Filed To Story: Returning to Her Not-So-Poor Family
“Would you dare repeat that to grandma and grandpa?” Serena retorted, biting her lip in feigned innocence, “After all, I’m their beloved granddaughter”
Romeo’s scorn deepened, “To me, you are nothing.”
“What did you say?” Serena was incredulous, staring at the man she once adored, momentarily frozen.
“It seems you’re not only lacking in brains but in hearing too.” Romeo withdrew his gaze, unwilling to waste another second on her, and walked away.
Serena stood there; it took her a while to gather her wits, her humiliation reaching its peak.
Romeo had gone too far! She was a lady, after all! How could he speak to her like that?
Didn’t he realize how awkward, how hurt she felt?
Hidden in the shadows, Eunice’s eyes narrowed as she watched the scene unfold. It was clear that Romeo had a strong dislike for Serena, and Serena seemed to harbor some special feelings for Romeo.
Could it be that her scheming heart was still at work, trying to capture Romeo’s attention?
With this thought, a flicker of displeasure crossed Eunice’s eyes.Back at the dining table.
Darren asked with a twinkle in his eye, “Romeo, you a fan of the liquid courage? I’ve picked out a few light beers for ya.”
Romeo glanced at Mirabella instinctively before answering obediently, “No, I don’t drink.”
Catching Belinda’s gaze, Darren chuckled and put the beer bottles back, “Well, I guess I’ll pass too.
Just didn’t know if you had a taste for it, so I picked out a few. Good on ya, lad. Staying sober’s a fine habit.”
Swallowing, he looked longingly at the bottles. He’d been hoping for a cheeky pint.
Belinda knew he was itching for a drink but deliberately ignored it, smiling warmly at Romeo, “This is your first time over for dinner, We weren’t sure what you like. If there’s anything on the table that’s not to your taste, just say the word and I won’t have it made next time.”
“He’s not fussy at all. Eats everything,” Mirabella chimed in quickly.
Romeo looked at Mirabella with an adoring gaze, “Bella’s right. I’m not picky at all.”
“You’re such a catch.” Belinda said as she got up to serve him more food, “Dig in, then. These dishes are the family favorites.”
“Thanks, Grandma Belinda.”
After serving Romeo, Belinda turned to Mirabella, “Here you go, Bella. Eat up. You work so hard and I can’t really share your burdens, but I hope this meal makes life feel a bit brighter, even if just for a moment.”
Mirabella softened, “Thank you, Grandma.””Don’t mention it, sweetie.”
“This soup’s killer, really hits the spot.” Darren also stood up, ladling some for Romeo and then for Mirabella.
“Romeo, it’s your first time here. Make yourself at home. Whatever you want to eat or drink, don’t hold back.” Bard clapped him on the back genially, “After we eat, I’d love to have a good chat with you.”
“You’re putting the boy on the spot. He’ll lose his appetite.” Eunice laughed as she served Romeo some more food, “Don’t mind him. He just wants to get to know you better.”
Feeling their warmth and seeing them continually filling his plate, Romeo replied gratefully, “Thank you, Uncle Bard, Aunt Eunice.”
Serena watched as the family fussed over Romeo and Mirabella, and felt she was a fifth wheel, utterly invisible.
“So, Romeo, are you focusing more on domestic or international growth these days?” Bard asked with a grin, “I hear you came to Dawnstar just for Bella.”
“Both fronts are moving at the same pace, but it’s mainly about Bella. Wherever she is, that’s where I’ll be.”
The family exchanged knowing smiles and teased, “Ohhh,” as Mirabella shot Romeo a look that said, ‘Can you stop?’
But Romeo just smiled at her indulgently.
“Bella’s parents wanted to come by today, but I told them we’re planning to head to Reflections Villa with the grandparents for the celebration. It’ll be a grand time, and you should join us.”Upon Bard sent the invitation, Eunice interjected, “Romeo has his own family to be with. I heard his grandparents have just got back on their feet, and his parents are back in the country. Let him fulfill his family duties first. He can join us any time.”
“Or he could have dinner twice on that day – one with his family and then with us! He’s practically one of us anyway. We’d love to have him over.”
As soon as Darren said this, everyone burst into laughter.
“Pop, you’re gonna stuff the poor boy before he’s even your grandson-in-law,” Eunice laughed as she ladled Darren some soup.
Darren looked hopefully at Romeo, thinking how much livelier that day would be with him there.
Romeo chuckled, “Actually, my parents also invited Bella over for dinner. Haven’t asked her yet, but if Bella’s up for it, we can come here first, then head over there.”
“No, no, no, we’ll prioritize your side first, visit you guys, and then you’re welcome to come over to ours,” Belinda said, not minding the order of things.
“I’m just thrilled that Bella is willing to come home with me. Of course, we’ll do whatever Bella prefers.
