Chapter 30: Dinner with the devils

As it got darker, Michael came into the bedroom, rolling his sleeves up and loosening his tie. His eyes looked tired, but his tone was casual.

“Let’s sleep,” he said, sitting at the edge of the bed. “Tomorrow, we’re discussing the wedding details with cousin and her parents, so you need your beauty sleep.”

I smiled faintly and nodded. He gave me a brief look, then turned off the light. The room fell into stillness, broken only by the hum of the air vent and the faint chirp of crickets outside. I stayed still until I heard his steady breathing.

Morning arrived gray and heavy. The house smelled of polished wood and coffee from downstairs. I heard the housekeeper speaking softly, followed by the sound of a car engine in the driveway.

By noon, laughter drifted through the hall, Nancy’s sharp, unmistakable voice carried like nails on glass.

“Sean’s looking for you like a lost puppy, by the way. Everyone’s talking about it.”

Michael’s voice came from the foyer. “Nancy, enough.”

She turned toward him, feigning innocence. “What? I’m just making conversation.” Then her eyes landed on me. “You. Stay away from my man. You won’t have another chance to snatch him again.”

Her father, a tall man with thinning gray hair, raised his hand. “Nancy, we didn’t come here for this. Sit down.”

They all gathered in the lounge and Michael gestured for me to sit beside him.

“Whatever you want for the wedding, I’ll provide,” he said, resting a hand on my knee.

“I want to get married on the ocean cliff,” I replied evenly. “It’s beautiful there.”

He smiled, nodding. “Done.”

“And,” I added carefully, “I don’t want security at the wedding.”

The smile faded from his face. His expression sharpened. “Why?”

I kept my tone calm. “We’re in the middle of nowhere. How could I possibly run away?”

Nancy shot to her feet. “You liar! You’re planning something!” She stormed toward me and grabbed my hair.

I stood up, grabbed hers right back, and we struggled for a second, our hands tangled.

“Stop it, both of you!” her mother snapped, rushing forward.

“Mom!” Nancy shouted, glaring at me. “Just look at her! Those foxy eyes that seduce men. ”

Her mother looked at me with quiet disdain. “Don’t worry, dear. Once she marries your cousin, she’ll be at our mercy.”

Michael slammed his hand on the table. “Never. You won’t bully my fiancée.”

Her mother smiled thinly. “Oh, Michael. They’re girls. They are Just playing around.”

Nancy adjusted her hair, smirking. Her father cleared his throat, his tone low and final.

“The wedding will be tomorrow.”

I turned to Michael. “Tomorrow? That’s too soon.”

He looked at me with a faint smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Don’t even think about him.”

I nodded, silent.

The maid appeared in the doorway. “Dinner is ready, sir.”

Michael gestured toward the dining room. “Let’s eat.”

We walked into the dining hall and Michael pulled out a chair for me. The chandelier flickered once before steadying.

Nancy’s mother sat across from me, whispering something to her husband and Nancy sat beside her, arms crossed and her eyes darting toward me every few seconds.

Michael poured wine into her parents’ glasses. “To family,” he said, raising his own.

I lifted my glass slightly but didn’t drink.

The meal started with silence. Forks scraping against porcelain. The faint hum of conversation about decor, colors, and guests.

“I was thinking,” Nancy’s mother said suddenly, “it would be best to keep the ceremony private. No outsiders. No unnecessary attention.”

Michael nodded. “That’s fine.”

“And,” Nancy added, “no phones. No pictures. Some people like to leak things to the press.”

Michael glanced at her, annoyed. “Nancy.”

She shrugged. “Just saying.”

The maid came around to refill glasses. I caught a glimpse of her hand trembling slightly as she poured.

Nancy leaned toward me, her voice low. “You know, for someone marrying into this family, you look nervous.”

Her mother chuckled. “It’s probably excitement.”

Michael’s jaw tightened. “Mother.”

The woman raised her eyebrows. “I was joking, darling.”

The rest of dinner was heavy. Nancy’s father dominated most of the conversation, boasting about the family’s status, their businesses, their connections. Nancy's eyes never left me.

When the meal ended, Nancy’s father wiped his mouth and stood. “We’ll be here early in the morning.”

Nancy rose too, flashing me a cold smile. “Don’t bother fixing your hair too much,” she whispered. “You won’t need it where you’re going.”

Michael’s voice turned sharp. “Nancy, out.”

She smirked. “You’ll thank me later.”

Her parents followed her toward the front door. Her mother turned before leaving. “Goodnight, dear. Tomorrow will be unforgettable.”

When the door closed, the room fell silent. Michael’s hand found mine.

“Get some rest,” he said softly. “Tomorrow’s important.”

He stood, brushing his thumb across my knuckles. “Don’t worry about them. They talk too much.”

He went upstairs, and I followed quietly behind. The house felt too still. The staff moved silently, clearing the table, whispering in corners.

Michael changed into his sleepwear and got into bed.

He reached for my hand and i forced a small smile.He leaned in, his lips just brushing mine, and instinctively, I pushed him away. His hands cupped my face, holding me steady, and he looked deep into my eyes. “You’re beautiful,” he whispered, and before I could react, he kissed me, soft, unexpected and insistent. As he pulled back, his gaze met mine again, and a slow, teasing smile curved his lips. Inside, I was a storm of anger and disgust, but I forced a small, careful smile, unwilling to provoke him further.

He fell asleep quickly after. I jusy stared at the ceiling, every muscle in my body stiff. The silence outside the estate was thick, broken only by the occasional rustle of wind brushing the trees.i wonder what Sean is doing right now and Is he thinking of me too? I miss the sound of his voice. Just imagining him laughing or calling my name makes my chest tighten, a mix of longing and warmth I can’t shake.