Hailey's POV
As we pulled up to the grand estate's garage, my heart began to race with anticipation. I sat nervously in the front seat, my eyes scanning the perfectly manicured lawns and impeccably pruned hedges. My palms grew sweaty as I smoothed out non-existent wrinkles on my gown. Aiden and I sat in silence for a moment, taking deep breaths to calm our nerves.
"What will they be like?" I wondered, my mind racing with questions. "Will they like me?"
Aiden's grip on my hand tightened as we stepped out of the car. "Remember, they can be a bit... much," he whispered, his eyes scanning the facade of the house as if searching for an escape route.
We stood before the giant door, Aiden's finger hovering over the doorbell. The click of the bell seemed to echo through the air, and soon, the sound of footsteps approached from the other side of the door. My heart skipped a beat as I clutched Aiden's hand tightly.
The door swung open, revealing a beautiful woman with a warm smile. The resemblance between her and Aiden was unmistakable – she had to be his mother. Her eyes sparkled with elegance as she wrapped her arms around me, but she suddenly stepped back, her hands fluttering to my waist as she felt my baby bump.
"Darling, it's so lovely to finally meet you," she said, her voice dripping with refinement. Her eyes locked onto Aiden's, excitement radiating from her face. "Please, come in. Watch your step, dear."
As we stepped inside, I couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. What would the rest of the day bring? I wondered, already feeling like a princess with the way Mrs. Brooklyn treated me.
Minutes later, a tall, well-built man in his sixties descended the stairs, his presence commanding attention. His cold demeanor seemed to fill the air, but his eyes brightened slightly when he spotted Aiden. "Oh, son, look at you," he said, his deep voice warm with affection.
Aiden extended his hand for a handshake, but his father brushed it aside and pulled him into a warm hug. "Oh, my dear son, you made it," he said, his voice filled with emotion. Aiden's face reflected his confusion, but he returned the hug nonetheless.
As they parted, his father's gaze met mine, and a charming smile spread across his face. His hazel eyes sparkled in the sunlight, and I couldn't help but notice the striking resemblance to Aiden. I felt a twinge of nervousness but tried to compose myself.
"Ah, my dear señorita," he said, taking my hands in his. "I was beginning to think you were a fantasy, but my son here was right after all." He placed a light kiss on the back of my hand, and I couldn't help but smile.
Aiden's confused expression caught my eye, and I struggled to stifle a laugh. "It's my pleasure to finally meet you both," I said, trying to sound composed. "Aiden has been talking about you lately."
His father's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Well, I hope they were good words." He winked at me, and I felt a flutter in my chest.
Just then, the cook announced that breakfast was ready, and Aiden's mother chimed in, "Please, come, let's talk over breakfast."
We gathered around the long dinner table, with me seated beside Aiden and Mrs. Brooklyn beside her husband. The breakfast spread was impressive, with waffles, bacon, and a variety of other dishes. The cook began serving us, moving from one person to another.
"So, young lady, what's your name?" Aiden's father asked, his eyes fixed on me.
I opened my mouth to respond, but Aiden cut me off. "Hailey, Dad, that's her name," he said, placing a reassuring hand on my lap. His gentle eyes met mine, and I sensed a silent message: "I've got this."
Aiden's father's expression turned stern. "I was talking to the lady, Aiden," he barked, his voice rising.
Aiden stood his ground. "And I've just replied for her, Dad."
The tension between them was palpable, but Mrs. Brooklyn intervened, her voice calm and soothing. "Uhm... so... Hailey, how did you meet my son?"
Aiden began to respond, but I gently placed a hand on his arm, signaling that I could handle this. "We actually met at a fancy restaurant over dinner," I replied.
Mrs. Brooklyn's face lit up with a warm smile. "Oh, how lovely! And please, call me Mrs. Alora. 'Ma'am' makes me feel too old."
I smiled, feeling a slight ease in the tension. "Okay... sorry, Mrs. Alora."
Aiden's father cleared his throat, his expression still stern. "And your parents, Hailey?"
"Dad?" Aiden yelled, smacking his hands lightly on the table.
My heart sank, and a sharp pain shot through my head. I tried to compose myself, not wanting to arouse suspicion. "Uhm... they're dead, actually," I replied, my voice tight.
Mrs. Brooklyn's expression turned sympathetic. "Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry..."
I forced a smile, trying to deflect attention. "It's okay, Mrs. Alora. Please, if you'll excuse me, I need to use the restroom."
I stood up from the table, my legs trembling slightly as I made my way out of the dining room.