38

Lauren Hart
He asked me to be his date. I agreed. End of story.
I mean, why would I deny it?
But now, here I was, standing before the huge mansion- nervous as hell. My sweating palms, trembling legs, and loudly thumping heart was the proof of my missing boldness.
It was just a party for heaven’s sake-but with a bit of twist, of course; I was going to meet Sean’s family for the first time! That’s what my concern was. Numerous questions were running marathons inside my head. One and the foremost being- Will Sean’s parents like me?
“I told you to stay calm, Lauren.” Sean tangled his fingers with mine and gave a light squeeze to my hand. “I told you who my girlfriend is would not matter to them. Their opinion should not matter to you as well.”
That too. I would be left heartbroken if they ignore me. I hadn’t met any of my boyfriend’s families before and it didn’t matter then…but in the case of Sean, it matters a lot.
I didn’t reply and he knew I was not going to let the matter go as it wasn’t easy. So, he tried to tease me to divert my mind off the topic. He, in the open, grabbed my waist and traced his nose over my cheek.
“You know the straps of your gown are giving me some devilish ideas.” He whispered.
I swear I had almost surrendered to the temptation but his next statement opened my eyes.
“We can skip the party, you know?”
“And miss my chance to meet Ryan and Grandma?” I said as I pushed him lightly. “No way. Let’s go meet them.” With that, I made my way towards the entrance and within no seconds I felt a hand on my waist.
Inside the mansion, we were welcomed by the chaos of last-minute preparations. Yep, we arrived one hour early as per Sean’s mother’s request. He didn’t want to come early, but grandma’s request over the phone call made him drop his knees.
My eyes were acknowledging the beauty of the grand hall of the mansion when I heard a loud squeal.
“Oh my gosh, Lauren and Sean, you are finally here.” It was grandma who bounced towards us in utter excitement and all my worries vanished just like that. I missed her a lot. She wanted to hug me but stopped when her eyes traveled down my face. My eyes too traveled down with her and I gasped a little when I got the idea of what made her stop.
“Is this behavior professionally acceptable?” She asked as she pointed at Sean’s hand that was being rested on my lower back possessively.
I heard Sean chuckle. “I don’t know about that but right now…it’s acceptable since she’s my girlfriend.”
I blushed and his statement was enough for grandma to continue what she had halted; she squealed and hugged the life out of me. “I knew it! I knew sooner or later I’ll hear him say this. I am over the clouds right now. I have been shipping you two since day one.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at her extra sweet and lovely gesture. She then pulled away and looked at Sean. “Considering how ignorant you can be, it’s good that you did not take long to realize your feelings about her.”
“This is pure discrimination grandma. You hugged her and what did I get- a mocking statement?” Sean grumbled.
“Can’t help it ’cause she is my favorite.” Grandma shrugged coolly and Sean scowled. “Sure she is.”
A giggle escaped my throat, earning me a pointed look from Sean.
“Lauren!”
My heart and soul jumped in joy listening to Ryan’s voice. He came running to me and hugged my legs.
“Oh my god, buddy. I missed you.” Not caring about ruining my expensive gown, I bent on my knees and hugged him dearly. I fought the urge to cry. I had no idea that I missed him so damn much.
“What took you so long?” He asked as he pulled away from me a little. “Grandma told me in the morning and I had been waiting for you since then.” He frowned a little. Aww.
“I am so sorry, buddy. I had some work but I am here now.” I grinned. “We can now catch up for our lost time,” I said and planted a quick kiss on his cheek. His face began to turn pink and I held the urge to Aww loudly. He’s so cute!
“I am beginning to regret my decision right now. It’s like I am being deliberately ignored by my favorite people. Did you not miss me, Ryan?” Sean asked in disbelief.
The poor kid felt guilty and jumped onto Sean. “How can I not miss you, Uncle Sean? I was waiting for you to come and take me back with you. You promised me.” He said lowly as he looked up at Sean. Sean’s lips broke into a huge smile and he lifted Ryan in his arms and ruffled his hair.
“And I always keep my promise,” Sean replied.
Ryan gasped in surprise and grinned widely. “This means today I am going with you?”
Sean seemed alarmed for a second but he waved off whatever he was thinking; he smiled and wiggled his eyebrows. “Maybe.”
