CHAPTER 40 THE MANSION
I can feel Alex’s warm breath against my neck, his gentle snores filling the air, and his lips brushing softly against my collarbone. He must have dozed off during the drive. With three hours left to reach Alex’s family dinner, I was content to be by his side. I had promised myself we would get to London before three in the morning.
His hand rests on my hips, and I can’t help but chuckle at how adorable he looks. Should I introduce myself to his family as his girlfriend or simply a friend? Would his mother approve of me? What about his aunts, whom he describes as annoying-would they live up to his expectations? Would they judge him for dating someone younger than them? My mind races with questions, and I let out a sigh to ease the tension.
“Would you like something to drink, miss?” the driver inquires from the front seat.
“No, thank you,” I reply softly, and he gives a nod.
Suddenly, Alex stirs, burying his face deeper into my neck and wrapping his arms around me, prompting another laugh from me.
“We’re about thirty minutes from arrival,” the driver informs, to which I silently express my gratitude.
I gently run my hands up Alex’s arm. “Alex,” I whisper, noticing he remains unaffected. “Wake up, or you’ll arrive looking like you just rolled out of bed.”
“Just five more minutes,” he pleads like a sleepy child, making me laugh again.
As predicted, he dozes off for a few more minutes, finally waking up with a kiss on my neck.
“Good morning,” he smiles, his sleepy face making me grin.
“Did you sleep well?” I ask, and he nods.
“Like a baby,” he assures me, but then adds, “I haven’t slept well in a while.”
“Why’s that?” I ask, frowning at his answer, and he merely shrugs.
“You’re beautiful,” he suddenly says, catching me off guard. I laugh, loving the sweet compliment. Even on days I feel less than perfect, his kind words lift my spirits. He warns me that his mother’s friends can be quite pretentious, advising me to prepare myself. But we’re already here, so there’s no backing out now.
When the car halts, Alex helps me out, and I murmur a thank you, taking in the grand sight of the house.
“It’s… amazing,” I breathe, admiring the elegant entrance.
Alex smiles at my reaction, and I feel a surge of comfort as he takes my hand. Together, we walk inside, and my heart races at the thought of meeting his family.
Upon entering, I sense that a few people glance our way, though I don’t feel their scrutiny directed at me.
“Would you like a drink?” Alex asks, but I shake my head, and he acknowledges my decision.
I notice his expression growing more serious and perhaps even angry with each passing moment.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, lightly rubbing his arm. He meets my gaze but shakes his head in response.
“Alex?” a woman in her fifties calls, causing him to tense up as she pulls him into a tight hug. I attempt to release his hand to let him reciprocate the gesture, but he only grips it tighter, offering her a half-hearted pat on the back instead of embracing her.
“I haven’t seen you in so long!” she cries as she steps back, while Alex maintains an unreadable demeanor, drawing me closer.
“Oh, hello, gorgeous,” she greets, and I manage a small smile in reply. “I’m Lena, Alex’s mother.” I raise my eyebrows in surprise.
“Nice to meet you, ma’am,” I say, planting a light kiss on her cheek, and she beams.
“I’m Nina, I’m…” I begin, but Alex cuts in.
“She’s my girlfriend,” he declares, and I instantly feel Lena’s surprise and confusion.
“Alex, you never mentioned that… It’s been so long since I saw you,” she exclaims, scanning me with curiosity.
I shift awkwardly under her gaze while Alex, who senses my discomfort, inches closer to me.
“You’re so beautiful,” he compliments again, causing me to blush.
“Thank you,” Lena chuckles nervously, glancing over at her son. “We’ve missed you so much,” she whispers, trying to reach for his hand. Alex simply pulls away, his expression serious.
“It’s noticeable,” he replies lightly, which leads to Lena looking away, a hint of sadness in her eyes, before she offers a small smile towards me.
“Please, have a seat,” she invites, and I thank her as we make our way to an empty table.
As we sit, many guests greet Alex, but he responds with a coolness that seems to be familiar to them, leaving me perplexed.
It felt like Alex transformed into a distant, sullen version of himself. Once we settle at a table, I study him for a moment.
“Daddy,” I whisper, catching his attention, yet his tension doesn’t ease.
“Can I get you something to drink?” he asks, and I shake my head again.
His jaw remains clenched, never relaxing.
“Bring me a bottle of whiskey,” he tells the passing waiter, making me frown.
“I want sex,” I say, raising my eyebrows, and he looks taken aback.
“I’m sorry,” he murmurs, kissing my hand. I roll my eyes. “I haven’t attended a family dinner in over five years, and I’m feeling really uncomfortable,” he admits.
“Why? They’re your family,” I respond, confused. He shrugs, making me ponder for a moment. “Five years?” I echo.
“Didn’t you realize?” he laughs, and I shake my head in disbelief.
After a few moments, the waiter brings a full bottle of whiskey and a glass of ice for Alex.
He starts drinking immediately. “Did I mention you look incredible in that dress?” he says, causing a rush of warmth to rise in my cheeks.
“Shit,” I murmur, thinking about his earlier suggestion that if the whiskey doesn’t kick in soon, he might take me to a room and… well, I bite my lip.
“Why are you so cold towards your mother?” I question. He looks at me, disbelief painted on his face as he lifts the glass to his lips.
“Lena?” I clarify, and he nods, returning his glass to the table, but he remains silent, lost in thought.
“Alex,” I call softly. He gulps down his drink and then exhales deeply.
“Baby, I don’t mean to be rude,” he mumbles, and as I start to stand, I say, “I’m headed to the bathroom.” Where is it?
“Over there,” he points, and I roll my eyes, walking away in frustration.
In the bathroom, I check myself in the mirror. My outfit is still intact, and my makeup is in place. I fix my hair and apply some lipstick.
“Thanks for bringing him,” I suddenly hear Lena’s voice. I turn to see her enter with a small smile. “It’s been years since I’ve heard from him, and seeing him walk through that door made me so happy,” she smiles. “But how did you manage that? I know being his girlfriend gives you some power, but Alex wouldn’t let anyone dictate to him,” she laughs, and I frown slightly.
“Ma’am, I’m not sure what you’re referring to,” I reply, and she sighs.
“Actually, Alex and I are just dating,” I confess quietly, and she blinks in surprise.
“Don’t you have anything more formal?” she asks, and I shake my head.
“How long has it been?” she inquires.
“About five months,” I reply honestly, not wanting to mislead Alex’s mother.
“Oh honey, don’t tease me like that,” she laughs, and I smile hesitantly.
“Ma’am… Call me Lena,” she insists, and I nod in agreement.
“Lena, I’m telling you the truth,” I reassure her with a chuckle. “He was the one who asked me to join him,” I say, noticing a glint of surprise in her eyes.
“It’s been over four years since he came with another girl,” she says softly. I nod, understanding.
“Did you feel jealous?” she asks, but I shake my head. Alex is twenty-five and undeniably attractive; I know he’s had experiences with other women.
“Excuse me, I need to get back to Alex,” I murmur, and she nods.
“Can I ask you a last favor?” she requests, and I agree. “Please take care of him,” she whispers.
I swallow hard and nod, leaving the bathroom, then walk to where I left Alex.
I find him halfway through the whiskey bottle, his expression still serious. I sit down and shift my chair closer to him.