The moment Amara and Adrian stepped into the mansion, the room fell into a strange silence. Conversations stopped mid-sentence, and several pairs of eyes slowly turned toward them. The large dining hall was even more impressive from the inside. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting warm golden light across the polished marble floors. A long dining table stood in the center of the room, already prepared for dinner with shining plates and glasses.Amara felt every eye in the room studying her. Her heart began beating faster, but she remembered Adrian's words and kept walking beside him, holding his arm lightly the way couples usually did.Across the room, Sophia stood near a group of guests, holding a glass of wine. Her confident smile faded slightly the moment she saw them walking together. Her eyes moved slowly over Amara from head to toe.For a brief second, surprise flashed across her face.Clearly, she had not expected Amara to look like this.Adrian didn't slow down as they approached the group. The guests parted slightly, creating a path for them. Finally, a tall older man standing near the head of the table turned around.The moment Amara saw him, she knew immediately who he was.Adrian's father.
The man had the same sharp eyes and strong posture as his son, though his hair had turned silver with age. He studied Adrian calmly before his gaze shifted toward Amara.
So," the man said slowly, "you decided to show up after all."Adrian nodded once. "Good evening, Father."The man's attention moved fully to Amara now. His eyes were careful and calculating, as if he were trying to read her thoughts without asking a single question.And who is this?" he asked.Adrian's arm tightened slightly around Amara's.This is Amara," Adrian said calmly. "My girlfriend."
The word seemed to ripple through the room. A few people exchanged curious glances while others tried to hide their surprise.
Adrian's father remained silent for a few seconds, clearly processing the information.
Your girlfriend," he repeated.Yes."The older man slowly stepped closer to them. Amara forced herself to remain calm, even though his sharp gaze made her feel like she was being examined under a microscope.Finally he spoke again.You have never mentioned her before."Adrian didn't hesitate. "We've been keeping things private."The man's expression didn't change.Interesting."Before the silence could grow more uncomfortable, another woman approached them. She looked elegant and graceful, wearing a soft smile.Adrian," she said warmly. "You finally arrived."She turned toward Amara.And you must be the mysterious girlfriend."
Her tone was far friendlier than Sophia's had ever been.
I'm Eleanor," the woman said. "Adrian's stepmother."
Amara smiled politely. "It's nice to meet you."
Eleanor nodded approvingly before turning back to Adrian's father.Well," she said gently, "standing here questioning the girl won't make the evening pleasant. Let's all sit down."The tension in the room relaxed slightly as the guests moved toward the dining table.Adrian leaned closer to Amara as they walked.You're doing fine," he murmured quietly.
Amara gave him a quick glance. "Your father looks like he can see through people's souls."
Adrian almost smiled.They reached the table and took their seats. Unfortunately for Amara, Sophia chose the chair directly across from them.Throughout the first part of dinner, conversation slowly returned. Business topics, polite laughter, and quiet discussions filled the room. Amara mostly listened, speaking only when someone addressed her directly.
Adrian's father asked a few simple questions about her work and background. Amara answered carefully, making sure not to reveal anything that would expose their arrangement.For a while, everything seemed to go smoothly.Then Sophia finally spoke.She set her glass down slowly and looked directly at Amara.So, Amara," she said calmly, though the faint edge in her voice was obvious, "how exactly did you and Adrian meet?"The room grew quieter again.Amara felt Adrian's hand lightly touch hers under the table.A silent reminder to stay calmShe looked at Sophia and gave a polite smile.We met at his company."
Sophia tilted her head slightly.
Oh?"Yes," Amara continued. "It was actually an accident."
Sophia's lips curved faintly.I'm sure it was."Adrian's father looked interested now.What kind of accident?" he asked.
Amara hesitated for only a moment before answering.I spilled coffee on him."
A few people at the table chuckled softly.Even Adrian's stepmother laughed a little.Sophia, however, did not.She simply leaned back in her chair and studied Amara carefully.Well," she said slowly, "that must have been quite an introduction."Amara nodded calmly.It certainly got his attention."
For the first time that evening, Adrian's father smiled slightly.
But Sophia's eyes remained cold.
And as the dinner continued, Amara couldn't shake the feeling that Sophia was already planning something far worse than simple questions.