DAMOND CHRIS
I picked up my phone, feeling a rush of nervous energy, and called Daisy to remind her to get ready for our dinner with my parents. "I'm on my way to pick you up," I said, trying to keep my voice steady as I watched Moore pull the car around, its engine quietly humming.
"Okay, I'll be ready!" Daisy replied playfully, but there was a serious undertone in her voice. After hanging up, I felt a wave of frustration wash over me. I had just left a boring day at the office, and the excitement I had felt was quickly slipping away.
Once I got into the car, the cool leather seats embraced me, and I noticed Moore gripping the steering wheel tightly as he drove into the evening, city lights beginning to twinkle like stars around us.
DAISY JOYCE
When I learned that Damond was on his way, my heart raced. Excited and a little nervous, I dashed to my room, searching through my closet for the perfect outfit. I quickly called Aliya, my trusted makeup artist, to help me get ready for this big moment. By 6:30 PM, I was admiring my reflection in the mirror, smiling with satisfaction at how great I looked. I was finally ready and buzzing with anticipation.
Just as the clock struck 7 PM, my phone buzzed with a call from Damond. "Hello, come out," he said sharply before hanging up. I sighed in a mix of amusement and irritation. "Very charming," I murmured to myself, rolling my eyes.
"See you later!" I called out to the maids, and I took a moment to say goodbye to Aliya, who had really helped me tonight. With one last look back, I stepped outside into the cool evening air, making my way to Damond's sleek car.
As I climbed into the passenger seat, a strange tension filled the space. Damond looked serious, and there was an unusual scent in the air that made me uneasy. I leaned in slightly, searching for answers, but he cut me off with a harsh remark. "He said you want to throw yourself at me; how pathetic," he sneered, his words pricking at me like needles.
"No, I didn't—" I started to protest, but before I could finish, the car jolted to a sudden stop, sending me tumbling against him. Embarrassed, I instinctively pulled back, catching sight of dark marks on his neck. The top few buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing more skin than I was comfortable with. It dawned on me that he had a reputation as a notorious flirt.
Damond's gaze met mine, and a smirk appeared on his lips. "When are you planning to stand up?" he asked casually.
"Oh, sorry! I didn't mean to—I was just distracted," I fumbled, trying to regain my composure amidst the awkwardness.
DAMOND CHRIS
Her gaze lingered on my chest, causing me to feel strangely self-conscious as I buttoned my shirt. "Sir, we have arrived," Moore announced, pulling up to the magnificent estate. Stepping out of the car, I noticed Daisy was entranced by the grandeur of the mansion, her eyes lighting up in wonder. "Wow, this place is huge!" she exclaimed, and I managed a smile, holding onto my composure. "Take it all in, and then you can follow me inside." "Oh, I'm sorry!" she said, blushing.
DAISY JOYCE
As we approached the grand entrance of Damond's family home, the beautiful wooden doors welcomed us with intricate carvings. Stepping inside, I felt embraced by a cozy atmosphere, the hustle and bustle of the maids ensuring everything was just right. One of them, with a bright smile, announced our arrival. "Sir, madam, the second young master and his fiancée have arrived," she said cheerfully. Damond smirked, looking almost mischievous.
"Oh, my daughter-in-law has come!" Damond's mother exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she rushed toward me. She wrapped me in a warm hug that radiated kindness. "You look absolutely gorgeous!" she said, and I felt a wave of affection from her compliment. "Thank you, Mom," I replied, feeling the warmth of her sincerity.
"Come, let's sit," she urged, leading me to a cozy living room filled with comfortable furniture. As I held Damond's hand, I felt a sense of support as we made our way to the gathering area. Laughter filled the air as we chatted and prepared for dinner.
After some time, the rich aroma of food filled the room, inviting us to the beautifully set table. As we enjoyed the delicious meal, the mood shifted, and Damond's parents looked increasingly serious as they began to speak. "What about…?"
DAMOND CHRIS
As soon as my younger sister burst through the door, I knew we were in for a long visit. "Mom! Dad! I'm home!… Oh, my sister-in-law!" she announced, completely skipping over me as if I were just a piece of furniture. "Aren't you going to say hi to your brother?" Mom prompted, looking at her expectantly.
"Sorry about that, my bad brother, but guess what? I've already hired someone to plan your wedding!" she declared with excitement. I wasn't really surprised—she's always been a fan of grand gestures. However, Daisy, who was sitting next to me, looked like she had just tasted something very sour. I could sense her tension in the air.
"Calm down; we haven't even reached that part yet," my mom tried to comfort her, as if that could change the whirlwind my sister had just created. My dad, noticing the sudden shift in the atmosphere, leaned in with interest: "So, how did you two meet?" His question lingered, inviting us to navigate this unexpected turn of events.
DAISY JOYCE
"Where do you two meet?" Damond's father asked, a spark of curiosity in his eyes. Without missing a beat, I took Damond's hand and got into character. "We met at a bar," I said casually. He nodded, but I leaned in toward Damond as if I were sharing a fun secret. Suddenly, I felt a wave of nausea wash over me.
"What's wrong?" Damond's mom asked, looking worried. To my surprise, Damond quickly chimed in, "I got you, Sissy; don't worry." I was momentarily taken aback but quickly composed myself.
He led me to the restroom. "Drop the act; you're taking it too far," he said, concern etched on his face. "We nearly got caught!" "You did great; just keep it up," he reassured me, looking back at the door. I saw Damond's mother and sister glancing our way. Wrapping my arms around him, I whispered, "They're watching." Then I guided his hand to my stomach. "Danny, love, I think you're going to be a father soon."
A warm smile spread across his face, easing my anxiety. "I'll take you to see the doctor tomorrow," he said, and I nodded, feeling a mix of worry and relief wash over me. I leaned in for a soft kiss, and for a moment, he seemed surprised. But as he kissed me back, it was intense and made me feel breathless—a rush of excitement mixed with a little awkwardness, but it felt worth the risk.
As we pulled away, I looked into his eyes, trying to calm my racing heart. "Let's go; they're waiting for us," he suggested, eager to shift our attention back to the gathering. We returned to the table, easily bringing the conversation back to wedding plans, laughter surrounding us like a warm blanket.
Damond's mother spoke up, her tone a blend of warmth and practicality. "Since you have someone who loves you so much," she said, glancing between us with a knowing smile, "I think we should give you both some space before we finalize the wedding." After a pause to let her words sink in, she added, "Let's make a decision on our next visit."
Her words hung in the air, stirring a mix of excitement and uncertainty in me, leaving me to wonder what the future might bring