The week passed quickly, and before Bianca knew it, the day of the Schuylers' country club garden party arrived. It wasn't just any social gathering; this was the first time Bianca would meet Ken's parents—a moment that carried far more weight than she wanted to admit. She wasn't nervous. Not nervous at all, she assured herself as she tidied her bedroom for her best friend's arrival.
Roselyn knocked sharply at the door, her usual exuberance on full display. She breezed in wearing a flowing teal gown with gold sandals, her curls bouncing with every step. A chunky necklace and oversized sunglasses completed the look, giving her an effortlessly chic vibe that made Bianca feel underdressed in her lounge clothes.
"Alright, let's see what we're working with," Roselyn declared, setting her oversized bag down on the bed. She spun toward Bianca, her hands on her hips.
Bianca sighed, wiping her hands on her jeans. "Ken said his parents want to meet me. Can you believe it? I'm just the nanny!"
Roselyn rolled her eyes, her bangles jingling. "There's nothing 'just' about you, Bianca. Besides, wouldn't you want to get to know the woman who's taking care of your grandchildren?"
Bianca hesitated, leaning against the counter. "I guess that's true… I'd better make sure I make a good impression!"
"That's why I'm here! Now, show me what you've got in that closet."
Bianca's closet wasn't exactly bursting with options. Roselyn flipped through hangers, tutting at the practical blouses and plain dresses. "Girl, you need more oomph in your wardrobe. When was the last time you bought something for yourself?"
Bianca shrugged. "I've been focused on work. The twins aren't exactly easy to keep up with."
Roselyn pulled out a long, floral sundress. The delicate pastel pattern and cinched waist gave it a touch of elegance that was perfect for a country club event.
"This one speaks to me," Roselyn announced, holding it up. "Ken's parents will love you in it. You'll totally fit in."
Bianca hesitated. "You really think so?"
"Trust me. Now go try it on."
Moments later, Bianca emerged from the bedroom, the sundress flowing around her. The soft fabric hugged her figure in just the right places, and the pastel tones brought out the warmth in her complexion.
"Stunning," Roselyn declared. "If Ken's parents don't like you, they don't deserve you."
Before Bianca could respond, there was a knock at the door.
Ken peeked his head inside, dressed in a crisp white button-down rolled to his elbows and tailored navy slacks. His brown leather loafers gleamed, and his watch caught the light as he stepped inside.
"You ready to go, Bianca?" he asked, his voice warm. Then he noticed Roselyn. "Oh, I didn't realize you had company."
"I'm Roselyn," she said, offering her hand. "Bianca's best friend. I was just helping her get ready."
Ken smiled, shaking her hand. "Nice to meet you. Thanks for lending a hand."
"It was my pleasure," Roselyn said, her tone playful as she gave Bianca a sly wink. "Good luck."
Bianca shook her head as Roselyn left, then grabbed her bag. Ken offered her a soft smile. "You look great," he said, holding the door open for her.
"Thanks," she murmured, feeling a blush creep up her neck.
The drive to the country club was smooth, the black luxury SUV gliding over the highway. Bianca sat in the backseat with the twins, Mason in khakis and a striped polo, and Jason in cargo shorts and a bright yellow t-shirt. Their energy was contagious as they pointed out landmarks and counted passing cars.
Imelda sat in the front passenger seat, her sleek black dress perfectly tailored and paired with designer heels. Her diamond earrings sparkled whenever the sunlight hit them, making her seem untouchably polished. She was engrossed in conversation with Ken, who kept his eyes on the road but responded quietly.
"Bianca, do you think they'll have fish eggs at the club again?" Mason asked, wrinkling his nose.
"Caviar, Mason," Jason corrected with a grin. "Last time, we did this experiment—"
"Let's not do any experiments today," Bianca interrupted gently, cutting him off. "It's an important day for your dad."
"But it's just Grandma and Grandpa," Mason said, pouting.
Bianca tried to focus on the boys, but Ken and Imelda's low voices drifted back to her.
"You know how my parents feel about tabloids," Ken was saying. "They're not going to be happy that our engagement leaked like that."
"I don't get what the big deal is," Imelda replied, her tone clipped. "It's not like they didn't want us to get married."
Bianca frowned, her attention split between the twins' chatter and the tense conversation in the front.
"You don't know my parents like I do," Ken said. "Image is all that matters to them."
Bianca bit her lip, feeling a pang of sympathy for Ken. Sounds like image is all that matters to Imelda too, she thought.
The conversation ended as they pulled into the country club's circular driveway. The sprawling estate was surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens, fountains bubbling in the sunlight. The grand white building gleamed, its columns giving it an air of old-world sophistication.
The boys bolted out of the car as soon as it stopped. Mason grinned. "The shrimp cocktails are all mine!"
"They can be your consolation prize after losing that thumb war so bad," Jason teased, running after him.
"Mason, no running," Imelda called, her voice sharp.
Bianca rolled her eyes as she followed, pausing when she noticed Ken lingering by the car.
"Are you coming, Ken?" she asked softly.
He waved her on. "I'll be right there. Just need a moment."
