Chapter 62 Unwanted Guest
Rowan looked bewildered by Amanda's response. He stuttered, "Wait, what? I just poured my heart out to you, and you're saying no?"
Amanda frowned at his reaction. "Rowan, you see, this is exactly why I hesitated in telling you things and even expect less from you. You can be so clueless sometimes."
Rowan's expression shifted from confusion to a mix of frustration and helplessness. "Okay, Amanda, I'm not following. What's going on?"
Amanda decided to tease him a bit. "You know, Rowan, I was waiting for you to ask me out properly like a real romantic hero. What you just did was more like a heartfelt confession, not a proper proposal."
Rowan's face turned a shade of red. "Oh, come on, Amanda. Do I have to spell it out? You know already"
Amanda gave him a disapproving look. Rowan sighed. "Fine. Will you be my girlfriend?"
"If this is the way you are going to ask me to be your girlfriend then my answer is no." Amanda responded sharply.
Rowan chuckled, realizing that Amanda was testing his romantic prowess. "Alright, Amanda, you asked for it and you will get exactly what you asked for."
Amanda's eyes lit up with anticipation. "I'll be waiting, Rowan."
Silence took over the atmosphere. The silence was already getting awkward when Rowan's phone rang almost immediately, bailing them out.
"Hey mom, why are you calling this late?' Rowan asked when he picked up the call, surprised.
"I'm sorry about that but you would be mad if I don't" Madam Xi responded.
"Okay. What is going on? Or should I say what have you done?" Rowan asked.
"Nothing that you would approve of." She responded. "Mom?" Rowan exclaimed softly. "But it is not bad" His mother quickly added.
"Just say it alright," Rowan said. It sounded like a yell and Amanda's eyes widened.
"Okay, don't yell at me. I think I might have made plans with your dad to visit you tomorrow."
"Mom!" Rowan exclaimed again. "I thought we talked about this."
"And that is exactly why I am informing you. I should be in my husband's arms right now sleeping but I am here taking permission."
Rowan wanted to react but when he saw Amanda's face, he composed himself.
"No problem, mom. I will make arrangements for your visit." He responded, calmly.
"Now you are acting like my son." Madam Xi answered. "So, how is my wife?' She asked. " And the baby too of course."
"She is doing fine."
"Good. Extend my greetings. I will see her tomorrow." She didn't wait for more response from Rowan. "Sweet dreams darling." She said before dropping the call without hesitation.
The next day evening arrived and a beautifully set dinner table was ready for Rowan's parents. Amanda had put extra effort into creating an inviting and warm atmosphere.
"Is this good? Are they going to like it?" Amanda asked Rowan for validation. She was anxious.
Rowan placed his hands on her shoulder. "You have done great, am impressed already and trust me, that is what matters the most."
There was a knock on the door. "There they are," he said, smiling. "But why are they ringing the bell?" Rowan mumbled under his breath.
Thinking it was his parents, he opened the door with a smile, ready to greet them warmly. His smile quickly disappeared when he saw the person at the door. "Wilson?"
"Yes, brother," Wilson said, smiling. He spread his arms widely so that Rowan could hug him. "Aren't you happy to see me?"
"Of course I am. I was just not expecting you." Rowan responded.
"Well, how can I miss a family dinner at my brother's house? That's absurd." Wilson replied.
"Right. Mom invited you. Its alright." Rowan said before he turned to Mabel. "And you are?"
"My bad," Wilson said almost immediately. "Meet..Ma.." 'Alison" Mabel interjected. Wilson was confused by the name she mentioned but had no time to show it with Rowan opening the door wider so they could come in.
"Hey, Amanda, hope you don't mind my unannounced presence?" Wilson asked immediately they got inside.
Amanda froze. She felt a mixture of anger and fear. She looked at Rowan whose eyes were fixed on her. She had better not make a scene. "It is okay, there is always room for one more." She responded.
"Two, actually." Wilson pointed to Mabel who was initially standing behind Wilson. Mabel had indeed changed her appearance to the point where she was unrecognizable.
However, despite the makeover, Amanda still recognized Mabel. She was immediately confused. She wanted to talk but she didn't find the right words to say.
Wilson quickly chimed in. "Meet my girlfriend." He was going to say Mabel again but Mabel quickly interrupted. "Alison. It's a pleasure meeting you."
Amanda's feet suddenly became heavy from the shock and confusion. She took a few steps away from them and then responded.
"Can I see you for a moment." She said, turning to Rowan. "Sure." Rowan responded but as they turned to leave, Rowan's parents came in.
"Hello, house owners." Madam Xi screamed announcing their presence.
"Hey mom," Rowan said. He gave Amanda a glance that means whatever they had to talk about could wait.
"You are welcome," Amanda said politely, trying to shake off the shock.
"Come on, don't tell me that is the way you would greet your mother-in-law." Madam Xi said, extending her arms for a hug.
"Mom, Dad," Wilson said, welcoming them.
"See who decided to honor my invitation." Madam Xi exclaimed when she saw Wilson. "And who is this young woman?" She added, staring at Mabel.
"My girlfriend," Wilson said and before he could say further, Mabel added. "Alison. " oh yeah, Alison." Wilson said, acting along.
"You have a girlfriend? Splendid." Madam Xi said, walking closer to Mabel.
"And I think I know you," she said.
Everybody's attention turned to the two. "Or do you think I don't?" Madam Xi asked again. Her eyes searched Mabel's.
"Mom, you don't. There is no way you do." Wilson protested.
"I don't think so. Let her prove me otherwise." She said further. "Do I know you?"