Celyn woke up to the doorbell, having dozed off on the couch the night before. The bell rang again, jolting her back to reality.
"Ahh, who could that be?" she muttered, dragging herself towards the door.
"Good morning, miss. I'm from X Designers, and I have a package for this address," said the man standing at the doorstep, dressed in a black suit.
Celyn's eyes narrowed as she glanced at the man and the package, then looked up at the sky. "Did I oversleep?" she asked, stretching lazily.
The man smiled warmly. "Not very much, miss. It's 10 am."
Celyn's eyes widened as she realized how long she'd been sleeping. She leaned against the doorframe, pointing at the package. "I didn't order anything from your company."
The man smiled. "Yes, miss. This order was placed by Olivares Corporation, courtesy of Mr. Zack Smith."
Celyn's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Oh that's for me, then."
The man chuckled at her childishness. "Sign here, please."
After signing for the package, Celyn quickly shut the door and placed the package on the table. "X Designers Collection," she murmured, wondering if she should open it.
Just then, her phone beeped. It was Lucian calling.
Celyn's heart skipped a beat as she answered. "Good morning, Lucian."
Lucian's deep voice came through the line. "Good morning, Celyn. I hope you like the gift."
Celyn's gaze drifted to the package. She felt a mix of surprise and discomfort. "You didn't have to, Lucian."
Lucian sensed a hint of vulnerability in her voice. "I wanted to show my appreciation," he said, changing the topic, "Are you free at 7 pm? I'd like you to meet my family."
Celyn's expression changed from amusement to shock. "What?! So soon? Not happening!"
Lucian's eyebrows arched in surprise. He imagined Celyn's expression and couldn't help but laugh. "My family won't eat you up, I promise. They're good people."
" I...hope so, Lucian " she chuckled nervously
....
Later that night, Celyn slipped into an elegant purple gown, her makeup simple but stunning.
As she arrived at the grand mansion, Lucian waited at the door, dashing in his black suit. Celyn stepped out of the Maybach Lucian had sent to pick her up, her eyes sparkling with amusement
"Wow, Lucian...this is amazing!" she exclaimed
Lucian's eyes crinkled at the corners as he chuckled, "Hey, Celyn... Welcome to my humble home"
Celyn's cheeks flushed as she smiled, her voice soft. "Thank you, Lucian."
As Lucian led her inside, his hand rested lightly on her back.
"Welcome, please make yourself at home."
A gentle voice greeted them, and Celyn's gaze met Florencia's warm smile. "Thank you, Mrs. Olivares...I'm honored to be here."
Just then, a lively voice was heard, "you're the Lucky girl! Celyn? "
Celyn's gaze shifted to Lucian, surprised that he'd already told his family about her.
Lucian's eyes rolled heavenward as he glanced at Emma
His face devoid of any emotion "Everyone, this is Celyn. My mother, Florencia, and my sister, Emma. Unfortunately, my father won't be joining us tonight." His voice dripping with formality
The room fell silent, the atmosphere tense. Celyn wondered if she'd made a mistake coming here. What had caused Lucian's sudden change in demeanor?
"N-nice to meet you, Mrs florencia, Emma," Celyn stuttered, trying to break the awkward silence.
Celyn, under florencia's gaze felt a little uncomfortable as the woman intensely stared at her.
"Why are we standing here?, let's dine already" florencia spoke seeing that everyone was quiet
"Come with me..... " He muttered, holding onto Celyn's slender hand. leaving florencia dumbfounded, since when did her son become so... Loving?
As they settled, Florencia looked at Celyn, smiling
"So, Celyn, how did you and Lucian meet? We're all curious to know the story behind your relationship."
Celyn laughed nervously "Oh, it's a long story, Mrs Olivares " she replied , checking Lucian's reaction.
" let's just say we met through mutual friends and hit it off immediately. Lucian's been showing me the ropes of the city, and I'm loving it so far." She said before smiling sweetly at Lucian
Lucian's eyebrows arched, mesmerized by her response.
