Filed To Story: Returning to Her Not-So-Poor Family
“Enough, Cathy.” A refined young man spoke up. “Show some respect to your future sister-in-law.”
“Jeffrey!” Cathy sounded even more dissatisfied. “We usually start our dinner at five-thirty, and now we’re waiting until seven just for her! If she had any respect for us, she’d be here by now. Just because Romeo fancies her, she thinks she can skip the pleasantries. I don’t even see what he sees in her.”
“That’s enough.” Jeffrey gave her a reproachful look. “She has her own family dinner too. Didn’t Romeo say they’d come right after? If you’re hungry, there are appetizers on the table.”
“Who wants to eat that stuff?” Cathy pouted. “I don’t get why Grandpa and Grandma insisted on making her favorite treats. I heard tonight’s dinner menu caters to her tastes, all seafood!”
It was downright absurd! Over the top!
Even if they wanted to spoil a future granddaughter-in-law, there was no need to go to such lengths!
And why involve everyone in accommodating her?
What a joke!
As Cathy fumed, she suddenly noticed her sister Luna engrossed in a video game.
“Luna! Don’t you have an opinion on this?” Cathy couldn’t help but move closer, complaining, “My stomach is growling here. Aren’t you hungry?””Didn’t brother tell you? There are appetizers on the table.” The gaming sister replied with icy indifference, her eyes glued to her phone screen. “Go away.”
“Luna!” Cathy was not pleased. “We need to take her down a peg or two, or life will be unbearable!”
“They’re here, they’re here! Mr. Romeo and Ms. Bella have arrived!” A servant announced excitedly as she came in.
Cathy rolled her eyes at her. What’s there to be thrilled about? It was so late. Did no one value punctuality anymore?
Mirabella wasn’t even part of the McMillian family yet, and the McMillian staff was already this fond of her?
Intimidated by Cathy’s glare, the servant quickly tempered her excitement, not daring to make another peep.
“My sweet pea, there you are at last!” Shirley exclaimed as she saw Mirabella step out of the car, rushing to clasp her hand. “We’ve been looking forward to this moment forever!”
“Having you here to share dinner with us old folks fills us with such joy,” Phillip chimed in as he followed Mirabella inside, his face creased with a warm smile.
“Sorry to keep you waiting, Grandma and Grandpa. Happy New Year,” Mirabella said with a warm smile.
“Your presence is the best gift we could ask for.”
Meanwhile, Romeo, who alighted from the car as well, felt thoroughly overlooked.
He retrieved the presents the Collins family had prepared from the trunk and approached, “Grandma, Grandpa, these are from Bella’s parents, a token of their affection for you.”
“Oh, you brought so many gifts.” Phillip and Shirley were surprised to see their grandson carrying quite a few items. “You shouldn’t have.”
“Bella has some gifts for you too, we’ll give them to you after dinner.”
“You got us presents too?” Phillip was flabbergasted and touched, “You’re too thoughtful, kiddo. It’s us who should be giving you the gift, not the other way around. After dinner, we’ll give you your gift.”
“Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa.”
The old couple couldn’t hide their delight.
Just then, Jennifer, hearing of Mirabella’s arrival, dashed over, apron still on.
“My darling girl!” Jennifer embraced Mirabella tightly, overjoyed. “So glad you’ve made it! I’ve just whipped up your favorite dish, come on in, and no need to take off your shoes.””Bella’s here? Now the gang’s all here. I’ll tell them to start serving the meal!” George announced happily.
Mirabella greeted each of them in turn and as she entered, noticed some other guests in the living room.
“Let me introduce you, this is Tomas and Donna,” Romeo said, wrapping an arm around Mirabella’s waist as he introduced her gently.
“Happy New Year!” Mirabella said politely to the two elders rising from the couch.
“So you’re the girl Romeo’s fond of? You are quite beautiful, and you have an outstanding presence,”
remarked the woman, Donna, dressed in elegance and grace, her skin radiant and actions exuding the demeanor of a woman from a distinguished family.
“It’s a pleasure to have you, I’m Tomas,” said Tomas, George’s brother, whose dignified bearing commanded respect, clearly the result of years of cultivated poise and presence.
“And this is my cousin Jeffrey.”
“Hello, Bella, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Jeffrey said, his handsome and dashing appearance complemented by a noble air that seemed innate, his every action reflecting his good upbringing.
