I was looking at my reflection in the mirror. I wore a maroon Slit shirt with a black jeans and shoes. I tied my hair in a high ponytail. I smiled at my reflection and turned to see Desmond who was leaning on the wall and observing my every move. I smiled and ask,
"How do I look?" He walked towards me and pulled off my pony so my hairs could fall on my back.
"Better." He said as he turned and left the room. I blushed and went after him. I stood beside him as we left for dinner.
"Mother! Father!"I called mother and father when we entered the house. I smiled widely as I hugged them.
"Good Evening!" I beamed at Mr and Mrs Corte too. Mrs Corte kissed mine and Desmond's forehead. Everyone began to talk. My mother and Mrs Corte went to the kitchen. We were cooking food then, Mother asked,
"When will I be a grandmother?"
"Me too!" Mrs Corte also joined in.
I turned bright red from embarrassment. He hasn't even kissed me yet, let alone to have a baby. It's not that I don't want to. I truly want to start a family with him.
"I don't think I am ready..." I said shyly. They both chuckle at me.
"Dinner's ready!" Mother called everyone. We took a seat as Sarah came to serve and announce the menu but, mother announced instead of her. I smiled at Sarah, how she used to call me 'Miss'. I smiled sadly at how I used to live; free from every dread.
"For the appetizer, we have a white bean and prosciutto bruschetta which is made by our beloved Ester.
And for the main course; Shrimp Stew and Chicken Dijon. We made it together and for the desert; Crème Brûlée. The Appetizer and the dessert are made by our Ester" Mother said proudly.
"A French course with an Italian appetizer," Father said amusingly.
"I cooked my best dish," I said proudly, doing the Italian kiss.
"Then I am eager," Desmond said with a smirk. I blushed and turned away a little.
"It's delicious~," I said in a french accent. I took a seat beside Desmond as the food was served.
"It's good." Mr Corte complimented. I flashed a smile and said, "Thank you."
"Looks like you have inherited your mother's trait," Father said, teasing mother. Mother slyly lowered her head as I laughed a little.
"What? No thanks to me?" Father said in fake sadness.
"Thank you. Mr Willows." I and Mother said at the same time. Mr Corte also complimented Mrs Corte.
It was full of chattering but Desmond was silent.
"Desmond, how's the food?"I asked him.
"It's good." I smiled as he continued to eat.
"And Ester, She fell from the balcony!" Father said, catching everyone's attention- Just Desmond's, everyone was already listening to him.
"When? How?" Desmond asked with a hint of concern.
"When she was 15. She was too kind, she tried to save an injured bird and fell." Father told.
"That's how I got my scar," I said in a low voice so only Desmond could listen. He didn't respond and began to eat again. I looked at everyone.
Mr and Mrs Corte, Mother and Father; is there only us, who didn't look like actual couples?
Desmond, who rarely shows any affection. I shouldn't complain.
At least, we are not like before. I should thank God that, We are getting better, at a slow pace but, we are. We will be like them one day. There's no need to be upset. I smiled as I quickly wiped a tear from the corner of my eye.
"Are you alright?" Desmond asked. I nodded and smiled sadly and began to eat. I looked at them with awe as the dinner continued and the dessert was served. Desmond took a bite as I asked,
" How's it?" Hoping that he may show a tiny gesture of praise for once. He simply hummed in response. Had he ever acknowledged me before, that he will now?
"Look, how our young couple is lost in their world" Mrs Corte teased. I smiled faintly as I looked away.
"They must be planning on how to surprise us on their anniversary." Mr Corte said.
"How so?" I asked.
"The good news about becoming grandparents!" Mr Corte beamed as I flushed.
"There should be lots of them!" This time, my father cheered. I felt so embarrassed meanwhile, Desmond who wasn't affected by this at all.
"There's not much time left for your anniversary anyways!" Mrs Corte said.
"Yeah. How are you guys planning to celebrate it?" Mother asked.
"By spending the day together. Just us." Desmond said, monotonously. My heart flutters with happiness. But then I realized how fake he can be in front of others. I have seen his real side, which scares me terribly. I hoped in my heart, what he said was true. Him and me. A sweet day together. I wished that our anniversary would be the start of a new beginning. A new day, filled with love and affection. Not with terror or dread.
"What a perfect plan! We also celebrate our Anniversary like that." Mrs Corte said.
"So do we." Mother said. That's right. They spend the day together, either going out or sending me out.
I smiled as the rest of the dinner went smoothly.
After dinner, we were coming back. The dinner was so good. Having a family get together once in a while is really good. It refreshes my mind.
"Didn't you tell your parents about the contract?" Desmond asked, his eyes fixed on the road.
"No. I didn't." I said looking out of the window.
"Why?"
"They choose you for me. If they knew you married me because of a contract they'll blame themselves. I don't want that. They have enough regrets, I don't want them to feel remorse anymore " I said, closing my eyes. The rest of the drive was silent as we both were lost in our own thoughts...