The Billionaire's Irresistible Enemy

Ch. 15

Luna

Wednesday nights are all about family dinner for the Stavrakos family. Everyone had to go unless one had a really good excuse.

Barry joined us for the very first time. Ever since we got engaged, they already saw him as part of the Stavrakos family. Yes, I'm super happy!

From the start, my family made it clear they didn't like Barry and told me to stop seeing him, but I didn't listen. Mom didn't hold back her dislike for him. She was too honest in saying her opinion, and that didn't feel good.

And now, everybody was fine with him. It's great they realized they misjudged Barry at first. He's such a sweetheart - honest, kindhearted, caring, and hardworking.

To be honest, I was feeling a bit pressured until Barry asked me to marry him. I'm the only one in the family who's still single. Getting married and having my happily ever after, just like my family that totally found their true love, has always been my dream.

Yeah, I have a boyfriend. But ever since Barry and I started our company, we kinda grew apart, bit by bit. We got little time to hang out because we were both busy with the business. We didn't go on as many dates as before. I even wondered if we were gonna tie the knot or just be business partners. But now, I got my question answered. After three years together, he finally proposed. My dreams are finally coming true. Being happily married and having a successful business career.

"Hi Gary! How's the weather in Dansville today?" My grandpa Gareth asked Barry when all of us gathered in the living home.

Oh no, here we go again. Grandpa Gareth and his Alzheimer's disease.

"It's Barry, sir. Not Gary. BARRY. And I'm from Maryland, not Dansville." Barry corrected him.

Grandpa Gareth smiled, "Oh yeah! I got it. Gary."

Barry pressed his lips together. I hugged him and told him to understand grandpa Gareth.

Dinner was very formal. I could feel the tension vibrating in the room.

Mom just sat there, listening and nodding. She answered monosyllables and maintained a warm, friendly expression on her face. I really hoped she was not faking it.

Grandpa Gareth was silent, eating so much like it was his last meal. As usual. It was Dad and Grandpa Kristov, who were talking to Barry.

"How's the business going on?" Dad asked, then took a sip of his wine.

"Shaky, but I guess it's always like that in business, having many difficulties, right? I'm sure you guys also experience that, being business owners yourselves." Barry let out a chuckle.

"Nope, we don't have any. We always make sure all departments are well taken care of. We're aiming for zero mishaps, failures, and losses." Grandpa Kristov said firmly.

"Yeah, sure. I have to admit, I'm a newbie in business and I still have so much to learn, you know. Since we're becoming a family, you guys will be my mentors."

"Well...of course, we will guide you. That's what family is for." Dad nodded, then looked at me.

"Great! Let's toast for that. Cheers." Barry smiled happily, lifting his glass.

The dinner got more tense and awkward as it went on. Everyone was oddly silent, completely absorbed in their meal. Then, grandpa Kristov and grandma Pia took off early for their flight the following morning and my other grandparents did the same. So, we ended up going home as well.

I was disappointed with how the dinner turned out. I expected everyone would be super nice and really welcoming. It turned out they were just being civil. But I'm not losing hope. With Barry's charming and gentle personality, eventually, they will love him.