Adeline.
My car stopped at my childhood home, surrounded by familiar sights that brought back memories and happiness. I walked in and knocked on the door.
The door swung open, revealing my beautiful mother, Karen Carson. Her eyes widened for a second before I wrapped her in a warm hug.
"Hey Mama!" I exclaimed, squeezing her tight.
"Ah! Look who's here, Michael!" Mom said, hugging me back and calling out to Dad. "Our daughter's paying us a surprise visit!"
Dad stood up from the couch and approached me. "How's life, kiddo?" he asked as I hugged him.
"Life just threw me a huge surprise, Papa!" I replied.
He broke the hug and looked at me curiously. "What is it?"
Stepping back, I glanced at both of them. "I've been working on a project - that gown got chosen by Elite Fashion House! And Elena Vasquez wants to meet me!" I exclaimed, barely containing my excitement.
"I'm so happy!" I jumped up, seeing smiles on their faces.
Mama's face lit up, and she opened her arms. "Oh, Addie!" She wrapped me in a tight hug.
Dad beamed with pride. "That's incredible, kiddo!"
"Is Elena the one we see on TV?" Mama asked, looking at Papa.
I nodded.
Papa explained, "Yes, she's the founder of Elite Fashion House."
"I'll call Emily and invite her over with Ryan and the kids," I said, grabbing my phone.
"Ask them to come for dinner tonight," Mom added.
I dialed Emily's number and shared the news. "Bring your family over tonight, Emily. We're celebrating!"
Emily agreed.
•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•
As evening fell, our home filled with laughter. Emily's twin kids, Jack and Lily, played with their grandparents while Emily and I gossiped about the latest news. Ryan, her husband, chatted with Papa and Mama about his work.
I felt grateful for this warm gathering. Many families drift apart after marriage and other life changes, but ours remained close.
Emily and I sat together, sharing stories and laughter. But amidst the joy, a secret weighed on my mind. Eryx's kidnapping and false claims to his father still lingered, unseen by everyone. I hesitated to share it with Emily, fearing her blunt honesty and potential disappointment from my parents.
No one will ever know, I reassured myself.
The table beckoned, filled with everyone's favorite dishes. I took a plate and began serving myself when my phone rang. The unknown caller ID gave me pause.
"Excuse me," I said, stepping away from the lively chatter.
Outside, I answered, "Hello?"
The background noise faded as I moved further from the dinner table, my focus shifting to the mysterious caller.
"'Hey, it's Eryx!" His deep voice sent shivers down my spine. I felt a surge of questions. How did he get my number? Why was he calling?
"What's up?" I asked, trying to sound nonchalant.
"My family is expecting you for dinner tomorrow," Eryx said.
My mind racing, I hesitated. "When?"
"Tomorrow, 7 pm."
I quickly declined, my grip on the phone tightening. "Sorry, I can't come. I have an important meeting tomorrow at 7."
Eryx's response ignited my anger. "My father wants to meet you. Can't you send someone else for your meeting?"
I paced back and forth, my free hand clenched into a fist. "I can't! This meeting is crucial for me. I can't send someone else. I'm sorry!" My voice rose.
Eryx disregarded my refusal. "I'll send you the location or pick you up from your office or house. Be ready!"
I stopped pacing and spun around, my eyes blazing. "Hello! I said I can't come. You don't need to pick me up. I. Can't. Come. Can you reschedule for another day?" My words spat out, each one laced with frustration.
Eryx's tone turned stern. "This can't be postponed. You agreed to this. You can't say no."
My anger boiled over. I clenched my jaw, my breath coming in short bursts. "I never agreed to come whenever you want, wherever you want. I'll do what I want, okay? Don't order me around!" I stood tall as i waited for his response.
"Everything fine, Addie?" Emily asked, concern etched on her face. The others turned to me, curious.
I forced a bright smile, grateful the conversation was private. "Yeah... just about the meeting!"
They nodded, proud smiles spreading across their faces.
Meanwhile, Eryx's voice still lingered in my mind.
"See, I know whatever meeting you're having is important, but tomorrow's dinner is crucial for my family. Everyone will be there. If you don't come, nobody will have a good feeling about you... and it will cause trouble for me too. I'll do whatever it takes to change your meeting. Join us!"
His words, though polite, carried an undercurrent of pressure.
"I'm sorry," I said firmly, declining the call.
I reassured myself, My career turn is more important than their dinner.
Taking a deep breath, I rejoined the gathering, my smile still plastered on my face.
YOU ARE READING
Beyond The Lie
RomanceShe took a step closer, her eyes blazing with anger. "You want to know what's really unfair? It's that you're mad at me for doing what you should have done in the first place. You should have come to talk to me, should have made an effort. But no, i...
