Family Dinner 2

The atmosphere in the dining room was charged with anticipation as the Carter family prepared for a rare dinner together. Their mom, Mrs. Carter, arrived with excitement, hugging Jake and Lucian tightly. She couldn't help but express her joy at having her sons under the same roof.

Mrs. Carter wasted no time in dishing out motherly nagging. "You boys never call! And what are you eating? Junk food again? I'm going to make sure you start eating healthier, mark my words!"

Mr. Carter entered with a warm greeting, "Hey, my boys!" He patted Jake on the back and shook hands with Lucian. "Good to have you both here."

As they settled at the dinner table, the delivery arrived – steak, mashed potatoes, vegetable salad, and a bottle of wine. Mrs. Carter, pleased with the simplicity of the dinner, suggested ordering to make the evening more relaxing. Lucian, while appreciating the effort, couldn't hide his subtle disappointment. "Couldn't we have had something homemade for once?" he muttered.

Their father, displeased with Lucian's behavior, snapped at him for not appreciating his mother's effort. Instead of being grateful, Lucian seemed to whine about the lack of a home-cooked meal.

Their father, focused on the food, added, " let's dig in. We can catch up while we eat."

As they started eating, an awkward silence hung in the air. Their father, breaking the quiet, shifted the conversation to business matters. "Now, boys, I hope you're ready for some business talk. We've got big plans for Carter Enterprises."

Jake, intrigued by the prospect, responded eagerly, "I'm all ears, Dad. Tell us more."

Lucian, less enthusiastic, remarked, "I thought this was supposed to be a family dinner, not a board meeting."

Their father, displaying a hint of favoritism, continued discussing business matters, occasionally praising Jake's interest and potential in the family business. Jake, relishing the acknowledgment, played along.

The conversation took a turn when their father addressed Lucian. "Lucian, you need to focus on your studies. This business will be yours one day, and I expect you to take it seriously."

Lucian, infuriated, retorted, "I have dreams, Dad! I'm not just here to inherit a business. I want to pursue my passion."

Their father, unyielding, insisted, "Passion won't pay the bills. Focus on your studies, or you'll regret it later."

Tensions rose as Jake, who admired the family business, felt frustrated by Lucian's resistance. The conflict escalated, and Lucian, unable to bear it any longer, stormed off from the dinner table with his dad calling after him.

Mrs. Carter, silent throughout the exchange, observed with a pained expression. She understood the delicate balance she had to maintain.

On the other hand, Kira finished dinner with her family in their home.

After the meal, she went upstairs to rest for the day. However, her thoughts drifted towards Lucian, causing a moment of inner conflict. Swiftly pushing those thoughts aside, she reminded herself that she already had growing feelings for Jake.

Tossing and turning in her bed, Kira struggled to find peace. Despite the persistent echoes of the argument involving Lucian, she was determined to focus on her connection with Jake. As exhaustion finally overtook her, Kira drifted into an uneasy sleep, hoping for a more peaceful day ahead