Swapped Love | ✓

■ Dinner party II

I had met Jared's aunts, uncles, grandparents and was yet to meet more. It had been almost an hour since I had seen Jared, yet I was not feeling uncomfortable. Quite contrary, I was enjoying and laughing a lot.

The best part was I liked them all. They were warm and kind to me as I met them and didn't seem to judge me. They never spoke rudely or gave off the vibes of arrogant people. Everybody chatted and gave me equal attention. Hailey spoke most of the time and I listened but she was a darling. She was not a vain rich spoilt girl who gossiped 24*7. She was an intelligent smart girl who had just started her own business and we clicked. I also met Kyle, Ross, Levi and Elliot and spoke to them before Hailey again pulled me away.

Kyle even asked about Naomi. He looked sad when I said she wasn't gonna come. There might be a story cooking, but that was for later.

I realized this time that the truly rich people were actually nice. They were intimidating, no doubt about that but were otherwise very hospitable. The ones who were just a strata below were the people who showed off. Jared's family had been nothing but nice to me.

"And now, one of the most important persons in my life, my boyfriend soon to be fiancée, Mark," Hailey said and I saw her eyes litting up as she spoke about him.

She took us to a group of men who were chatting and laughing at a corner.

"Mark," She tapped on a guy's shoulder. He turned to face us.

He had a very sharp face, very tall with really sexy glasses. He looked like these people around me but was more intelligent than anyone of us here, I could make out. Somehow, I felt I would look like this in the future.

"Hailey," He kissed her swiftly before turning towards me. I could see she was melting as she blushed and faced me.

"Mark, this is Alice, baby bro's girl-I mean friend. Alice, my future husband," She introduced.

"Hello Alice," He extended his hand.

"Hello Mark," I shook his hand.

"So, you are Jared's friend. I have never seen you before," He smiled.

"We just met a month ago," I said politely.

"Oh. Well, its a pleasure having you here. Please enjoy," He said.

"She will if she is with me," Jared came towards us, looking clearly pissed off now.

"Ah! There is my angry baby bro," Hailey smirked.

"Are you guys done? Can I please take Alice now?" He sighed.

"Ohh, if you guys are having sex, then its your bedroom not mine," Hailey said, "I know you are jealous because I get the view of the garden from the bedroom."

We turned beet red while Mark chuckled.

"Yeah? At least we don't forget to lock the door," Jared retorted, giving a shiver of disgust at some bad memory.

And now Hailey and Mark turned red. I felt I should not prod any further.

"Jerk. We thought the house was empty. Didn't expect you to come poking your nose," Hailey glared at Jared.

"God! What did you see in her? I wonder how will you bear with her after marriage. My condolences to you, Mark," Jared said and pulled me away before Hailey could open her mouth.

"Seriously, that was embarrassing," I giggled.

"Tell me about it. You are my friend and I haven't got a chance to speak to you all night. This is irritating," Jared scoffed.

"Your family is really cool. All of them. Modern and free minded. I like them," I grinned.

"Well of course. You should be prepared for your future in laws," He teased.

"Jared, sweet innocent mode. Not flirty mode," I warned.

"Mark is really intelligent. He did his graduation from Oxford. Masters from Harvard. He works in his own business now. Mum always sites him as an example to me, you know. He is the textbook version of what every parent wants from their child," He scoffed.

"You don't like him?"

"No. I like him. He cannot be a better match for my sister. We get along well, in fact and he talks to me as an equal, not like I am a child. It's the comparison I don't like and its not even his fault. Everyone here is so posh and well educated. Everyone expects me to do great in life. I am one of the youngest here. All my cousins are doing so great. It's too much pressure. That's why when I am with you or my friends, I am so happy. I feel no stress. There is no pressure for me to be like someone."

I gulped and patted his shoulder, "You will do great in life. Don't worry. I have faith in you."

"My friends also have so many expectations. They are also like us. We bond well. You, though, you are so simple and down to earth. No hassles and pressure. I like spending time with you. You make me wanna be myself. I don't have to worry about how to conduct myself or behave in a certain manner. Even though my parents are quite liberal, there are rules to follow and stuff to do."

"Like?"

"Since I am going to be eighteen soon, I will have to be presented in front of the media more. I have to learn the correct words with correct stress, not to let myself get into rumors or scandals. My parents didn't let our personal lives into the forefront well. I have been kept guarded but once I study and get into business, I will be exposed a lot," He explained.

"We will remain friends then, right?" I gulped.

He turned and chuckled, "Of course. I am not letting you go anywhere. There are some bonds which are thicker than blood and you Alice Marshall, you are one of them."

My heart stopped for a second and I wondered if there were any hidden meanings behind those words. He looked so much at peace and frankly, quite relaxed. I doubt he realised how much of an effect he had on me. I might act oblivious to his feelings but he had no idea how seriously I took his words to heart.

"Are you alright?" I asked, feeling worried about him, "I am here for you, you know."

He laughed, "Yes. Come on. One last person left. My cousin. They shifted here few weeks ago. He is one year older to us. You will love him too. Then, I have you all to me."

He led us to a guy standing at a corner and fidgeting with his phone with his back facing us. As we approached him, I swear I had a gut feeling that I knew him even looking from the backside.

"Dude," He tapped on his shoulder before I could realize who he was.

The guy put his phone down and turned.

Fuck.

Shit.

Oh no.

The world froze again.

"Alice, meet my cousin, Trevor. Trevor, meet Alice, my friend."