I had no idea what was stopping Sean from bringing him back to him. And though it wasn’t a complete promise still Ryan squealed in the excitement, in his arms. We were busy admiring the bouncing kid when we heard the shouting of some other kids.
Ryan stopped bouncing. “Uh, I was playing hide and seek with my friends.” He wiggled asking Sean to drop him down. When Sean landed Ryan on his feet, he sprinted towards his friends only before saying, “Don’t leave without me. I will be back, Uncle Sean.”
“Where’s mom and dad?” Sean asked and my body went stiff. It’s time I guess.
“They are in their room probably getting ready,” Grandma replied. Sean nodded his head.
“Now, Lauren, let’s catch up before -” Grandma was stopped by Sean.
“Later Grandma, I have to show her something.”
Grandma puckered her lips as she frowned. “But you have her all by yourself whenever and wherever you want. I want her just for a while.”
I internally gasped and blushed at her blunt statement.
“I know if I let her go with you, you will not give her back to me easily. So, later.” With that, Sean dragged me with him and I passed an apologetic smile to grandma.
Sean then carried me upstairs with him and pushed open the door of a random room and stepped in. Why did he bring me to a room? I gasped when I understood his dirty intentions.
“Sean!” I rebuked. “What is this behavior? Could you not hold back yourself until we go home?”
“Hold back what?” Sean looked bewildered as he turned to me. I was looking at him in utter disbelief. Then I saw his lips curving into a smirk. He pulled me inside the room and shut the door with a thud. Then he gently pushed me against the door, caging me between his hands that were now placed flat on the door. He brought his face closer to mine and smirk evilly.
“You are asking me to hold back when you are the one thinking dirty?”
I gazed into his deep blue eyes which were now shining in amusement as I tried to push myself away from him, but I had nowhere to go since I was trapped between him and the door.
“I…am not.” I stammered as I licked my dry lips. God, the effects he has on me!
“You are not?” He asked in amusement. “Then why couldn’t you see the room I bring you in? Look around and tell me…does this room look like I would do things here that you want me to do with you?”
I gulped and roamed my eyes in the entire room only to meet with walls covered with pictures of a man-a blue-eyed handsome man.
“But if you so badly want that we can go to another room.” I heard him whisper huskily in my ear but my mind was on the pictures so, I pushed him and walked past him. I observed the pictures and it drowned me that the striking blue eyes resembled someone.
“He’s your brother,” I mumbled, still not taking my eyes off the picture.
“Yes,” Sean said, standing beside me.
“He’s handsome.” It slipped off my tongue without my knowledge.
“Are you hitting on my brother?” Sean asked playfully.
“I am stating the mere truth,” I replied coolly. Honestly, I didn’t want Sean to drown in sorrow while remembering his brother.
“You love playing with fire, don’t you?” Through my peripheral vision, I saw him tilting his head to me. I smiled slowly as I turned to face him.
“Yes, I do,” I whispered, looking into his eyes and then I brushed the lapels of his suit and brought my lips to his ear. “Because I know how to reduce the burn of fire.”
I felt him stiffen at my whisper. I bit the corner of my lower lip to stop myself from grinning and left a feathery kiss on his neck. Before he could react to the sensation, I pulled away and maintained a hand distance from him. “Now, why don’t you introduce me to your brother?”
“You are absolute trouble.” He pointed out and I shrugged coolly. “And crazy too.” He muttered causing me to laugh.
We stayed in the room for almost fifteen minutes. Sean narrated stories about the times he spent with his brother. I couldn’t take my eyes off Sean while he was speaking; he was seemed full of life while speaking about his brother but he was short of stories. He could have made more memories with his brother only if their parents hadn’t detached him from the family.
We both were involved in the conversation when the door of the room burst open, making our heads snap in the direction.
There stood a woman, unknown to me. I couldn’t help but eye her head to toe. She was beautiful; she had a body of a supermodel and wore a gorgeous off-shoulder red gown. But there was something odd about her aura. I felt it. And I guess Sean felt it too as he stiffened and shouted unexpectedly, making me flinch at his harsh tone.
“What the fuck are you doing here!”
He knew her. That was for sure and he did not like her presence. Who could she be that got Sean so infuriated?
A wide smile broke on the woman’s face as she swayed her way inside. “Well, hello to you to…brother-in-law.”
Now, it was my turn to turn to freeze. She was the bitch I had been dying to give a good beating to. She was Samantha, Ryan’s mother.
