First person's Point of view
The weekend had finally arrived, and Monica's introduction was scheduled at Gael's family residence. Monica's parents, Mr and Mrs Tomas, accompanied her to the event. Despite Mrs Emily's reservation, she had no choice but to pretend to be civil.
As they drove to the destination, Mrs Stephen, Gael's mom, welcomed them warmly and led them to the family dinner. The atmosphere was tense, with Monica's parents and Gael's family present. Mrs Stephen attempted to break the ice by mentioning the wedding date, but Mrs Emily interjected, her tone laced with malice.
" Do you know that our daughter here is adopted?" Mrs Emily announced, her eyes gleaming with spite.
Mrs Stephen's expression remained calm. " And so, what is Monica's fault? What does that have to do with the wedding?".
Mrs Emily continued, her voice dipping with venom.
" If everyone thought like this, it would have been good. She was also married, and her husband had to divorce her because she couldn't.... perform her duties. We sent her to the best college, but she still copies other people's paintings."
Monica's eyes widened in shock, and she felt a sugar of fear. Gael, sensing her distress, held her hand reassuringly.
Mrs Stephen's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with the thought of how Mrs Emily's comments were aimed at ruining the wedding. Mrs Emily continued to taunt Monica, questioning her qualifications to be a part of their family.
Monica, however, remained composed and smiled sweetly. " Mother, you are right. I am inadequate, not good enough. But for occasion I bought a gift." She revealed a painting which suprised her mother.
Mrs Stephen's eyes raised with recognition. " I think I have seen this painting before."
Monica explained, "I copied a painting by the famous artist, Edward Bior. My mother does some charity work, creating exact copies of famous artwork for public places or welfare centers, where people can appreciate artwork without visiting museums or gallaries.
Mrs Emily's eyes flashed with anger, but Monica remained calm, handling the painting for Mrs Stephen, who was delighted.
As the evening progressed, the wedding date was finalized and Monica's parents returned home. Mr Tomas confronted his wife about her behavior, asking if she was proud of trying to ruin her daughter's introduction. Mrs Emily defended herself, pointing out that Gael's mother was also being superior. Mr Tomas counseled his wife to prioritize their daughter's happiness and the welfare of their family, reminding her that Gael's family was large and might feel superior at times. As they arrived home, Mrs Emily encountered Mia, who was dressed to go out. Mia inquired about the meeting and Mrs Emily snapped "it was a disaster thanks to your father and Monica." Mia's eyes rolled and left the house, ignoring her mother's attempt to provoke her.
The evening tension was simmering between Monica's parents and Gael's family.
Mia called Miguel, and they decided to meet at a bar to grab a drink. As they sat down, Miguel turned to Mia and said "I know why you are acting this way Mia, it is because of Gael, isn't it?" Mia smiled sadly and replied "you know me too well, Miguel."
Miguel promised Mia that he would talk to Monica about her concern, but shook her head, "It is not going to make a difference Miguel. The marriage is right on track," Miguel asked Monica was, Mia replied that she was either at her hotel or Gael's house.
At the Delfin mansion, Sara visited her aunt, Mrs Stephen. As they sat in the living room, Sara asked her aunt why she seemed so moody. Mrs Stephen replied "I was just thinking of the family of the girl Gael wants to marry". Sara asked her aunt what she thought about them and Mrs Stephen hesitated before speaking.
"Well, Sara, they seem... interesting. Monica's mom is certainly a piece of work. Sara giggled and said, "That is an understatement! She's like the evil version of Cinderella's stepmom." Mrs Stephen chuckled and said yes, something like that. But I feel sorry for Monica. She seems like a sweet girl and her family is challenging."
She nodded in agreement. Yeah, but Gael is crazy about her, and she seems okay despite her mom's antics. Mrs Stephen signed and said, I know they put down their daughter in front of us to be adopted. Isn't that child abuse? They probably have been treating her like that since childhood. Do you think they even fed her well? Isn't that why she is so skinny?"
Sara smiled and said "Aunt, it seems Monica has stolen your heart?" Mrs Stephen replied," stolen what, I just feel pity for her. Sara said we could sit there and talk about her all day, but Gael didn't seem to care. He's crazy about her."
