Chapter 5: The Hearty Dinner

"You two look really cute together." Mom said while eyeing us dreamily. I was taken aback and choked at what she said.

It's been a few days since we celebrated our engagement party. Almost everyone are questioning us about our impending marriage. It's too stressful. Right now, we are at a restaurant having our family dinner together with Brent's parents, Von and Shanea.

"Here, water." Brent handed me a glass of water. I glared at him, nonetheless accepted it. Our parents laughed at our interaction, watching with hawk-like gazes.

"You both always fight but it seems like deep inside, you really love each other!" His mother said.

If I was the one who choked earlier, now it's his turn to choke. Coughing onto his hands aggressively. I bit my lower lip to muffle a laugh from escaping from my mouth.

"Here." I gave him the glass of water he gave me earlier. He averted his eyes and drank the water slowly. "By the way, cous. Do you have no plans to accept my manager's invitation? I'm sure if you agree you will be famous in no time. Modeling is the right thing for you!" my cousin, Shanea enthusiastically stated. I just shrugged.

"I haven't thought about it yet. Isn't Jashea your co-model?" I slightly played with the wine glass, barely glancing at my cousin, while slowly sipping at my wine, waiting for her answer. "Yes. She's your bessy right? She's one of the most trending and famous models!"

We looked at Brent as he slightly coughed and looked up, his eyes slightly narrowing. "Maybe it would be better if she focused on business."

He sternly gave his opinion after continuing to cut the steak. My cousin's eyebrows rose dramatically, grinning as she skillfully sliced her steak. "Are you worried? My cousin's fit for modeling. There's a big possibility that others will try to steal her heart. Well, it really does run in our blood.”

We laughed as Brent's face turned slightly sour, not agreeing with what my cousin just said. "Don't bicker about it. Levenisse will have to make the decision for herself, she's an adult and she already know what she's doing." Von sighed as he was bothered by our discussion.

Dad laughed heartily as he sipped in his wine glass.

"It seems like yesterday, you all were still so young. But now, you all have different ambitions you wish to attain."

The elders just laughed. "You're right. It like recently, my son's bringing home different lass. Now he's is getting married." Brent's mother joked. I raised my right eyebrow. A playboy, huh? Not surprising.

"Mom." Brent cried, flustered. I knitted my brows because of how he's acting. Pretending to be innocent, though since college he was already like that. Consistently changing girls like they were his clothes, what an a-hole. I don't even know what they saw in him to chase him, he's just a complete jerk.

"Cousin, why are you looking like that ?" Shanea laughed. They focused their attention on us. This cousin of mine really gets me in trouble.

"You're just imagining it." I glared at Shanea but she just giggled at me. "Whatever you say." She replied.

"Darling, it's normal for you to be jealous." Brent's dad spoke up, and my eyes widened as they laughed at the same time. I hit Brent who was holding back his laughter, he straightened up and continued eating.

"You're right, hon. Especially with how often girls would throw themselves onto our son.” Brent's mom added. They laughed again, as Brent embarrassedly scolded his mother. I just raised an eyebrow.

“The first time he laid his eyes on you, he seemed to be lovestruck.” it was Brent's Dad who spoke. While I just looked at him questioningly, confused of what he just said.

What are they even talking about? Lovestruck? Brent? Me? Huh? They are creeping me out that's not even possible.

“That's right, Levenisse dear. Even in his room, you'll see his walls plastered with your pi—”

“Mom! I— I need to go! I have an important matter to attend to, now that I think about it.” Brent immediately cut her mom off. We just looked at him weirdly bewildered of his actions. What the hell is wrong with him?

“Son, finish the food first.” Brent's Mom shushed but the jerk just shook his head.

“It's just really important, so I've got to go.” he replied.

“Well that's unfortunate.” my mom uttered, a small frown taking over the smile painted in her lips earlier. “Take care, and be careful.” she added, giving Brent a small smile.

“Stay safe, son.” My dad bid his farewell to Brent. Brent bowed in respect.

"Bro." He gave Von's shoulder a pat, and gave Shanea a nod. My cousin just smiled at him.

“Dear,” both my parents diverted their attention towards me. “What is it?” I asked. “Do escort your fiancé outside.” My dad stated.

“But dad—" I retaliated.

Despite the recalcitrance, I could only bow and sulk to not anger them. Proceeding to glare at Brent who smirked at me.

“My wife is right, my son's room is filled with your pictures—” Brent's father said out of nowhere.

My eyes widened. The words his father said is in my head like a ballad stuck in repeat.

“Hey!” I called out and stared at him with narrow eyes. He turned to me with an expression so serious “What.” he answered flatly, seemingly tired of everyone's issues.

“What was that, what your mom said earlier about your room?” I questioned him after we started walking towards the exit. He only gulped and turned to walk again.

"Rosales!" I briskly walked to follow him. His strides were longer so I was in complete disadvantage but still ran regardless.

“What the fuck, Levenisse?" He growled when I yanked the back of his t-shirt in a harsh pull.

"Are you scheming something?" I asked while examining his expression. "Pardon?" He blinked, and I repeated my question. "Are you scheming something? Is that why you have my pictures in your room?"

"'What are you? An artist or anyone worth of being idolized by me?" He glared before walking away.

"Then why are my pictures in your room?!" I tried to run after him but he swiftly got inside the car, leaving me.

Urgh, that jerk! I bit my lower lip in annoyance.

"Tsss. What about it? I'm just worried he's going to use it on voodoo stuffs, that's why he got my pictures." And convincing myself with that, I walked back inside to finish my dinner. Arguing with him makes me angry.