Rachel's POV
I stared at the mirror admiring my dress. After turning my closet upside down, I decided on a beautiful evening dress that hugged all my curves.
The dress was a deep red color that made my skin look radiant. I had also done my hair and makeup, making sure I looked perfect for tonight's dinner with Darius's family.
I had made up my mind to act along even if it meant marrying Darius. After pondering on Darius's words early today at the office.
And then Diana's words alongside Jasmine's.
I was going to make it look so real and believable, but the rules were clean... not to ever get involved; we were only together in the eyes of the public.
I had loved Andrew so much more than he did, and that is why he took that for granted. If only he was aware of the sacrifices I've made.
But tonight, I was going to show him that I was better off without him. I was going to show him that I was strong and confident and that I didn't need him to make me happy.
"You look beautiful. I am glad you decided to do the right thing," Diana remarks, snapping me out of my daze.
I shrugged, picking up my clutch.
"How long have you been standing there?" I asked instead, trying to change the topic.
She chuckled, "You shouldn't be worried about that. Darius is downstairs waiting for you." She announced.
I nod, marching to the door where she stood, my steps slow and calculated.
She held my arm, "Rach! You can do this; trust me. Andrew isn't worth it anymore. I wish I could come with you tonight; I bet his reaction would—"
I growled, cutting her off; she laughed.
"Alright, get going. When you get back, you'll fill me in on everything," she says.
I nod before walking off.
As I walked to the living room, I could feel my heart beating fast. I was nervous, but I was also scared. I was scared to mess things up and let Andrew and Victoria get to me.
I walked into the living room, and Darius looked up at me. He was sitting on the couch, looking handsome in his suit. He smiled at me, and I could feel my heart skip a beat.
"You look beautiful," he said, standing up.
I smiled, feeling a sense of pride. "Thank you," I said.
Darius walked over to me and took my hand. "Shall we go?" he asked.
I nodded, and we walked out of the house together.
The drive there was short and silent with no words exchanged. I decided to mentally prepare for what I had to face at the Smithsons' house, my mind unsettled.
I could do this!
I really hope I do not miss this.
"Hey!" Darius snapped, holding onto my hand.
My heart skipped, sending shivers crawling down my skin at the contact.
I turned my gaze to him. "Relax," he says, and I gulped a numb nod.
He stared at me momentarily as though he was trying to figure something out before nodding and muttering, "We're here."
I turned around, my eyes sighting our location. I was too lost to notice our arrival, scared mostly to have their claws at me.
I mean, I was together with my ex-husband's uncle.
I stepped out of the alongside Darius. He was by my side, his hand resting on my back as we walked to the entrance of the house.
My heart rate escalated as we marched, my lips suddenly running dry.
Darius pulled me to him, his hand firmly gripping me. I looked up at him, and he gave me the look, that made my legs wobbly.
How could he be this attractive at his age? If I am being honest, he doesn't look much his age.
"Darius," his grandma acknowledged, spreading her hands open to accommodate him.
He let go of me, his warmth disappearing.
The rest of the family members turned their attention back to us upon hearing our arrival.
My blood ran cold as they came in contact with Andrew's look of disgust. His jawline hardened.
"Welcome back to the family, Rachel." His grandma says, but there was something in her tone that didn't sit well with me.
Almost like it sounded venomous, or was I overthinking it?
Certainly not; my instincts were always right.
"I see Rachel choose to leech off the Smithsons," Andrew's mum mocked.
Darius's jawline hardened. "With all due respect, I will not have you disrespect my fiancée Margret," he warns, returning to my side and enclasping our hands together.
The place suddenly went silent.
"Let's proceed to having dinner now that everyone is here." Grandma cuts off the tension.
I could feel the daggers Andrew sent my way, but I chose to remain oblivious; tonight wasn't about him, and I wasn't going to let him get to me, certainly.
While we were eating, conversations went on while I was being isolated. They pretended as though I didn't exist, and although it was bothering…
"Rachel"
I looked up at Grandma, who called out to me.
"Yes?"
"What work do you do?" She asked, taking a spoon from her plate.
My lips part to respond, but Andrew beats me to it.
"Apart from being a gold digger, what else?" he accused.
"Watch it!" Darius warned.
"Seriously, Uncle? Going after my ex-wife?" Andrew broke in annoyance.
"Ex," he paused, emphasizing the word, "It's like you said. She doesn't belong to you anymore. I don't see how that should bother you. Darius mocked.
"She's only using you, Uncle. Rachel will never be the woman you want for yourself, a low-budget wife… Seriously? I believe you could do better. Don't make the mistake I made," Andrew insulted, his words piercing through me like an arrow shot at it.
Darius trapped my hand from under the table, rubbing circles to calm me down; tears were already beginning to cloud my vision as I tried to fight them back.
Before Darius could respond, Grandma interfered, knowing it wouldn't end well.
"Darius, now that you found yourself a wife, I don't think the wedding should wait much longer," she starts.
Darius's stare tore from his nephew and back to his grandma. "Yes, we're working on it," he responds.
"Good, your wedding will take place in two weeks."