Chapter 16 Jamal Meets The Ingrams

Chapter 16

"We're here," Jamal said, his voice low and cautious. "Should I open the door for you?" He turned to me, his eyes searching for reassurance.

I nodded, my heart racing with anticipation and dread. What would my family's reaction be? Would they welcome Jamal, or turn him away?

Jamal stepped out of the car and walked around to my side, opening the door with a gentle courtesy. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what lay ahead.

As I emerged from the car, the grand facade of my family's estate loomed before us. The Ingram mansion, with its imposing columns and manicured lawns, seemed to radiate an aura of tradition and expectation.

Jamal offered his arm, and I took it, feeling a surge of gratitude for his support. Together, we walked towards the front door, its heavy wood adorned with the Ingram family crest.

The door swung open, revealing my father's stern face. "Kimberly, Jamal," he said, his voice measured. "Welcome."

But his eyes told a different story – one of wariness and displeasure.

"Don't bother!" I snapped, brushing off Jamal's offer. As I stepped out of the car, my eyes widened in surprise. The entire Ingram family had gathered in the driveway, their faces a mixture of curiosity and concern.

My mother, resplendent in her designer dress, stood beside my father, her eyes fixed on Jamal with a hint of disdain. Ashley, my sister, hovered behind them, her expression a mix of fear and fascination. Even my younger brother, Jake, was there, his eyes wide with excitement.

The family's united front was intimidating, and for a moment, I felt like I was facing a firing squad. Jamal's presence seemed to have brought everyone together, but I knew it was more than that. They were gathered because of me, because of the secrets I had kept and the choices I had made.

I took a deep breath and steeled myself for the confrontation ahead. This was it – the moment of truth.

Ashley's eyes sparkled with excitement as she live-streamed to her followers. "You guys won't believe who's at my place right now!" She paused for dramatic effect, her phone's camera panning to capture Jamal and me standing beside the car.

"Just yesterday, I told you my brother was with Jamal, but some of you didn't believe me," she said with a grin. "So, I had to dig up that old news clip. But today, I've got the proof right in front of me!"

Her comments section exploded with excited chatter and emojis. Ashley's popularity was about to skyrocket, and I knew mine would too – whether I wanted it or not.

"Guys, ask your questions!" Ashley invited, her phone's camera still rolling. "I'll try to get Jamal to answer!"

I shot Ashley a warning glance, but she just winked at me. This was her moment, and she was milking it for all it was worth.

Jamal's expression remained calm, but I sensed a hint of unease beneath his composed exterior.

"Ashley, please switch off your phone. No cameras," I said, my expression stern and serious.

The sudden silence was palpable. Nobody commented or reacted, but Ashley slowly put away her phone, her eyes darting to mine with a hint of disappointment. She stood there quietly, her usual bubbly personality subdued.

Jamal's eyes met mine, a flicker of gratitude in his gaze. He knew how much I disliked being in the spotlight, and he appreciated my efforts to keep this private.

My father, however, cleared his throat, his voice firm. "Well, now that we've got everyone's attention, let's get down to business. Jamal, what brings you here today?"

The tension in the air was thick, and I knew this conversation was far from over.