“Hello,” Mirabella greeted him with a friendly nod.
“And this is my cousin Luna.”
“Hello, Bella,” Luna greeted, her beauty serene and tranquil like an autumn lake, her features finely drawn.
“Hello,” Mirabella responded softly.”And here’s little cousin Cathy.”
Cathy was a blend of cuteness and spirit, shining like a bright pearl.
With Romeo present, Cathy still greeted Mirabella, “Hello, Bella, I’m so glad to finally meet you.”
She hadn’t expected Mirabella to be this striking in person.
Previously, Cathy had thought her sister Luna was the most beautiful person in the world, with her unique, cool beauty and noble grace.
But today, when she laid eyes on Mirabella, she realized that there was always someone out there, ready to take the crown.
Mirabella’s features were like a breath of fresh air, her ethereal beauty lit up the room, and she carried an air of sophistication that was impossible to ignore, even when she tried to tone it down.
She had a kind of beauty that seemed untouched by the mundane world, both aloof and regal.
It was no wonder Romeo was smitten. She was even more stunning than her own sister, Luna.
“Hey there,” Mirabella said, picking up on the thinly veiled hostility emanating from Cathy. Cathy was smiling, sure, but her eyes were laced with arrogance and disdain, as if Mirabella’s presence was less than welcome.
“Bella, let’s go have the feast—wait till you try my cooking!” Jennifer tugged Mirabella towards the kitchen.
Cathy tried to follow but was stopped short by Romeo’s firm grip.
“Romeo.” Cathy wobbled like a chick caught by the scruff.
“You got a problem with my fiancée?”
“No.” Cathy rushed to clarify, “She’s under your wing, Romeo, I wouldn’t dare.”
“So, you do have a problem then?”
“Romeo.” Seeing the tension, Jeffery quickly stepped in, “Cathy didn’t mean it like that. If she disrespected your girl, I’d be the first to set her straight.””Think I can’t see for myself?” Romeo’s voice was frosty as he turned to Cathy, “Did I keep you waiting? Are you upset?”
“No.” Cathy was taken aback by Romeo’s familiar coldness, “I just…”
“Romeo.” Mirabella, noticing Romeo hadn’t followed, looked back.
Romeo instantly let go, and to hide any sign of the altercation from Mirabella, he casually slung an arm around Jeffery’s shoulder. “Just gonna catch up with Jeff here, be right over.”
Mirabella nodded, sensing the weird vibes but choosing not to pry.
“Wait up, Bella!” Cathy suddenly called out, eager to join them.
Romeo, unimpressed by her quick move, commanded sharply, “Stop right there.”
His glare was clear: Did I say you could go?
Cathy was on the verge of tears. Couldn’t she just show the future sister-in-law around? Couldn’t she try to be friendly?
“I’ll deal with you after I’m done talking to Jeff. Stay here,” Romeo said, leaving Cathy fighting back tears.
“Just let them be,” Jennifer reassured Mirabella as they walked away, “The siblings don’t get to see each other that often. Don’t worry, with me here, you can make yourself at home. No need to be on edge.”
Cathy watched Mirabella disappearing into the distance, her last shred of hope extinguishing.
Romeo was daunting, and Cathy’s confidence wavered, “Romeo. just let me explain.”Ever since they were kids, Romeo had been the one to instill fear in them. He had always been the one they were afraid of.
“Come here,” Romeo’s voice was lighthearted yet commanding, causing Cathy to shrink back a little.
“My legs have gone numb, I can’t move.” she protested weakly.
“Weren’t you sprinting just moments ago?”
“Now I’m stuck.”
Seeing she wouldn’t come to him, Romeo started walking towards her.
This terrified Cathy, and with a sudden burst of energy, she sprang to her feet and dashed behind her older brother, gripping the hem of his shirt as she pleaded, “Jeffrey, save me.”
“Romeo,” Jeffrey interjected, trying to smooth things over, “Cathy’s just being silly. She was out of line earlier, I’ll have her write the house rules a hundred times and send you a snapshot.”
“Jeffrey?” Cathy’s eyes widened in disbelief. It was the New Year! Their family’s house rules were so extensive that even writing them once or twice could cramp her hand, let alone a hundred times.
She felt utterly betrayed by her own flesh and blood.