When Fates Entangle (The Alderidges Book 1)

Twenty: Gift

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VERENA

Asael's family was warm and friendly. Well, except for Arien, I loved how everyone looked after him and showed him affection (he looked offended by that though).

Asael seemed much more comfortable here as he smiled often and talked with his parents and cousin.

My presence didn't seem forced either, they all included me in conversations.

Asael was attentive to me as he grabbed the plate of sauteed veggies and started to serve me.

I grabbed his wrist and said in a whisper, "I don't want more."

He frowned at me. "You are hardly eating anything."

"I am not hungry." I shook my head.

He continued to serve me nevertheless, thoughtful of not putting any carrots on my plates. "I want you to finish all this." He ordered sternly.

I rolled my eyes, speaking lowly so only he could hear me, "Okay, Daddy."

The glare he directed at me could burn off an iceberg. "Behave."

"Yes, Da--"

He shoved a spoonful of rice--which he was about to eat--in my mouth, shutting me up.

Glaring at him, I chewed it.

He went back to eating making me realise that everyone was watching us amusingly which made me blush and focus back on my food.

The dinner was about to be wrapped up fifteen minutes later when a shrill voice floated inside the dining room. "A family lunch and no one even invited me?"

Everyone around the table stiffened, a scowl forming on everyone's face especially Asael who snapped his head towards the entrance.

Christina, a woman in her thirties, stood at the entrance. Her platinum blonde hair slicked back in a high ponytail, her blue eyes roamed the room as she smirked.

She was beautiful. Jealousy formed inside me, she was gorgeous and his wife, where I was...just his student.

Stop. I shouldn't be jealous. I have no right to be.

"How the fuck did you get in?" Asael seethed, voice dripping cold.

"I am the daughter-in-law of this house." She argued, looking offended.

"Remind me of one moment when you acted like the daughter-in-law of this house." Asael's father spoke up, glaring at her. "So, I suggest you leave without creating any drama."

She rolled her eyes, blatantly disrespecting him and then her eyes settled on me. "Who are you?"

Her eyes danced between Asael and me and she noticed how close I sat to Asael, a sly smile forming on her lips. "I see, you like them young now."

Asael got up so abruptly that it made me flinch. He stalked over to her while dialling a number and pressing his phone to his ear.