Just then, Fredo walked in and joined the conversation. " Hey Sara, what's going on?" Sara filled in on the family introduction and Fredo listened intently, "yeah I can see why you are concerned". He said, but Gael knows what he's doing, and I think Monica seems nice despite her family weirdness".
Mrs Stephen smiled and said "well, we'll just have to wait and see how it all plays out, won't we?" The conversation continued with Sara and Fredo chatting about their jobs and their thoughts about the family introduction. Mrs Stephen listened intently, her expression thoughtful.
As the evening drew to a close, Miguel and Mia parted ways, each lost in their thoughts about the situation. At Gael's house, Sara and Fredo continued to chat with Mrs Stephen, who couldn't help but feel a sense of unease about the future.
The fate of Gael and Monica's relationship remains uncertain, as the families navigate their complicated emotions and loyalists.
The night wore on, with each person lost on their own in thought about the upcoming marriage. Would Gael and Monica's support for each other be enough to overcome their family's differences? Only time will tell.
Miguel walked into Gael's office, looking determined" Boss, we need to talk. Gael looked up from his desk, curious, "what's up Miguel?" You've been working with me for years, and you have always done your job so well, so why the long face?" Miguel took a deep breath " it is
About Monica, you're lust for her is clouding your judgment. You are my boss, and your family's company is yours. It is not right."
Gael leaned back in his chair, a smile spreading across his face. "I think you are misunderstanding the situation, Monica and I are in love. We're getting married soon."
Miguel's eyes widened in disbelief. " You can't be serious, Gael, you are using your position of power to manipulate and take her away from me. She doesn't really want to marry you."
Gael chuckled, "Oh that is what you think, but she does want to marry me and even if she doesn't want to I don't care. I'm so in love with her that I'd do anything to make her happy, even if it means being used as you put it."
Miguel's face turned red with anger, "you are not thinking clearly. You are letting your emotions cloud your judgment. Monica is upset right now, and she doesn't know what she wants."
Gael leaned forward, his eyes glinting with identity, "I know Monica, Miguel. And I know that she wants me, she has made her decision and nothing you say will ever change that."
Miguel's words cut into his throat as Gael's gaze seemed to bore into his soul. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Gael is his boss, and he has always respected him, but now he seems like a different person altogether.
" I... I can't believe you are doing this, Boss Gael."
Gael smiled, and his eyes glinted with amazement. Believe it, Miguel, I am so in love with Monica that I would do anything to make her happy. Even if it means ripping out your tongue so you can't speak her name again.
Miguel's eyes widened in shock as Gael's words hung in the air, a threat and a promise all at once.
He knew that he had to get out of there before things escalated further.
In the cooking class, the aroma of delicious dishes fills the air as students work on their respective recipes. Monica, Gael's fiancée and Mrs Stephen Gael's mother were sorted at a table busy preparing their culinary creations.
Monica was meticulously dressing a cake, her focus evident in her concentrated expression. Mrs Stephen, observing Monica's skillful hands, couldn't help but feel a pang of administration. She had known Monica to be talented, but this was impressive. Meanwhile, their teacher, Mrs Melissa, circulated around the room, inspecting everyone's dishes and offering words of encouragement.
As Mrs Melissa approached Monica's table, she couldn't help but notice the exquisite cake, ", wow, this is stunning Monica, she exclaimed," your presentation is impeccable. Monica beamed with pride, her smile lighting up the room.
Mrs Melissa inquired about Monica's passion for cooking. And Monica revealed that it served as a therapeutic escape from her thoughts. " When I am cooking, I have nothing else to think about." She said, her eyes sparkling, Mrs Melissa nodded understanding, recognizing the similarity to Monica's love for painting.
As the conversation continued, Mrs Stephen watched Monica with a mix of emotion. She had hope to reconnect with her future daughter-in-law, but Monica seemed oblique to her presence. Feeling a bit of hurt, Mrs Stephen decided to intervene, offering constructive feedback on Monica's cake. " Cut off the burned part and add some sugar." She suggested her tone lower.
Monica's response surprised her. With a warm smile, Monica thanked her, addressing her as "mother". The term, though simple, held significant weight and knowledge of their future relationship and hinted at a possible reconciliation. Mrs Stephen's heart swelled with hope, and she smiled back, her eyes shinning with unshed tears.