Destined to be his Wife

Chapter 21 - The Family Dinner

"Here, take my hand and relax. Lift your chin up, you look pretty, stop fidgeting." YuZhi gently scolded TangShi as he helped her out of his black Lotus Emira. His boy toy that he rarely got to drive nowadays due to needing his blacked-out chauffer driven SUV to avoid the press. It was low and hard to slide out of when wearing heels and a satin dress, so he had to tug her up and catch her to set her upright. Being the attentive date tonight.

TangShi inhaled heavily, her nerves frayed about this dinner and tugged at her dress to make it longer, aware it was showing more leg than she was used to. It was one that Rhea picked out for her in a recent shopping outing, seeing as they were still making a point to hang out once a week for the lingering nosey reporters.

A fitted navy shift dress that clung to her curves and brought out her nice figure but was shorter than what she was comfortable with. Formal enough for a family dinner, but dressy enough for an upmarket restaurant in the late evening. Paired with killer silver heels that were slowly destroying her feet and a matching clutch bag. She was so stiff because she felt like she was on display.

Xiaosu had spent an hour on her hair and make up in case they were photographed, so she was red carpet material tonight. She felt like she was playing Barbie dress up, but YuZhi had taken one look at her and wolf whistled when he arrived at the house to collect her. For the first time he had openly complimented her without a hint of malice or untruth, and she had been blushing ever since.

YuZhi was in a black fitted roll neck under a black open suit jacket, dark grey jeans, and black boots. He was going for casual tonight, even if he should have made more effort. He looked suave and mysterious; his usually ultra-smooth sexy self that was always camera ready that came with good genes and a great face. His hair styled like always which suited his features perfectly. He had come from the gym so had ditched his work suit for something comfy as he knew tonight was going to be painful enough.

"Come on. The faster we go in there, the faster it's over. Try feeling as confident as you look. You're knockout in this dress." YuZhi had to tug her away from the car as she was reluctant to move, and he could sense her growing nerves, despite her intensified blush at his words. The past week had seen them being less conflicted with one another and developing a mutual understanding and amicable way of interacting. He was trying to not be such a jerk, be patient with her, and show her some warmth and TangShi was trying to believe it was real. Having been someone who was rarely given compliments and care growing up, she was finding it hard to trust this massive change in him.

"Linlin said she would be here. I don't see her." TangShi resisted, pulling his wrist back to stop him leading her on and shook her head when he nodded, gesturing her to move.

"We can wait for her inside. I'm sure we're first here anyway." He tried pleading, not really wanting to drag her with him when the car park was already busy with people wandering about. It was cold out, dark, and the mosquitos were already biting.

"Uh uh." TangShi caught the handle of his car with her free hand and held on, looking like a scared child who was about to put up a fight and YuZhi, despite his irritation found himself laughing at her. Amused with her cuteness, he reached up and bopped her on the end of her nose with his fingertip. TangShi recoiled, the heat of her face spreading further and tried to ignore the crazy heartbeat in her stomach and flutters he had been causing since he picked her up.

"What? You think they'll eat you in there if she's not here. Am I worthless as a protector?" Her big-eyed timid look was melting his frustration at not moving, and he rubbed the back of his head to relieve his agitation. He hated standing around in public because he knew it was a matter of time before some passing citizens would recognize him and take pictures. Not that it would be a bad thing being caught here with her, it would add to their cover story and news about tonight would leak faster.