✬ Shadows of the Past ✬

Dinner Time .9.

Recap
But as he sank onto the plush bed, the softness enveloping him like a warm embrace, he couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope flicker within him. Maybe, just maybe, this could be the fresh start he had been longing for, but he could never be too sure.

..................................

About ten minutes later, there was a soft knock at the door. The young maid entered with a warm smile.

"Mr. Callen, dinner is ready. Follow me please." she said.

Mr? Huh, thats new.

"Please, just call me Callen." I said looking at her as she beamed at me while nodding.
"Alright, Callen, come with me to the dining room." She said with a warm smile.

I nodded reluctantly, showing her a small smile which she returned. My stomach churning with a mix of hunger and anxiety. Following her down the grand staircase and through a series of hallways, I tried to steady my nerves. When we reached the dining room, I hesitated at the threshold.

My 'brothers' were already seated around a long, ornate table, and the air was thick with an awkward tension. Evander gestured for me to take the empty seat next to him. I slid into the chair, feeling their eyes boring into me.

Dinner was served, and the spread was impressive. Plates filled with various dishes that looked like they belonged in a five-star restaurant were placed before us. Everyone started eating, but I just stared at my plate. The food looked mouth watering, I could practically taste it just by looking at it, but old habits die hard. At my old house, I wasn't allowed to eat until father gave me permission.

Dominic, noticing my hesitation, leaned forward, his expression stern. "Callen, eat your food and take off your hat at the table."

My eyes widened as I realized I still had my hat on from this morning. I needed to keep it on, or questions would arise. I met his gaze, suddenly feeling defiant. "I'm not hungry, and i can do whatever I want with my hat." I muttered, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

Antonio, sitting across from me, narrowed his eyes. "You've had a long day, Callen. Eat something. That's an order. And wearing hats while eating is disrespectful. So take it off. Now."

I scoffed, feeling the heat of their combined stares. "I don't take orders from you," I snapped back.

Jethro leaned in, his tone unyielding but kind. "We're not asking, Callen. You don't have to take your hat off for today, but you need to eat."

I sighed in relief but crossed my arms, feeling more cornered than ever. "Why do you even care? You don't know me."

Lennox, who had been silently observing, finally spoke, his voice cold. "We care because you're part of this family now. And in this family, you follow the rules. Now eat."

Their strictness ignited a rebellious spark within me, but I knew I was outnumbered. Reluctantly, I picked up my fork and stabbed at the food on my plate, making more noise just because; I took a small bite, the flavors exploding on my tongue, but it did little to ease the knot in my stomach.

Evander watched me closely- hell, everyone was watching me- but his expression was unreadable. "Good. Now finish your plate."