fantishu
89
Layla’s P. O. V.
I never expected to get the warm welcoming that I got from Logan’s family. I didn’t understand why his brother would give me the cold shoulder he gave me earlier but I guess it was understandable seeing as he wasn’t exactly on the same page with his big brother.
Graziella walked next to us, exchanging a few rash words with Logan as we took a long corner towards the side of the house. There’s a different lighting on this side, a long white trampoline with bulb lightening decorations roofing a long table carrying all sorts of food. I noticed Dylano walking out from behind the tall pillars supporting this side of the mansion, a woman’s arm wrapped around his as they proceeded towards the table too.
” That’s Dylano’s girlfriend, Daisy Patrova, ” Graziella whispered the answer to the question in my head ” apparently she’s part of the family now” I saw the mockery in her eyes as they watched her and I nearly laughed.
As we reached the table, I noticed two men walking out of the shadows and into the light under the trampoline. One was much older and the other a lot more younger. The younger one was Nigel, it was impossible not to recognize him, especially how he talked with a hint of joke with the older man. The older man was no doubt Logan’s father. And I knew immediately that Logan was the complete replica of this man.
I felt Logan’s grip tighten around my waist as the duo reached the table and his father’s gaze watched us intensely.
” Gather round everyone, we don’t want the food to get cold” Logan’s mom waved everyone around the table.
Logan pulls back a chair for me to sit, the same time Dylano pulled a chair for his girlfriend right in front of us. After the entire family had settled, I found it hard to look at anybody in particular. I suddenly felt the butterfly in my stomach grouching to set free from the acidic walls of my stomach.
I felt the nerves in my body calm down as Logan’s hand found mine under the table and he squeezed gently, giving me a sweet smile as I looked up at him.
” You two are so adorable, Logan ” his mother’s statement causes us to look back at the table.
” I was beginning to wonder why Logan would request to have a family dinner here in Italy. ” his father spoke, intertwining his fingers on the table.
” Everyone, ” Logan calls distastefully, looking him straight from the distance ” meet my beautiful girlfriend, Layla. ” he picks up my hand and plants a firm kiss on it.
The smile on his mother’s face was sickening, the look on Dylano’s girlfriend’s face was nerve wracking. None of this seems to settle with me. It’s like all I’ve done is lie to Logan and everyone here. And frankly, I couldn’t quite read his father’s expression. He was just like Logan. Hard to read, hard to crack.
” So the rumors are true,” his father blurted “rumors that you’ve got yourself a girlfriend”
” Ah yes,” Logan replied and while I fixed my gaze on the suddenly interesting table cloth, I knew he was smirking wickedly “I fell in love with this beautiful woman, father. You know how that feels”
“We’re all happy for you, Logan,” another woman seated very close to Logan’s mother spoke.
” Father, I want you to meet Layla ” he said, causing me to look up and meet his gaze “Layla this is my father, Jed ”
I forced a smile “it’s nice meeting you Mr DeAngelo”
He seemed to suddenly think against his frown and threw me a soft smile that didn’t really reach his eyes and replied ” we’re happy to have you here with us, Layla”
” I’m Elina, ” the woman seated next to Logan’s mother spoke ” Logan’s uncle, Martello’s wife”
“Hi” I said with a small smile.
“And I’m sure we’ve met already, Layla” Nigel spoke, his broad smile unchanged.
“Go on, Layla, eat” Graziella said before I could reply him and I quickly nodded. Logan’s hand stops me from picking up the spoon. He takes it instead and fetches my food. I noticed how Dylano and his girlfriend watched us while Graziella engaged in some conversation with Elina.
” Tell us, Layla, how did you and Logan meet?” his father questioned.
I almost choked on the veges in my mouth as I never talked about this question with Logan. I didn’t know what exactly to say and I just looked at Logan who smiled and placed a hand over mine on the table.
” It appears Layla and I shared Strong passion for the same thing, mother. Art.,” Logan spoke and I struggled to swallow the veges in my throat ” she came to my art gallery a year ago where we met. I was quickly taken away by her strange beauty and sincere appreciation of many of the art works. It was truly enticing. It was love at first sight”
I watched the side of his face as he spoke. I almost wished that was real. That we’d actually met and fallen in love not him kidnapping me from my house and taking me hostage. And for the first time I couldn’t believe I was willing to marry this man who did that to me.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.
” And, ” he continued, picking and raising up his wine glass ” I actually called everyone here today to announce our engagement to you. Layla and I has decided to get married”
The silence that followed after his words were nearly deafening. There was no reaction whatsoever, just tight lips and eyes watching the both of us. I saw how Elina’s and his mother’s eyes flew over to the ring on my finger and I looked down instantly.