"Allow me to introduce my wife, Evelyn." The dining room buzzed with whispers and murmurs, the atmosphere thick with a mixture of anticipation and scrutiny.
Evelyn shot a glance at her husband. It was her moment to stand and greet them, but she hesitated, tethered by his earlier warning.
As he extended his hand towards her, she grasped it tightly and rose to her feet. The intensity of her family's gazes felt like daggers, and she could feel her heart racing. "Hello, I'm Evelyn…" she managed to say, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions swirling within her. "Daniel." A relative interjected, finishing her introduction, and Evelyn felt an unfamiliar wave of pride wash over her. The relative innocent beauty was evident, yet there was an unmistakable edge to her—a hint of mischief that hinted at her unpredictable nature.
Surprised, Evelyn didn't anticipate being recognized so quickly. Once a social media sensation with countless followers, she had since shut down her accounts after her father's tragic incident. The criticisms and mockery that followed had shaken her resolve. "Don't worry; I used to follow you," The relative added, forcing a smile that barely masked her disgust.
"Oh! I heard about your father. So, you were kicked out of your home, right?"
Evelyn's hands trembled at the mention of her family's turmoil. She struggled to conceal her fear, but it was evident.
"What? I knew it! You're Evelyn Dan? Did you marry my brother for his money?" Chloe blurted out, her voice dripping with disdain. In that moment, Evelyn felt like she'd been thrown into a den of lions, oblivious to the colder air enveloping her husband as he bristled at the remarks.
"They truly are a perfect match—a bastard and a worthless vagabond gold digger," she heard his mother murmur, focused intently on the steak she was meticulously slicing. The words ignited a fire within Evelyn as she fought the urge to confront her, 'How dare her involve her husband in this'
"SHUT... IT... EVERYONE!" Carlos's voice sliced through the tension, each syllable articulated slowly and laced with intensity.
"Dare to say another word, and you'll face my wrath," he declared, and to Evelyn's astonishment, an immediate hush fell upon the room. Even without his intense glare fixed upon her, she could feel the formidable aura radiating from him, a mix of protectiveness and power that strangely comforted her amidst the chaos.
"Let's dig in," the chairman, who had remained silent thus far, suggested, and Carlos gently took her hand as they both settled down at the table.
The only sound breaking the silence was the soft clinking of cutlery against plates. It was then Evelyn observed that Carlos barely touched his food, mindlessly pushing it around his place-a habit she recognized since home.
'Could it be some lingering trauma?' she pondered, just as the chairman spoke again to alleviate the awkwardness.
"So, when should I expect my grandchild?" he inquired, attempting to break the tension hanging heavily in the air.
"Sooner," Carlos replied, his nonchalance catching everyone off guard.
Evelyn's eyes widened. 'How can you be so sure? What if I mess everything up?' she thought, feeling the weight of expectations settle upon her shoulders.
"Really? Should I be anticipating good news?" the chairman asked, a hopeful smile spreading across his face.
"Mmm, within two months' time," Carlos declared, and all eyes turned to them, the implication hanging heavily in the air.
Chloe nearly choked on her food, disbelief etched across her features. 'Could her brother really have feelings for this girl, despite her past?' she wondered, clenching her fists in frustration.
Evelyn glanced at him, a mix of dread and confusion swirling within her. 'She is screwed!'