Florencia smiled politely, but with a hint of curiosity "Oh, that's lovely. Mutual friends, you say?" She paused, " I'm not sure I've ever heard of any of Lucian's friends mentioning you... Do tell, what's the name of this mutual friend who introduced you two?" She asked, raising her eyebrows
Celyn ,alert and composed "Oh, I'm so sorry Mrs Olivares um....." She paused, as if trying to remember
" I'm terrible with names. But I'm sure it'll come to me eventually"
Smiling warmly at Lucian " Lucian's been keeping me so busy, I've barely had time to think about anything else!"
Florencia, trying to hide her frustration, said "I see. Well, Tell me Celyn, what do you think of our family's business? Lucian's father and I have built it from the ground up, and we're very proud of what we've accomplished." She asked, trying to read Celyn's mind
Celyn, sensing the trap, "Oh, I think it's wonderful...." she pauses, choosing her words carefully "I've always been fascinated by entrepreneurship and the way families can work together to build something truly special." She smiled
" But I'm sure Lucian's told you all about my own interests and passions?"
Florencia, realizng she's not getting anywhere with Celyn, "Ah, yes... " paused forcing a smile " Well, I suppose we can talk more about that later."
Emma's eyes widened with excitement
"Hey celyn, nice to meet you!"
Celyn smiled warmly, impressed by Emma's demeanor. "Nice to meet you, Emma. You're absolutely lovely."
Emma beamed, excited to have Celyn's attention. "Thanks Celyn! I just love your dress. Where did you get it?"
Celyn laughed, happy to chat with Emma. "Thank you, Emma. I got it at a boutique downtown."
As they chatted, Lucian watched in awe, It seemed Emma and Celyn would really get along
As they ate, Emma leaned over to Celyn and whispered, "So, Celyn, what's it like dating my brother?"
Celyn's cheeks flushed, and she glanced at Lucian, who seemed to smirk at her
"Oh, Emma, it's...complicated," Celyn replied, trying to avoid the question. She barely knew Lucian after all
Emma's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Ooh, complicated? That sounds juicy, tell me about it "
Lucian intervened, chuckling. "Emma, behave. Celyn did not come here to answer your silly questions "
Emma pouted, but Celyn just laughed. "It's okay, Lucian. I can handle Emma's questions."
Florencia glanced at Lucian, who was watching their conversation with interest.
" Lucian, why don't you show Celyn around the garden? I'm sure she'd love to see it."
After the meal, Lucian toured celyn around, as soon as they were out of sight from florencia. Celyn nervously looked up at Lucian
"Lucian, I don't think I can do this. Your mom scares me!" She gulped " She's like... an... an interrogator!"
Lucian's eyes flashed with amusement "An interrogator?." He asked, chuckling
Celyn bit her lips, feeling nervous "I'm serious, Lucian! She's got this... this... this 'mom gaze' that makes me want to confess all my deepest secrets!"
Lucian leaned closer to her face, " You were fearless and brilliant back there, so how did she scare you?" He asked, winking
Celyn, who felt uncomfortable with their faces close to each other, pushed Lucian on the chest
"I can't handle any more lectures from her. My nerves can't take it!"
Lucian's heart skipped, feeling the light touch of her fingertips on his chest. He moved closer, this time, there faces were close to touching
Celyn's eyes widened in fear, before she could react, Lucian grabbed her waist, pulling her closer to his chest. Celyn could feel his hot breath and his heart beat
"W...what are you trying to do here?" She whispered, but her face screamed fear
Lucian's lips curled up in a smirk, " You look beautiful tonight, Celyn"
Celyn, whose heart threatened to jump out, attempted to break free from his embrace but Lucian grip was too strong
" Stop talking nonsense, let go already!" She said feeling annoyed and uncomfortable
Lucian raised his eyebrows, as if trying to silently signal her something
" just play along, Celyn" he whispered