“Just a normal dinner. Just inviting the family over to the newlyweds’ house,” Andreas paused for a moment and shifted his sitting position slightly for added comfort. When he felt more comfortable, he continued, “We should have thrown a party, as is the family tradition. Unfortunately, that would have been too much trouble. So, I hope a family dinner will suffice.”
Bryan put down the newspaper he had been reading and gave Andreas a very clear and disapproving look. He did not welcome Andreas’ arrival. It was not just because Bryan knew that every time Andreas showed up, it would lead to trouble, or at least unpleasantness. Unfortunately, this was not the case for Amanda and Vian, who felt quite the opposite.
“It’s going to be a lovely dinner,” Andreas turned to Amanda. “I’m sure of it. Just think about it. We haven’t sat at the same table for a long time.”
“You’re right, Andreas,” Vian agreed, narrowing his eyes and smiling slightly. “I can’t even remember the last time we ate together.”
“Wow! I didn’t expect you all to be so enthusiastic,” Andreas quipped.
Vian’s smile widened. “Of course. After all, this is my first dinner with Vlora. We haven’t had a chance to talk much. You two got married too fast.”
Andreas had guessed it from the beginning. Vian took a special interest in Vlora. No wonder Vian was more enthusiastic than the others.
“Who did you invite?”
Finally, what Andreas had been waiting for happened. Bryan spoke up and even asked a question.
“Of course, our immediate family without exception. Dad, Mom and Vian. And then…”
Andreas’ voice changed. The expression on his face changed as well.
“… not forgetting Jonas and Mama Lydia.”
There was a moment of silence. This time it was not only Andreas’ expression that changed, but also Amanda’s, Vian’s and Bryan’s.
But of course, there was a difference. While Andreas looked happy with a hint of amusement, the others did not. Instead, their faces looked tense.
Perhaps this family dinner would not be as pleasant as Amanda and Vian had imagined. Andreas obviously had his own thoughts about the category of immediate family dinner.
“You.”
“I know this is going to be uncomfortable, but…”
Andreas let out a long sigh. He looked at each member of his family before turning to Bryan.
“… isn’t it only fair that I invite Jonas and Mama Lydia as well? Besides, I think, directly or not, Mama has already accepted Mama Lydia’s presence.”
Now it was not only Bryan who was surprised by Andreas’ words, but also Amanda. She remained silent, fully aware of Andreas’ intention. Her son was clearly mocking her.
There was not a woman in the world who would want to sit with her husband’s mistress. Dinner together? No, Amanda could not bear it.
Amid the tension that pervaded the morning atmosphere, Vian openly swallowed his saliva. He looked alternately at Bryan and Amanda. His parents’ reactions were exactly what he had expected.
“You went too far, Reas.”
Bryan tried to suppress her emotions. It was too early to start the day with an outburst of anger.
“Must you do this? Why have you invited Jonas and Lydia?” Bryan asked.
Andreas chuckled while he raised both hands, adopting the posture of a villain giving in to the pressure of the police.
“Wow! Don’t be so suspicious of your own son, Dad. I’m doing this out of respect for you and your beautiful mistress. I’m not an ungrateful child who doesn’t acknowledge my stepmother. I just want to honor her.”
Andreas’ words brought a bead of sweat to Amanda’s forehead. She tried to remain calm, but her fingers trembled on the dining table.
“Reas, you-”
“Ah! You can’t wait, can you?” Andreas interrupted Amanda. “Haven’t you met Mama Lydia face to face all this time?”
That’s what happened. Ever since the rumors of the affair had spread, Amanda had taken a stance: she would pretend not to know. It was the typical attitude of most women who hide behind the shield of “maybe he will change one day”. That was Amanda. She lived her days believing that no matter how much Bryan loved Lydia, she was still the rightful wife.
Amanda supported herself. Her position was irreplaceable. She believed that one day Bryan would return to her. That he would end his affair. Unfortunately, it was only a distant mirage.
Days became months and years passed. The elusive mirage that Amanda had clung to had become a recurring nightmare.
Bryan spent more and more time with Lydia. More and more of his attention and affection went to his mistress. Lydia had truly captured Bryan’s heart and mind. As a result, Amanda had to steel herself when they made love and Bryan whispered Lydia’s name.
But the die was cast. Amanda persevered. She continued to play the role of a respectable lady, even though it became more painful with each passing day.
Amanda could feel it. Everyone who met her looked at her with similar expressions. They pitied her. So why didn’t Andreas feel sorry for her? Did Andreas have to go so far?
“You shouldn’t do that.”
Actually, Andreas had thought that Bryan wouldn’t be the only one to oppose his idea. But he had not expected Amanda to express her disapproval so clearly, especially when her body language showed fear and sadness.
Andreas held his breath, trying to calm the uproar that was beginning to surface. He calmed himself.
“If Mom and Dad don’t want to come, it’s okay. Vlora and I understand. Oh, by the way, for Mom and Dad’s information, I’ve also invited Nana.”
It was not only Jonas and Lydia, but Andreas also mentioned Ningsih. No wonder Bryan could not hold back her anger.
This miserable child. What was he really up to?
A crooked smile appeared on Andreas’ face. His eyes were now fixed on Bryan’s clenched fist. He wondered if Bryan had ever thought about hitting him the whole time.
“Calm down, Dad. I’m not planning anything,” Andreas said as if he knew what was going through Bryan’s mind. “It’s just a normal dinner. Like I said, we haven’t had a family dinner for a long time. We should get closer as a family. Who knows, maybe my marriage will put an end to the turmoil we’ve been having.”
There was no reaction to Andreas’ words. Both Bryan and Amanda remained silent.
Andreas turned to his younger brother. “It seems that only Vian here is enthusiastic.”
“I-I think it’s a good idea. I haven’t had dinner with Nana for a long time.”
“Well, you’ll have to be careful. Nana will surely want to talk about your arranged marriage.”
Andreas was indeed an expert at breaking the mood. Just look how he wiped the smile off Vian’s face.
“Andreas.”
Andreas resisted the urge to laugh at Vian’s fear. He knew that the subject of an arranged marriage was very sensitive for his younger brother. Especially since Vian was already married. Sooner or later, discussions about arranged marriages would become part of Vian’s daily life.
I’m really good at this.
So good at it that no one said a word. The atmosphere was now completely silent, and Andreas decided to get up.
“From here I’ll go directly to Mama Lydia’s house.”
Bryan stared. “Andreas.”
His forbidding gesture meant nothing to Andreas. He looked nonchalant as he waved at Bryan.
“See you Saturday night, Dad. I’m off.”
*