight on me with her question.
"Uhmm.."
"We bumped into each other near my place one evening. She was in tears, and well, after being awestruck by yours truly, she fell for me. That's how our dating story kicked off," Benjamin chimed in before I could utter a word.
'Why's he talking nonsense? I could strangle him right now,' I thought to myself, frustrated.
Without uttering a sound, I simply offered a smile, silently agreeing to the absurd tale he'd just spun.
"What about your folks?" His dad chimed in this time.
"Oh, my parents?" I replied, "My dad died during my high school years, and after my mom remarried a wealthy man, she kind of left me to fend for myself. So, I pretty much consider myself an orphan."
"Goodness..." Benjamin's mom exclaimed, her hands touching her chest in shock. They looked at me with such pity before adding, "We're terribly sorry to hear that."
All I could do was nod; the questioning was stretching out more than I anticipated. Just as I was about to inquire about the family photo, the click-clack of heels interrupted everything.
Her long hair, blue eyes, and slender build were striking, the very picture of porcelain beauty. She had the presence of a model, and her scent hinted at wealth.
"Sweetheart, did you miss me at all?" she asked, giving a sly wink.
Her wink wasn't for me, but it sailed my way, landing on Benjamin who was right by my side.
"And you are?" she inquired, her face twisted into an unpleasant expression.
"And you are?" I replied, mimicking her tone.