I glanced at the clock as I paced tensely around my kitchen. I had asked James to join us for our family supper tonight. I could already feel the stress rising in my stomach, but I wanted my family to know that I was serious about him.
"Are you ready, Emma?" With a happy tone, Sophia called from the living room.
"Nearly!" I yelled back while fiddling with my outfit in the mirror. "I simply want everything to be flawless."
"Slow down! "It's just dinner," she remarked, grinning teasingly as she entered. Additionally, you have James. He'll manage your family expertly.
I bit my lip in response and said, "I hope so." "Uncle Harold, you know how he is, will be there, though."
"Yes, but you can handle this," Sophia comfortingly squeezed my shoulder. "Remember that you are in charge."
In an attempt to relax, I inhaled deeply. Alright, let's get started.
I jumped when the doorbell rang. "That's him!" I cried out and hurried to the door. When I opened it, James was standing there dressed sharply in a navy jacket.
"Hey, you!" he exclaimed, suddenly relieving my anxiety with a smile.
"Hey!" I said, "Thank you for coming," and moved to make room for him. "Hopefully you're prepared for my family."
"I'm always prepared," he winked. "Take the lead."
The aroma of roast chicken enveloped the dining room as we entered. My relatives were at the table already, engrossed in lively conversation. The anxiety in the room was palpable when I introduced James.
I tried to appear nonchalant as I added, "Everyone, this is James." "I am friends with him."
"Comrade?" Uncle Harold narrowed his eyes and echoed. "Is that the new name we're using for it?"
James held Harold's hand and said, "Nice to meet you, sir."
Harold gave a similar response, shaking his hand without releasing it. "So, James, what are you doing?"
With a firm tone, James replied, "I work in finance." "I assist clients with investment management."
"Money, huh?" Leaning back in his chair, Harold spoke. "What gives you the impression that you can manage a woman like Emma?"
My cheeks began to flush. "Uncle Harold, that's enough," I said in an attempt to diffuse the tension.
James, though, remained unfazed. He met Harold's gaze and remarked, "I think Emma can handle herself just fine." "She has extraordinary talent."
"Able to?" Harold sneered. "Shall we try to see if she can keep this family together?"
I gave Harold a fierce look, but James didn't panic. With a forceful voice, he declared, "I believe in her." "She is capable of succeeding."
Harold grinned and said, "Interesting," in response. "We'll observe the duration of that."
The tension only seemed to build as supper went on. Harold persisted in his caustic remarks, trying James's tolerance every time.
"Do you really want to add someone like him to the family, Emma?" With a sarcastic tone, Harold posed the question.
With obvious discomfort, my mother pleaded, "Harold, stop it." "James is a wonderful man."
Fantastic? Harold leaned back in his chair, smugly said, "We'll see about that."
I was both embarrassed and frustrated at the same time. "Please, could we just enjoy dinner?"
Attempting to lighten the situation, my dad answered, "Of course, darling." "So, James, what are your thoughts on the customs in our family?"
With an unflinching smile, James said, "I think they're great." "It's evident that you all value family, which is important."
Is it worth it? or simply hold onto it? Harold spoke up, mischievous gleam in his eyes. "What transpires if the family business fails?"
My heart began to rush. "Uncle Harold, that is not going to happen."
"Is it not?" With a hushed voice, he shot back. You are now the one in command. Are you truly able to manage it?
James gave me a comforting pat on the back. "Emma can manage the business more than well. She has spent her entire life getting ready for this.
"Getting ready? or simply dressing up? With a snarl, Harold was obviously relishing the confrontation.
I took James outside to the patio after supper because I needed a break from the stress inside. The stars shone brightly overhead, and the evening air felt refreshing.
"Whoa, that was intense," I remarked as I leaned on the railing. "I apologize sincerely for my uncle. He is sometimes intolerable.
James gave a quiet laugh. "There's no denying that he can make things happen."
I added, feeling both vulnerable and frustrated, "I just wish he'd give me a chance." "I'm attempting to establish my worth, but he's persistently doubting me."
James turned to face me and added, "You don't have to prove anything to him." "You are aware of your identity and abilities."
"I understand, but it can be challenging when others have doubts about me," I said, experiencing a knot in my throat. "All I want is to bring my grandfather joy."
James softened his attitude and remarked, "I get it." "Expectations from family members can be very high. Emma, yet, you're strong. You'll figure things out.
I said, "Thanks," as a sensation of warmth washed over me. "Hearing you say that helps."
James took a step forward, his eyes unwavering. "And in this, you're not by yourself. I'm available to help you.
There was a flutter in my tummy, and the world's weight momentarily lifted. "Thank you for that. It is really important to me.
With a lighthearted smile, he continued, "Let's make a pact." "We will no longer allow Uncle Harold to irritate us. Together, we will confront him.
"Acquire!" I chuckled as I spoke. "We'll work together as a team."
The door opened at that moment, and my mother yelled, "Emma! James! Return inside now!
James said, "Looks like our moment is over."
Yes, I replied, feeling both thankful and disappointed at the same time. However, I'm happy we had it.
I didn't anticipate feeling this weird connection with him as we made our way back inside. This arrangement might not be as horrible as it seems.
Uncle Harold got to his feet with a smug look on his face as soon as we stepped back into the dining room. With a confident tone, he declared, "I have an announcement to make." "I intend to take over a business, and my target is Emma's inheritance."
My heart began to sink. "What?" With a trembling voice, I exclaimed.
James looked at me and his countenance darkened. "What does that signify?"
"It implies that I will assume leadership of the family enterprise," Harold declared, beaming. "And you have no control over it."
Anger and resolve shot through me. "Uncle Harold, you can't do this!"
"Oh, yes, I can," he grinned in response. "And I shall,"
I could sense the tightness in James's shoulders as I stared at him. I realized that this was just the start and that I needed to fight back.