Bianca hesitated but eventually headed inside. The country club's interior was just as grand as its exterior. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, and polished marble floors reflected the soft light. Bianca climbed the staircase to the exclusive rooftop garden, her heart pounding as she emerged onto the terrace.
The view took her breath away. Rolling hills stretched into the horizon, the sun casting a golden glow over the manicured lawns below. Guests mingled under white canopies, their laughter mingling with the soft strains of a string quartet.
"Bianca!" Mason called, waving her over.
She crossed the terrace to join the twins, who stood with Ken's parents. Lilian Schuyler was a picture of refined elegance, her cream sheath dress paired with pearls and a tasteful clutch. Her husband, Jason Sr., was tall and imposing, his tailored gray suit and silver tie perfectly pressed.
"It's nice to officially meet you," Lilian said, her smile warm. "I'm Lilian, and this is my husband, Jason."
Bianca smiled politely. "It's a pleasure to meet you both."
"Hmph," Jason Sr. said, his tone gruff. "So, you're the nanny?"
Bianca stiffened but kept her expression neutral. "Yes, sir. I take care of Jason and Mason."
"Bianca is such a blessing," Imelda interjected smoothly. "She really alleviates the pressure of having to juggle work and family."
"She's more than that," Ken said as he joined them, his voice firm. "We've come to think of her as family."
Lilian smiled at her son. "Such high praise. It's clear the boys adore her."
Bianca's heart lifted at Ken's words, but the moment was fleeting. Jason Sr. changed the subject to Schuyler Enterprises, and the conversation shifted to business. Bianca tried to follow along, but Jason Sr. dismissed her attempts to engage, clearly viewing her as little more than "the help."
Tension simmered beneath the surface as Lilian tried to smooth things over. Imelda's father and brother arrived shortly after, adding another layer of drama to the gathering.
Bernard Salvador was an older man with sharp features and a perfectly tailored suit. His silver hair and neatly trimmed beard added to his air of authority.
He was as stern as he was wealthy, making him look every inch the patriarch. His son Andrew, on the other hand, was charming and playful, immediately taking an interest in Bianca.
"Don't worry, everyone. The party can start now". Andrew playfully announced.
Bianca stepped back as the others greeted the new arrivals before Ken eventually motions her forward and introduces her to Imelda's family.
"What a beautiful specimen," Andrew said with a grin, shaking her hand. "Call me Andy."
Bianca laughed nervously, aware of Ken's clenched jaw nearby.
"Why did you bring a nanny here, Imelda?" Bernard asked, his tone condescending.
"She's here to mind the children, of course," Imelda replied smoothly.
---
The rooftop garden grew quieter as a figure emerged from the staircase. Robert Schuyler strolled in with his usual swagger, dressed in a tailored gray suit paired with a pocket square that hinted at his effortless charm. His hair was tousled, as if styled to look intentionally disheveled, and he wore a confident grin that drew attention instantly.
"Well, well, I see the family reunion is in full swing," Robert announced, spreading his arms wide.
"That was my line," Andrew quipped, folding his arms in mock annoyance.
The group chuckled lightly, but the tension in the air didn't dissipate entirely.
"Robert," Ken greeted coolly, stepping forward to shake his younger brother's hand.
"Ken," Robert replied, his grin widening. Then his eyes flicked to Bianca, and his expression turned mischievous.
Robert slung an arm around her shoulders casually, drawing her closer. "So, what does everyone think of Bianca so far?"
Bianca froze, her cheeks flushing as all eyes turned to her.
"You really don't have to answer that," she said quickly, trying to step away from Robert's grip.
"Oh, come on. I'm dying to know," Robert teased, ignoring her discomfort.
Andrew smirked. "Love her. Ten out of ten. Would recommend."
Lilian chimed in with a warm smile. "I think she has a certain...elegance about her."
Jason Sr. nodded approvingly. "Not everyone can keep up with the Schuylers."
Bianca smiled faintly, unsure of how to respond.
Robert, however, wasn't finished. "Uh oh, that sounds like more adoption talk from these two! Look out, Bianca. I've heard they're in the market for a new daughter."
"Do you have to make everything awkward, Robert?" Ken interjected, his tone sharp.
"It's part of my brand," Robert shot back, unfazed.
Bianca shifted awkwardly as the conversation veered away from her, and the brothers exchanged terse remarks.
Bianca took a small step back, hoping to fade into the background. The Schuyler and Salvador's family dynamics were overwhelming—everyone seemed to have a role to play, and she wasn't sure where she fit.
She glanced at Ken, who was speaking quietly with Imelda now. His jaw was tight, and his brow furrowed. Bianca had seen that look before—he was holding something back.
Across the terrace, Bernard Salvador, Imelda's father, was engaged in a low conversation with Jason Sr. The two men stood apart from the group, their expressions serious. Lilian, ever the gracious hostess, floated between conversations, her serene smile never wavering.
Robert caught Bianca's eye and approached her. "You surviving this circus?" he asked, his tone light but sympathetic.
"Barely," Bianca admitted with a nervous laugh.
"Don't worry. The trick is to smile and nod. They eat that up." Robert leaned closer, lowering his voice. "And if things get too intense, just grab a glass of champagne. It works every time."
Bianca chuckled despite herself, grateful for the brief reprieve.