Zayn and Rina barely brushed the topic of Finn’s request because they didn’t count it as important. While Rina thought he was only trying to get back to her because of all the wealth she had acquired already while working for Claire, Zayn thought Finn was getting on his nerves. He usually didn’t bother himself about petty things like that, but when it had something to do with Rina, he was willing to go to the ends of the earth. Some of the times, it had little to do with Rina and more to do with Zayn. It irked him when another man as much as set eyes on the woman that belonged to him, but Finn had gone as far as asking him to leave her like she was some property that could be cast around as much as the owner liked.
It made him furious so much so that Finn was already bound from coming anywhere around Rina. Zayn had gone to the cops later that day to get a restraining order for Rina and he was certain Finn had been served already. Now, they were on their way to his parents’ house for a more formal introduction. Rina was nervous, even though she’d met them once already at the launch in Hong Kong. She pressed her hands together in the car a thousand times that Zayn had to take them into his.
“You shouldn’t be nervous.” He rubbed his fingers on the back of her hands, eliciting soothe, and the free flow of blood. “You are an exceptional lady and that is exactly what my parents love.”
“Still…” she released a shaky breath. “It feels like meeting Finn’s parents all over again. I remember when that happened, I promised myself that I wouldn’t be like those who leave their marriages before they barely even start, that I would not have to do that again. But that is beside the point. It is more of the fact that I was nervous then, even when there was no reason to. It is worse now, seeing as I am getting married to the most powerful man in the country, and it is trite his parents expect only the best. Now, with all the name-calling and the…”
“Shhhh.” Zayn turned partially in the car, still holding her hands. Genuineness was etched into his features as he said, “You are the best for me, and that is all that matters. It is the narrative we have been putting forward since the engagement and we are not going to stop now. We have to make them believe that this is real, that we love each other very much. My father is very smart, and even though I hate to admit it, Nathan can be too sometimes. We need to present a very tight-knit front, so don’t doubt yourself even for a minute. Do you remember the woman who got cussed on stage and had dirt thrown at her on the day she revealed herself at a fashion show? That woman still rocked the stage back even though the whole room was screaming. Your back was square and your chin held high through it all. That is who you are, Rina Power. Never forget that. Confidence is ingrained in your being.”
The words got absorbed into her being, and Rina felt oddly calm. Usually, she was a part of a group of people that don’t easily find motivation in the words of others but herself. Perhaps, it was because it was Zayn talking. He always tended to find a way to get to her, even when no one else could.
The house came into view and Rina smiled at once. She could see where Zayn got his tastes from and it was nowhere on that property. He was a different breed of his own, not taking after anyone in his art and craft. The person Rina thought Zayn was most in tune with was Mago, as they tended to act and think alike.
The Grahams building was the typical American family mansion, with huge gates that got opened for them and a very short drive under a tarred road before pulling up in front of the building. The house was made of marbles gleaming under the moonlight, the silvery hues reflecting on them. It was a sight to behold, and Rina was hooked immediately by how modern it looked.
They alighted the car, and Zayn waited for her to walk around this time, before taking her hands in his. He squeezed lightly and threw her a wink, which sent her heart fluttering, before moving into the house. The butler was at the door in no second, welcoming them home and taking both their coats. That was the only time Zayn let go of her hands, taking them again as they walked further into the living area.
“I knew you were the one,” Zayn’s mother gushed as she walked into the room. She looked regal in her free-flowing dress and glittering earrings. Pulling Zayn into a warm hug, she stayed that way, appearing content for a few seconds before stepping out of his arms. “I can’t believe that the only time you come into this house when your father doesn’t call is to introduce the person you want to get married to. You should do better yourself.”
Zayn smiled as his mother turned her attention to Rina. “Hey, there. Come on. I need as many hugs as I can afford.” Rina, immediately put at ease, walked up to her and hugged her warmly.
“How are you doing? You look skinny. What have you been eating? Don’t tell me it’s all that modeling that’s getting you to look this way. I am going to ask the chef to pack you something extra on your way back, and I think I have to have a talk with Claire. My daughter-in-law has to eat as many calories as she wants.”
Rina laughed carefree, not sure where to start replying to Zayn’s mother, who she was really considering calling Mom at that point.
“Mom,” Zayn stepped in, gratefully. “Can you stop asking my woman a million questions and let’s go to eat already?”