Dinner with his Family

I was stunned for a moment, seeing two people I didn't expect right in front of me. I never imagined that John would be a part of Mr. August's family. I could also see Maria there with him, and that couple was the reason I ended up here.

With my hand still wrapped around Mr. August's arm, I walked with him towards his extended family. Mr. August pulled out a chair for me, and I sat down among them with a feeling of great discomfort. The presence of John and Maria made the atmosphere a bit awkward for me, especially considering what they had done before this.

Despite the discomfort, I tried to handle it professionally. I didn't want Mr. August to be disappointed in me just because all of this was a pretense.

Slowly, everyone there started talking to each other. They began conversing and soon asked Mr. August about my status. "Tell us, who is she and where does she come from?"

I swallowed slowly at the question, then Mr. August replied without hesitation, "Ellena is my fiancée."

I could see the expressions of some people who seemed displeased with my status in Mr. August's life. Although I could see a smile on the lips of the woman who had just asked, I could also hear John scoff.

John's expression was condescending as he spoke, "Come on, Uncle. You could do better than her."

My heart felt pierced hearing John's annoying words. But he wasn't the only one to say such things. In another seat, a woman I assumed to be Mr. August's mother added to John's statement.

"I have known many women from wealthy and great families, but I didn't expect your choice to be like this, Mr. August. The Stuart family doesn't want to bear the shame of this unilateral decision." That woman was John's mother, speaking so firmly as if not allowing Mr. August to make decisions for his own life.

Such painful words made it clear why Mr. August had yet to find a partner. His extended family seemed to be the main factor in this. Fortunately, I had already gathered information about the Stuart Family. I knew Mr. August was the child of his father's last wife, and his noble name differed from his father's due to his maternal lineage. However, I didn't expect John's mother to meddle so deeply in her nephew's personal affairs.

I saw Mr. August's expression harden. He seemed unwilling to accept every word from his family about his partner. The atmosphere changed just because of the offensive remarks.

"Let's not start a debate. I already have a fiancée and I don't want to discuss this further." Mr. August's words were so firm and dominating the situation there. Everyone looked at him in silence.

I tried to stay calm, though I slowly glanced around to see how they were looking at me. Sure enough, John and Maria, sitting across from me, now looked at me with disdain, as if belittling my status there. I could sense their inner thoughts about my presence among this wealthy family.

In this meeting, only those two recognized me and knew about my family's situation. I was just afraid they would ruin everything and embarrass Mr. August. Until now, I kept monitoring them, and no words came from their lips about my previous life. For now, I could be a little relieved that no further comments emerged after Mr. August answered the relationship question.

The event continued as we enjoyed the meal before us. Since the last conversation a few minutes ago, the atmosphere had become cold and awkward. However, I could see that everyone ignored it.

Not long after, John spoke again, asking something that disturbed me a bit. "So, where did you meet her? Isn't it too soon to decide to make her your fiancée?"

John's mouth could never be stopped when it came to matters like this. I felt he would never let me be happy or live peacefully. I still harbored the pain of him cheating on me with Maria right in front of me. He even threw me out of the apartment we had shared for so long.

"Such a cheater, how dare he ask such a thing and meddle in my affairs with Mr. August. Why can't he just keep his mouth shut and watch?" I thought angrily, seeing John's behavior, especially Maria, who seemed to support him from behind.

John truly ruined my appetite for the delicious appetizer on my plate. If only Mr. August didn't have a family like this, maybe I could enjoy the rare meal in peace. Sadly, it was just my wishful thinking.

I glanced to the side, seeing Mr. August looking at me and smiling. Suddenly, he pulled my chair closer and quickly wrapped his arm around my waist to show our intimacy and answer John's question.

"Ellena is an employee at my company. I fell in love with her when I saw how beautifully she worked at her desk." Mr. August's words made me incredulous, and my eyes widened in surprise from embarrassment.

His words sounded so genuine, making me believe he had indeed been observing me at the office. But I didn't want to be slapped by the reality that we had a deal to fulfill.

I smiled back at Mr. August, then shifted my gaze to see John's annoyed face as he heard his uncle's answer. It was true; I felt a bit happy even though this was all made up.

"So, it's true she is just an ordinary employee with nothing to offer to become part of this family." John's mother interjected again, creating an awkward silence. I noticed a faint smile on John's lips, feeling pleased with her response.

I diverted my gaze and looked at Mr. August, who seemed provoked. His hand gripped the spoon tightly, his jaw clenched, creating an unpleasant scene. I gently touched Mr. August's hand, rubbing it. I smiled, shaking my head slightly to prevent him from being provoked by his mother's words.

"Didn't I already warn you not to discuss that? My love story with Ellena is certainly different from most. I loved her from the first sight. This can be called love at first sight. I don't care what you think; I will only do what makes me happy." Once again, Mr. August successfully deflected and dismissed John's mother's remarks. Mr. August grasped my hand in front of everyone, showing our closeness.

"Apparently, Uncle is blinded by love, unable to see what this woman has." John always caused the atmosphere to worsen, and this time his words truly annoyed me.

"Isn't that what love is like? It comes without regard for status or position. Lasting love comes from the heart, not just from looks." My response successfully silenced John, and I smiled at Mr. August.

The next course was served, and the atmosphere calmed as everyone focused on their food. However, I could still see the irritation on the faces of those whose gazes accidentally met mine.

"I hope after this, you can accept my decision to make Ellena my partner. No more matchmaking or attempts to separate us." That statement silenced everyone who wanted to speak again. Mr. August firmly established our status to his extended family.