I had no idea to what extent Sean was angry but I could tell that I was burning in rage.
“Who permitted you to enter the mansion!” Sean furiously marched up to her.
She exhaled air and rolled her eyes. “I know how tight security you set there but what can they do when the member of the family allowed me the entry.” She winked.
“Who are you with? Who is supporting you?” Sean roared and I rushed to him to calm him down. I grasped his hand and caressed his arm.
“Oh, girlfriend, huh?” She chuckled as she eyes my hand. “Well, congratulations. Now, please excuse me I have to see my husband; it’s been so long.” With that, she walked past us.
Sean yanked his hand out of my grasp and sprinting up to Samantha, he grabbed her hand, stopping her from inching further. My blood boiled watching the scene in front of me. The beast inside me roared to come out.
“Oh Sean, your girlfriend is watching. What will she think of us?” She innocently gazed at me. “Hey, whatever your name is… Just to tell you, I have no interest in your boyfriend but I don’t know about him.”
Sean was quick to pull back his hand and fisted it tightly and I shot glares at the bitch. I was waiting for the right moment to pounce on her.
She huffed dramatically and looked at the picture. “Believe it or not Sean, I loved Shane. And I love my son too.”
“Do not disrespect my brother by lying. I will not let you come anywhere near Ryan.” Sean’s voice boomed, making me flinch again.
“Ooo, you sound angry.” She chuckled and then crossed her arms across her chest. “But what would you do if I told you I have already introduced myself to my son.”
I gasped out loud, my eyes turning wide. Sean stiffened again. “You are lying.” He exclaimed.
She laughed evilly. “I am not. Don’t believe me? Ask him yourself.” She bobbed her head, signaling us to look behind at the door.
I looked at the door and saw a man bringing Ryan inside the room by holding his hand. The man had a wicked smirk on his lips. My eyes landed on Ryan’s confused face, his eyes held puzzlement.
“Levi?”
Sean’s voice held shock when he uttered the name. Okay, I had no idea what was going on, and I bloody did not have any idea who this ‘Levi’ man was.
“You are with her?” Sean asked in disbelief.
Levi smirked widely and leaving Ryan standing at the threshold he walked to Samantha and pecked her lips. Then he wrapped his arm around her and grinned.
“Yep, she’s my girlfriend.”
Sean Peterson
That’s it. The anger I was holding inside erupted out. I pounced on Levi and grabbed him by his collars. “You fucking bastard! She’s your cousin’s wife dammit!”
“Uncle Sean.” I instantly pushed Levi away when Ryan’s cry reached my ears. I turned and saw him crying while Lauren tried to console him. Fuck!
“God, my son!” Samantha tried to go near Ryan but I blocked her way.
“You will not go near him.” I gritted angrily.
“What’s happening here!”
My body went still when I heard a familiar voice after a very long time. Dad.
“Samantha?” It was my mother’s voice I heard. I slowly turned to face my parents and I saw my uncle, Levi’s father, and grandma standing there as well. They all had their eyes fixed on Samantha. Not their fault.
Dad stepped forward, not taking his eyes off Samantha. “What the hell are you doing here?” He gritted his teeth. I felt a bit relieved thinking that he would take the right stand.
“Uncle, she’s here with me. She is my girlfriend.” Levi said with proudness and I scoffed. As if he had done something commendable.
The room filled with shocking gasps but I remained quiet because I knew if I spoke I’d end up hurting every single person in the room. I wanted dad to take the lead.
“Your girlfriend?!” Mom screeched at Levi then she glared at Samantha. “How dare you step in this house after what you did!”
“This is still my house. You can’t question my rights to be here.” Samantha shot back.
“You do not raise your voice here.” Mom shouted and I kept clenching my hands in a fist. My patience was wearing off. I wanted that damn bitch out of the house.
“Enough everyone!” Dad’s voice boomed. “Martha calm down.” He said to mom and stepped forward, coming face to face with Levi and that bitch.
“You did a terrible mistake by stepping in this house at the wrong time.” Dad pointed his finger at her.
“Uncle, you can’t talk to my girlfriend like that.” Levi interrupted. Dad then glared at him.
“I don’t know what made you fall in the traps of this vile and manipulative woman,” Dad said menacingly. “But I am not anyone to question who you date as you are a grown-up man.”
