Chapter 12 The Dinner 2
BELLA
I could feel David’s eyes on me as we walked, but not a single word of praise escaped his lips. I caught his gaze a few times, only for him to look away, masking whatever he was feeling behind that cold exterior. What’s wrong with this guy? He was impossible to read.
When we arrived at his grandfather’s mansion, I was left speechless. It made David’s place look modest in comparison. I had only ever seen homes like this in movies, but here it was, grand and imposing.
David must have sensed my nerves because he leaned in close. “Relax,” he murmured. “Grandpa doesn’t bite. Mom might, though.”
I shot him a look, unsure whether he was trying to comfort me or make things worse.
“Grand-grand!” Jasper’s voice broke the tension, and before I knew it, we were inside. Jasper ran ahead, throwing his arms around his great-grandfather, who smiled warmly.
“So, you’re Bella,” Mr. Copperfield said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “I was at your wedding. How much did my grandson pay you to marry him?”
I froze, searching for a response when he stepped closer and whispered, “Just kidding. David can be a real jackass, but I’m glad he married you. And I hear my great-grandson’s finally talking? That’s all you.”
“Me?” I stammered. “I didn’t do anything.”
He chuckled. “Your presence is enough.” Then, lowering his voice, he added, “Between you and me, I never wanted my son to marry that woman Lizzy. Gold-digger, if you ask me.”
I barely had time to respond before a well-dressed woman in her fifties approached us. Her smile was warm, but there was an air of elegance about her. So, this is David’s mother.
“Nice to meet you, Bella,” she said, her gaze appraising. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Nice to meet you too, ma’am,” I replied, feeling suddenly small under her scrutiny.
As we made our way to the dining room, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was being watched. David’s eyes were on me, but so were the rest of his family’s. The scrutiny was unnerving.
“How do you do it?” David’s mother asked, her voice cutting through the silence.
“Do what?” I asked, turning to her.
“How did you convince my grandson to the point where he lets you feed him?”
I blinked, taken aback. “I… I didn’t convince him of anything. Jasper just likes me, and I adore him.”
Her eyes softened, a smile tugging at her lips. “I already like you. Welcome to the Copperfield family.” She paused, leaning in slightly. “So, when should we expect a granddaughter?”
I choked on my soup, nearly spilling it everywhere. David, ever the opportunist, smirked at my discomfort. What have I gotten myself into?