Novel Drama
Under one roof
(ARIELLE'S POV)
My first reaction when Margaux broke the news to me was that of disbelief. I sat frozen in the lounge chair, my widened eyes fixed on her as she delivered the news.
"I'm sorry, but my Dad has extended a dinner invitation to the Langleys and their visitors," she announced; her face was a picture of anger and frustration, one that conveyed her disapproval of her father's decision.
"Why would he do that?" I blurted, finally regaining myself from the shock I was initially thrown into. I felt a flutter in my chest as I tried to process the information with a much clearer head. What could Matt possibly hope to achieve by inviting the Langleys and their visitors, which I knew consisted of Jared and his mother, and Sofia and her mother?noveldrama
"I honestly don't know why," Margaux said in an exasperated tone. Poor girl, I could tell how hard it was on her to have her father crash an event she painstakingly co-planned.
Besides pained, she was also infuriated as she kept apologizing to me, Ashley, and Dwayne. "I'm so, so sorry, guys. I had no idea he was planning this," she said, shaking her head. "I feel like I'm always apologizing for his behavior."
At this point, despite my own feelings, I knew I had to ease the tension and reassure her that it was not her fault. Taking a deep breath, I forced a smile, one that I hoped served its purpose. "It's okay, Margaux. I want you to know that I'm happy to have the chance to be in such a beautiful Yacht. And who knows, maybe dinner will be fun." I said the last words as a joke, an attempt to lighten the atmosphere.
Dwayne, who was lounging on the couch beside me, feigned a sigh. "If I'd known this was how things would go, then I would have insisted on my plan. You all would have been sightseeing in Africa with me," he said with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
Ashley, on the other hand, was busy checking her phone, but instantly looked up, rolling her eyes at his words. "No, thanks. I have zero interest in Lions that eat people and Elephants that trample people to death."
I chuckled at their exchange, feeling a wave of relief. Whatever else was happening didn't matter, all that was that I could relax with my friends. We had a way of making each other happy, even in tense situations.
But at the same time, I couldn't completely get rid of the thoughts about dinner. Sharing the same space for who knows how long didn't sit well, but I knew I didn't have a say. I just have to stay clear of any appearance of trouble, Sofia in particular. With her display at my office the last time, I didn't know what to expect from her. But by the heavens, I hope she had the decency not to cause a scene amid all those people.
For her sake...and everyone else's.
*****
I had never been surrounded by so many people in my life-my family, my friends, now Jared, his family, his fiance's family, and well, Sofia and her mother. The sheer number of people was overwhelming, and even though I thought I could handle it earlier, I couldn't help but feel a little nervous.
The guests had arrived a few minutes ago, and we were all seated at the yacht's large dining table. And to serve the occasion, it was elegantly decorated. The table was set with fine china, crystal glasses, and crisp, white linens. Varieties of foods were laid out on the table, including juicy lobsters, succulent shrimps, grilled fish, roasted chicken, fluffy rice and an assortment of mouthwatering desserts and exotic wines. It could pass for a banquet instead of a dibber, and the aroma of the dishes wafting through complimented the atmosphere. Pleasantries were exchanged, and the Langleys thanked the Harrisons for inviting them. "Thank you so much for having us. Your yacht is stunning. I've never seen anything like it," Mrs Langley said with a warm smile. One could tell she was happy to be here. Mr Harrison and his wife merely nodded with a polite smile that barely got to their eyes. I could tell that, like Margaux, they probably were not informed about the invitation their son extended to the Langleys and were only playing along.
Matt, on the other hand, played the perfect host with a huge smile plastered on his face. "The pleasure is all ours," he said, adjusting his seat at the head of the table. "Please, let's eat and be merry."
As everyone began to serve
themselves, I tried not to look in the direction of Jared and Tiana. It was hard, especially with how cozy they looked, and Tiana leaning in now and then to whisper silent words in Jared's ears. I could feel a pang of jealousy, but I quickly pushed it aside, feeling guilty for feeling that way. I had no right to feel that way.
For Sofia, she sat silently beside her mother, looking disinterested, like she would rather be somewhere else other than at the table. Her eyes were fixed on her plate, and she barely looked up to acknowledge anyone. I was totally fine with that and hoped nothing would go wrong until dinner was over.
As we dined, the table seemed complete with everyone except Maverick. He had suddenly felt sleepy amidst preparation for dinner, and I let him be. But right now, I was happy about that because I didn't know what his reaction would be if he saw his Daddy all loved up with another woman.
"Focus, Arielle," I chide myself, realizing I have inadvertently allowed my thoughts to trail to Jared and Tiana again.
"Good evening, everyone," Matt suddenly said, his voice drawing me out of my thoughts. His voice was loud and clear, and it commanded attention.
I sat up in my chair then, grateful for the distraction as I braced myself for whatever he had to say. If I was being honest, then I had to admit that I didn't take a liking to him, with
how bossy he acted around, like h
was the owner of the yacht and not his parents. He seemed to want to call the shots, and his aging parents could do little or nothing about it.
"Once again, I want to say welcome to your humble abode," Matt continued, his voice booming at every corner of the room. "I hope you're all enjoying the food and drinks..." "Mommy," a faint, sleepy voice suddenly called from behind, and Matt paused as everyone swirled around in the direction of the voice.
Standing at the entrance of the room was Maverick, rubbing his eyes, his hair disheveled from sleep. His sleepy eyes seemed to scan the room, and for a moment, he looked lost.
I winced, realizing he must have
risen from his sleep not too long ago. Subtly beckoned him, but he seemed not to be looking at me. His gaze wandered around the table, taking in the faces, until they landed on fared. And before I could act further, his eyes widened in delight and recognition as he broke out in a run in Jared's direction, shouting "Daddy!"
The room fell silent, with all eyes on him. The sound of clinking silverware ceased, replaced by an uncomfortable silence. But before Maverick got to him, Jared shot me a silent plea.
With his fake engagement to Tiana, Jared and I had earlier agreed that showing too much affection wasn't ideal.
His eyes held a silent message, more like he was hoping I would understand and keep Maverick off. I sighed and nodded, trying to convey my understanding.
"Dwayne," I whispered urgently. And before I could say the words, he seemed to have caught the drift because he swooped in, just before Maverick got to Jared, picking him up in his arms.
Maverick was startled and tried to fight him off, but Dwayne held him still gently, whispering words I couldn't make out in his ears.
He seemed upset for a moment, his face scrunched up in disappointment like one whose plan was botched. But he finally nodded, relaxing, after Dwayne kept murmuring in his ears, words I suspected to be promises.
I inwardly heaved a sigh of relief, glad that the situation had been salvaged. But when I looked at the Langleys, they exchanged suspicious glances, casting Jared one...