Chapter 14.1

It didn't take long for her to use the bathroom but before she could step out, she received a call from Lina asking her if she was returning home tonight. Since she didn't have any intention to stay at the Strider's, she assured her long-winded sister that she was going to return home within the hour.

She was a bit stunned by the people in the living room. She expected Jeff to be there, but what were Sia and Mrs. Strider doing awake so late? Before she could ask her question, she was beckoned forward.

"Dear girl, you broke your promise and didn't text me," Sia lamented as she waved at Tina to approach her.

Tina broke into a smile, "Hi granny Sia and Mrs. Strider."

Although Jeff's mom tried her best to convince Tina to call her mom or aunt, the little lady just was adamant about not doing so.

"Why did you guys return so late? You won't get enough rest this way," Mrs. Strider pretended to be stern and chided Tina.

"We lost track of time while having fun," she replied happily. She felt very comfortable being around Jeff's family. They radiated warmth and she loved that. She stopped next to Jeff and extended her hand towards him to pull him up.

"Are you preparing to leave now?" Sia asked as she watched her grandson stand also.

"Yes, I would be on my way now," she answered.

Mrs. Strider held Tina's hand in hers and looked at her sourly.

"Why don't you stay here for tonight? It's already so late and you have to be up early to go to work."

Sia chipped in, "yes, listen to Jeff's mom. You won't get enough rest and you'll get dark circles on your pretty face. Rest here."

Tina wasn't expecting them to urge her to stay. Why would she stay over? She just needed to drive for 45 minutes and she'd be home. Although she'd be resting late, it would not be the first time.

"It's really okay. Whenever I work into the night, I often sleep late too. It's nothing new," she said calmly as she rejected their offer.

Sia looked at her unhelpful grandson and he just looked away. Tina saw this and couldn't help but chuckle. Jeff must have told them that she wouldn't stay.

"That's not a good habit Tina. Don't worry, no one will disturb your rest. Just stay here for tonight," Mrs. Strider said pleadingly.

Before she could reply, Jeff spoke up.

"You guys are holding her back. You just said she needed rest, but you're stressing her."

Tina pinched him again.

"Granny Sia, Mrs. strider, thank you for your care. I know you're worried about me, but it really is okay. Plus, I don't have my toiletries and change of clothes for tomorrow."

After giving that definite excuse, she rejoiced that they'd finally let her go.

Unfortunately, she underestimated these women.

Sia and Mrs. Strider grinned wickedly, and somehow Tina and Jeff had a bad feeling.

"You don't have to worry about that. Giselle dropped by this night a little while before you arrived. She brought some pretty clothes that she thought would look good on you."

Tina was shocked. She met Giselle less than three hours ago. How did she know her size and preferences? She didn't think this was so simple.

Jeff drew closer to her to whisper in her ear.

"I told you Giselle wasn't simple. She's pure evil. Welcome to the family."

Tina glared at him and whispered back, "how would I know she was going to attack me?"

"Granny, why would she get me clothes? We just met today, and I doubt she knows my size. It's better I start heading home."

"This girl! Didn't Jeff tell you? She's a seamstress. Did she hug you?" Sia asked.

Tina nodded. It was the weirdest thing. She had stretched her hand out for a handshake, but Giselle hugged her instead.

"That's when she took your measurements. She's very talented," Mrs. Strider praised happily.

Tina was dumbstruck. Even so, why would Giselle suddenly get her clothes? It was beyond her understanding.

Unknown to Jeff and Tina, Giselle was sent there by these two elders. They had squeezed out the date itinerary from Jeff before the day started, hence they knew where they would be and when. To delay them for a bit, they sent Giselle to block them for some time. At the right time, Giselle left to go shopping for her sis-in-law.

If Tina hadn't come in to use the bathroom, the two women were prepared to go out and invite her in for a while. What they couldn't control was any change to the date itinerary. Fortunately, God was on their side, so they both dated until very late in the night.

"She brought quite a lot, so anytime you need to stay here overnight, you don't have to worry about change of clothes."

"Mrs. Strider, granny Sia, I don't think this is right. I already told them back home that I would arrive within the hour," Tina could only say helplessly.

That was one variable that the two elders never calculated into their plan.

As Tina was rejoicing that she was about to be let off the hook, Jeff spoke up.

"I've got it covered, so just stay here for tonight, hmmn?"

UNBELIEVABLE. She was being duped by the Strider family.