At the mansion, Amelia's nerves escalated as Elizabeth, Ryan's mother, greeted them coldly.
"Welcome, Amelia," Elizabeth said, her voice dripping with disdain.
Amelia's instincts prickled. "Thank you," she replied, trying to hide her unease.
The dinner conversation was stilted, with Elizabeth's disapproval hanging like a cloud.
As the night wore on, Amelia's anxiety grew. She excused herself, seeking refuge in the bathroom.
Elizabeth appeared, her eyes flashing with disdain.
"Amelia, you're not suitable for our family," Elizabeth spat.
Amelia stood tall, her voice firm.
"I love Ryan," Amelia replied.
Elizabeth scoffed.
"Love isn't enough," Elizabeth said.
Amelia's voice firmed.
"It's everything," Amelia said.
Ryan intervened, his voice low and commanding.
"Mother, stop," Ryan said.
Elizabeth's gaze lingered, her eyes promising retribution.
"This isn't over," Elizabeth warned.
Amelia felt a shiver run down her spine.
Ryan's arm wrapped around her, his touch reassuring.
"Let's go," Ryan said.
Together, they left the bathroom, tension lingering.
As they walked away, Amelia felt Ryan's tension.
"Ryan, I'm sorry," Amelia said.
Ryan's eyes locked onto hers.
"Don't apologize," Ryan replied.
Amelia's heart ached.
"Your mother hates me," Amelia said.
Ryan's jaw clenched.
"She doesn't understand," Ryan said.
Charles, Ryan's father, stood up.
"Ryan, we need to talk," Charles said.
Ryan's eyes narrowed.
"Now?" Ryan asked.
Charles nodded.
"Private matter," Charles replied.
Ryan's grip on Amelia's hand tightened.
"I'll be right back," Ryan said.
Amelia nodded.
As Ryan left with his father, Amelia felt uneasy.
Emma approached, her expression sympathetic.
"Amelia, I'm sorry," Emma said.
Amelia smiled.
"Thanks, Emma," Amelia replied.
Emma leaned in.
"Mother's under pressure," Emma whispered.
Amelia's curiosity piqued.
"What kind of pressure?" Amelia asked.
Emma glanced around.
"Family business," Emma replied.
Amelia's mind whirled.
Alexander joined them, his smile charming.
"Amelia, welcome to the family," Alexander said.
Amelia's instincts prickled.
Alexander's eyes hinted at more.
Ryan returned, his expression grim.
"What's wrong?" Amelia asked.
Ryan's voice low.
"Family matters," Ryan replied.
Amelia's concern deepened.
"Ryan?" Amelia pressed.
Ryan's eyes locked onto hers.
"Later," Ryan promised.
Amelia nodded.
The evening wore on, tension simmering beneath the surface as they entered their room.
"Later?" Amelia repeated, her voice laced with concern.
Ryan nodded, his eyes scanning the room.
"Let's get through tonight first," Ryan said.
Amelia nodded, her heart heavy with uncertainty.
Emma approached, her expression sympathetic.
"Amelia, would you like some fresh air?" Emma asked.
Amelia smiled gratefully.
"Yes, thank you," Amelia replied.
As they stepped outside, Alexander joined them.
"Amelia, I must say, you're quite...fascinating," Alexander said.
Amelia's instincts prickled.
"Thank you?" Amelia replied.
Alexander chuckled.
"I think you'll find our family dynamics...interesting," Alexander said.
Amelia raised an eyebrow.
"Interesting?" Amelia repeated.
Alexander leaned in.
"Let's just say, we're not like other families," Alexander whispered.
Amelia's curiosity piqued.
"What do you mean?" Amelia asked.
Alexander glanced around.
"Ryan will tell you," Alexander said. "When the time is right."
Ryan appeared, his expression stern.
"Alexander, enough," Ryan said.
Alexander smiled innocently.
"Just making conversation, brother," Alexander said.
Ryan's eyes narrowed.
"Let's go back inside," Ryan said.
As they re-entered the mansion, Amelia felt a sense of unease.
What secrets lay hidden behind Ryan's family's polished facade?
And what did Alexander mean by "not like other families"?
"Ryan?" Amelia whispered.
"Yes?" Ryan replied.
"What's going on?" Amelia asked.
Ryan's eyes locked onto hers.
"I'll tell you everything," Ryan promised. "Tonight."
Amelia nodded, her heart racing with anticipation.