Happily Married To An Asshole

chapter 10: Meeting the in-law...............and him?

         

Growing up these last ten years? Absolute hell. Jasmine made sure of that. If it weren't for Aunt Maya sticking around for two years, I probably would've combusted from sheer frustration.

Graduating high school at sixteen didn't stop Jasmine from treating me like a disposable maid. Neither did earning my college degree at twenty. But at least I've spent the last year working, reclaiming the confidence she tried to shatter. I finally put her in her place—she doesn't dare treat me like a servant anymore. Now, she only has my father wrapped around her perfectly manicured, manipulative little fingers.

But here's one thing I know: If no one else is going to love me, I will love myself. And my love? It's enough.

Even if I am currently an hour late.

Well... that, and the fact that I look way too good to be in a bad mood today.

Standing in front of the mirror, I take in my reflection with a smirk. A high-waisted, sky-blue denim skirt that stops just above my knees. A sleeveless, off-white crop top. Not too revealing—the crop top covers my belly button, and the high waist makes sure my stomach stays hidden. Throw in my jean jacket and white sneakers? Chef's kiss.

Honestly, I should be arrested. Looking this good has to be illegal.
Hair flip.

I blow a kiss to my reflection, style my hair, grab my crossbody bag, and head downstairs.

The moment I step down, Jasmine turns to me in sheer horror. Her eyes practically scream How dare you look this good?

or just how dear you but....

          "What are you still doing here?" she screeches, her voice shrill enough to make my ears bleed. "You were supposed to leave an hour ago! What if they change—"

                    ************

I step out of the taxi after paying the driver, my gaze landing on the restaurant in front of me.

Fancy.

Not that I'm surprised. They have good taste.

It's not like I hate these people. I haven't even met them yet. But the whole buying and selling of people situation? Yeah. Not a fan.

I walk inside, and as expected, it's mostly empty. Except for a couple who look like they could be in their fifties. They're sitting together, mid-argument, their expressions heated but not angry-angry.

Honestly? Cute.

I hover awkwardly, unsure whether to interrupt or just stand there like a lost child.

Eventually, the man notices me.

"Oh my, you are here."

"Yes, I'm sorry for keeping you waiting"

It's okay, you're here now. Take a seat." The woman's voice is warm, her smile even warmer.

"Awwwww she's so beautiful." The woman said and her husband nodded in agreement.

I barely pull my chair out when she gasps dramatically.

"Noah, doesn't she look just like Amelia?"

I freeze.

My mother's name.

How do they know my mother?

The man, Noah, examines me like I'm some sort of rare artifact. "Of course, she does... but..." He squints. "I think she looks more like Lauren."