Did I just create the biggest mess of my life??

Arlene 

The evening was going smoothly, better than I had imagined. The laughter, the warmth, the delicious food… It all felt so surreal. I was beginning to settle into this new dynamic, almost forgetting my earlier nerves, when a voice interrupted the moment. 

"What did I miss?" 

The voice came from behind us, deep and casual, yet commanding enough to make everyone at the table turn. 

Ryan's face lit up. "Uncle Patrick!" he exclaimed, standing up from his chair. 

A tall man in his late fifties with salt-and-pepper hair and sharp features walked toward us. His suit was immaculate, and he carried an air of authority, though his smile softened it somewhat. 

Patrick shook hands with Ryan, giving him a firm pat on the back before his gaze shifted to me. "And who is this lovely young woman?" he asked, his eyes sharp but polite. 

Ryan smiled, stepping closer to me. "Uncle Patrick, meet Arlene. She's my…"