I frowned. Why was dad being lenient on him?
“All I will say is…don’t ruin the night, Levi. This party is important to me. Don’t you dare do anything until the elections; I am warning you Levi or you will be the first victim of my wrath.”
What?!
“I won’t do such a thing, uncle. I know how important this election is for you.” Levi muttered, showing fake sincereness. Levi’s father too didn’t utter a word because he knew what power dad beholds. He wouldn’t miss a chance to step into politics by going against my dad.
“Guests are about to arrive. I don’t want any drama down there.” Dad exclaimed loudly and faced me. “I want you down there.” With that, he walked out of the room, taking mom and uncle with him.
I stood there, dumbfounded. For once in my life, I thought dad would put his family first but he proved me wrong again. His fucking reputation again won over the family. I gritted my teeth while looking into the void. I couldn’t hear any of the voices around me since my emotions were screaming inside me.
He failed again!
“Sean.” I felt a hand on my arm which brought me back to the present. Lauren’s warmth calmed me down a bit but I had a lot inside me. Dad may not have said anything to them but I would not let them play with Ryan. He was my responsibility. I had to take the matters into my hands. For the sake of my brother’s soul, for Ryan.
“Lauren, please take Grandma and Ryan out of here,” I muttered as I glared back at Samantha.
“But you-”
“Lauren, do as I said,” I stated. She looked at me in worry but she knew what was the right thing to do. She respected my words and did what I said.
Levi smirked at me as he straightened his suit. “What will you say now? I have got permission.” He wrapped his hand around Samantha’s waist.
I scoffed as I rubbed my palms over my face. I then squared my shoulders and glared at them.
“I know what games you are trying to play here. I know both of your intentions.” I chuckled menacingly and took slow steps towards them.
“You both thought you would get your hands on Ryan’s property and shares by hooking up with each other? That’s a very low blow.” I laughed mockingly.
“Sean,” Levi called out sternly and in response, he received a deathly glare from me.
“I told you not to mess with the kid, Levi.” I gritted my teeth. I then faced Samantha. “And you. You thought you would outsmart me and I wouldn’t do anything?”
I took out an envelope from my suit pocket which had some documents I wanted to show to grandma but they were meant to be seen by the rightful owner first.
“I knew you will try to do something evil. That’s why-” I grabbed her hand and slapped the envelope in her hand. “Restraining order from the court.”
“What?!” She screeched.
“You are not allowed to meet and talk to Ryan. You have done it now but if you try again you will end up in jail.” I stated, smirking.
“What nonsense is this!” She this, showing the paper to me. “No court can separate a son from mother.”
“When the mother is a freaking bitch, it can.” I shot back.
“This is all fake. You can’t bring a restraining order without filing a case.” Levi boomed. Oh, the kid was hurt! Did he think I would do nothing?
“Are you questing my powers, Levi?” I quirked an eyebrow. I laughed at their shocked face.
“You know, it wasn’t hard. I just had to gather the proof of what Samantha had been doing after leaving her six month old son to no one’s care. And a few phone calls sufficed the rest.” I smirked proudly.
“I will see how this piece of paper stops me from meeting my son.” Samantha marched out of the room and I almost ran after her but was stopped by Levi.
“Don’t you dare go after her! You have no right to separate a mother from her son.”
I yanked my hand out of his hold and grabbed his collars, pulling him to me harshly. “How could you stoop so low just for some fucking shares? You already have a lot on you, Levi.” I yelled.
“I don’t. I want everything under my control, and I will have it.” He roared while trying to get off my grip.
“Then better do it the right way or you will end up losing whatever you have right now.” I shoved him harshly. “Fucking Samantha is the most stupid thing you ever did. I don’t know what has got you blinded right now that you are trusting her with whatever lies she fed you, but trust me, you will be left with nothing. Nothing at all, if you keep playing dirty tricks for money.”
“And remember I won’t let anyone harm Ryan.” I gritted and made my way out.
I was almost running to search for Samantha as I didn’t want her to cause harm to Ryan but my search operation was halted by none other than my dad. He caught me in the corridor.
“Where are you running to, Sean? Guests have started to arrive. What will they think of us? You are supposed to welcome them with me.” He said as he grabbed me by my arm.
Gritting my teeth, I yanked my hand out of his hold.
“You take care of your reputation. I will take care of my family.”
Saying that… I walked past him.