MARCUS'S POV
As we arrive at the venue, I see my father waiting for us at the entrance. I let him know that we were on the way when we left my house. I am sure he is nervous about meeting Juliana. Juliana looks a bit nervous, but I give her a reassuring smile and squeeze her hand before we approach him. I want her to feel comfortable around my father.
"Father, this is Juliana," I introduce her, feeling a sense of pride as I do so. Juliana has brought back the confidence I lost five years ago.
My father's eyes widen in surprise as he takes in Juliana's appearance. I can see the approval in his eyes as he extends his hand.
"Good evening, Juliana, how are you?" My father greets her.
"I am fine thank you, sir, how are you"
"I am okay, it Is nice to finally meet you. I have heard a lot about you. To be honest with you when Marcus said that he has a woman in his life I thought he was just joking. I have been wanting to meet you since the time he mentioned you." Juliana smiles.
I can see the happiness in her eyes, she is about to say something when my stepmother comes and interrupts what she wants to say. This woman has bad timing, I just hope she does not say anything to hurt Juliana's feelings. I know she hates me and I don't care but if she does something to Juliana I will not forgive her. I will put aside the fact that she is my father's wife.
"Who do we have here?" She asks, looking at me and then at Juliana.
"This is Juliana Marcus's girlfriend." My father tells her.
"So she exists, I thought he was just bluffing when he came to the family dinner. I guess he has finally found someone."
"I never bluff, I am sure you know by now, I always tell the truth, unlike some people I know," I tell her.
"You do not have to be so bitter every time you talk to me. I am not responsible for the things you could not have in life." I can see that she is trying to get a reaction out of me but I will not give her that satisfaction. I will not embarrass myself in front of my babydoll.
"So, Juliana, what do you do for a living?" My stepmom asks. Someone who does not know her might think she is asking the question with pure intentions but I know her and her schemes and manipulations.
"I am an IT assistant at Bwalya Logistics." My babydoll answers with pride. I love the fact that Juliana is not letting my stepmother intimidate her in any way.
"Wow, that's one of the biggest logistics companies in the country. You must be good at what you do." My father says. I can see the pride in his eyes. My father loves hard-working people. He believes that when someone works hard for something they learn to use it properly because they know how hard it was for them to get it.
"I might say I am impressed, for a moment there I thought you were his secretary." My stepmom says, wiping the smile that was on Juliana's face.
"If you do not have anything nice to say please keep your mouth closed," I tell her.
"Oh, please do not be sensitive, I was just joking. It is good you brought her here, we will get to know her and find out more about her life." My stepmother says looking at Juliana from head to toe.
"Has Auntie Rose arrived yet?" I ask my father as I try to change the topic, not wanting to make Juliana feel more uncomfortable than she already is feeling. I know she is not comfortable with the way my stepmother is looking at her.
"Yes, she came a few minutes before you guys. Let's go inside." My father says.
As we start walking, I feel Juliana's hand tremble slightly in mine. I give her a reassuring smile and squeeze her hand, letting her know that everything will be okay. I can see the nervousness in her eyes, but I know that she is strong and will handle whatever comes her way. We pose for a few pictures and then we go in. The people we are passing are looking at me with surprise not believing that I am attending the gala after so long.
As we enter the venue, I see Aunt Rose sitting at a table, chatting with some of the other guests. She spots us and waves us over, a warm smile on her face. I introduce Juliana to Aunty Rose, who immediately takes a liking to her. I can see the relief in Juliana's eyes as she relaxes in Aunt Rose's presence.
"Is he treating you well?" Aunt Rose asks Juliana after some time.
Juliana nods with a smile. "He is treating me very well, Aunt. I feel very lucky to have him in my life."
Aunt Rose chuckles, "Well, Marcus here is not always easy to handle, but I am glad to see you two happy together. Happiness is not something that everyone gets, so when you get it enjoy it to the fullest my dear. Marcus, you have found yourself a wonderful woman. I pray that God continues blessing you both." Aunt Rose says as she joins my hand with Juliana's.
"Thank you so very much for being the best Auntie in the world. I am glad you like Juliana Auntie." Aunt Rose nods approvingly, giving me a knowing look. I can see the genuine happiness in her eyes, knowing that I have found someone who makes me happy. She has been worried about me not finding love again after I was left on my wedding day.
"What is not to like? I have always wanted to see you happy Marcus, and I can see how happy you are right now."
I feel a wave of emotions run through me at Aunt Rose's words. It means a lot to me that she approves of Juliana. I am grateful for her kind words and support. Aunt Rose has always been there for me, every time I was in trouble when I was a kid she protected me. She has never differentiated between my cousin Kennedy and me. She gave me the love I could not receive from my stepmother and made sure I was happy always.