We’ll have dinner at here first and then maybe grab a bite with my family.” As Romeo spoke, he glanced at Mirabella, “Is that okay?”
Mirabella wanted to object, thinking, ‘Have I even got a say in this anymore?’
All eyes were eagerly fixed on Mirabella, as if her nod was the only thing they were waiting for.
“Sure.”
Hearing her agreement, everyone was elated, especially Darren, “I’ll have Kenneth and Louisa nail down the menu right away, and not to forget, the entertainment – it all needs to be planned in advance.”
Just imagining the lively bustle of the day made him brim with joy, his eyes twinkling with anticipation.
Mirabella was rather surprised – there was entertainment on the New Year?
Eunice, aware that this was Mirabella’s first New Year’s at home, gently explained, “Every New Year’s Eve, both families put together some entertainment to make the night more festive and heartwarming.
It’s even grander than Christmas, especially since it’s your first year back, we might have a few surprises in store for you.”
“If you spill the beans now, Bella won’t be surprised when the time comes.” Belinda chuckled. “We’ll have to keep our preparations under wraps.”
“In the past, your parents would organize a family trip during the holidays. Sometimes, if your uncle was too busy or your grandparents had already visited the destination, they wouldn’t join, but I wonderif they have any plans this year.”
As soon as Bard finished speaking, Eunice served him some food and added with a smile, “I think we should suggest that this year you get your work done early so the whole family can take a trip together with Bella. It’d be great if Romeo could join too. It’s Bella’s first New Year’s back, so it should be something special.”
Looking at Serena, she inquired, “You wouldn’t mind, would you?”
“Of course not.” Serena forced a smile, feigning understanding, “I’ve had so many New Year’s with the family and all their love. It’s only fair that my sister gets to experience it fully this time.”
“Then we’ll make it as spectacular as possible for our Bella, who we’ve finally gotten back. Can’t let her feel slighted,” Eunice said, offering more food to Mirabella.
Serena nearly choked on her irritation.
As the meal concluded, Bard casually slung an arm around Romeo’s shoulder, admiring the house while engaging in small talk.
Darren and Belinda pulled Mirabella aside for a private chat in the living room.
“Romeo seems like a solid guy.” Darren mused, “The way he looks at you is all adoration and indulgence. He must be quite smitten to have that kind of sparkle in his eyes.” Darren always thought those love-struck gazes were almost too sweet.
Romeo’s affection for her was evident, unguarded and heartfelt.
Belinda nodded in agreement, “Did you notice? With every question we asked him, even something as simple as whether he drinks, he looks to you for your reaction. One glance from you, and he wouldn’tdare take a sip. It’s not about not daring to make his wife angry; it’s genuinely caring about your feelings.”
“He’s not my husband yet,” Mirabella pointed out.
“It’s just a matter of time.” Belinda said, full of praise for Romeo, “Just look at him, young, successful, polite, and his every move reflects the upbringing of a well-to-do family. It’s hard not to like him. You can find such a life partner, and I’m truly delighted for you.”
“Yes, Romeo is quite the catch. Everything about him pleases me to no end,” Darren couldn’t hide his fondness for Romeo.
Hidden in the shadows, Serena’s face changed due to exasperation.
After a while, Belinda glanced at the clock and said to Mirabella, “What’s the deal with your uncle?
Why’s he hogging Romeo for such a long chat? It’s already nine o’clock. Bella, go find them, tell your uncle that grandma needs him.”
Darren couldn’t help but chime in with a complaint, “Romeo’s here for Bella, and after dinner, they ought to have a walk and talk together. Your uncle’s monopolizing him – don’t scare the guy off on his first visit.”
“Yeah, hurry up. You young people should be together. What’s he doing hanging around so long for?”
Belinda nudged Mirabella towards the garden to find them.
Bard and Romeo were hitting it off splendidly, and if it wasn’t for Mirabella’s arrival, Bard might not have realized he’d been hogging Romeo’s time.
“You guys chat.” Bard said with a chuckle, making space for them.
Once her uncle had left, Mirabella asked, “What’s been keeping you so entertained?”
“The wedding,” Romeo said affectionately. “your uncle wants to come to our wedding; he said he’d give us a hefty gift.”
Mirabella was taken aback that they’d discussed something so far in the future.
Romeo reached for her hand, “I’ve got a few buddies around here who want to meet you. Are you free?”
“You have friends?” Mirabella was surprised. In the half year they’d been together, she didn’t realize a man of few words like Romeo had friends.Noticing her surprise, Romeo smiled indulgently, “Just a couple of old chums. It doesn’t really matter if you meet them, but I want them to see that I’ve got such a wonderful fiancée.”
He gently stroked her cheek, which was soft and smooth.