Chapter Fifteen

Ann’s Pov…..

Williams sat on the counter in the kitchen, his legs swinging slightly as he watched Ann move around with a mix of confidence and curiosity. The aroma of sautéed garlic and fresh herbs filled the air. I could swear I heard his stomach make a rumble sound “What are you making?” he asked, leaning forward, intrigued.

Glancing over my shoulders with a smile, stirring a pot of simmering sauce. “It’s a new recipe I just learnt coq au vin, I’ve never had to cook for anyone before, but I'm confident it’ll turn out well!” I said hoping I hadn't just disclosed my inability in the kitchen.

“Looks like you’re nailing it,” he replied, his eyes sparkling with admiration. “You know, if you keep this up, I might have to start inviting friends over just to show off your cooking skills.” throwing a curious look at him, like he had just made a whole error phrase and burst into a mini laughter

As I laughed, I felt a warm glow of pride. I had worked hard at the cooking school, and moments like this made it all worth it. “I might just take you up on that. But first, let me serve you a plate.” I said turning off the cooker signaling the end of my cooking

“Deal. Just don’t forget about the coffee,” he teased, recalling the perfect cup I had brewed at his father’s house. “I still can’t believe how good that was. My dad hasn’t stopped asking about you since.”

My heart fluttered at the compliment. “Really? He liked it that much?”

“Absolutely. I think you charmed him,” Williams said, his tone playful. “I wanted to get you close enough to my dad, and it worked! You made a perfect cup of coffee, and now he thinks you’re a culinary genius.”

I chuckled, feeling a swell of accomplishment. “Well, maybe I am a culinary genius in the making. Just wait until you taste this meal.”

As I plated the food, Williams leaned back, admiring me, I felt his eyes follow all my moves around the kitchen counter. “You know, I really like your cooking. You should make more meals for me. I could get used to this.” he said

I couldn’t help but pat myself on the back internally. I had come a long way since my first disastrous attempts at cooking. “Thanks! I’ve been practicing a lot. I wanted to be able help you with your meals since you work akte sometimes”

“You definitely are,” he said, his voice sincere. “I can’t wait to dig in.”

Just as we were about to sit down at the table, Williams’ phone buzzed. He pulled it out, glancing at the screen. “It’s my dad,” he said, his expression shifting to one of urgency. “I should take this.”

“Go ahead,” I replied, setting the table. I felt a twinge of disappointment that our personal moment was interrupted but immediately brushed it off.

**********

William's pov…..

“Hey, Dad,” I said answered, his tone immediately serious. “What’s up?”

“Will, you need to come over. Michael’s here with the woman he wants to marry,” father said, his voice filled with excitement. “You should be around for this.”

“Okay, I’ll be there,by noon tomorrow” I replied, rubbing my forehead, glancing at Ann, who raised an eyebrow in curiosity,

“Yeah, and you’ll want to meet her. Bring Ann along,” his father added.

“Sure, we’ll be there,” Williams said, hanging up the call. I turned to Ann, a mix of excitement and apprehension in my eyes. “So, my brother Michael is presenting his fiancée to the family. We should go.”

“Wow, it's raining marriage engagement and wedding bells” Ann said, surprised.

“Has he ever told you about her though?” Ann asked as we sat down to eat

“He and I don't talk much, it's been rough growing up and since mother left, I just became more of the stranger then the first son”

“Ohh….okay, its okay it's nice of father to call you over” she said sounding as though she was sympathetic to my child and it was sincere.

As we drove over to my father's house, I filled her in on Michael. “I heard they just met, now I’m curious to see who it is.”

When we arrived and got into the large backyard where chairs and a long picnic table was being set by the chefs, everyone that matter was chatting and clicking champagne glasses, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement.

I led Ann inside, where we were greeted by dad and my step mom who was always cold and distant from anyone except dad. “You made it!” I heard grandma exclaim from a distant rushing at us, pulling us both into a warm embrace, She was always the warmest at home, especially now with Ann, taking Ann by the hand she pulled her to the other side of the yard.

“Where’s Michael?” I asked father while scanning the yard with my eyes.

“Right here!” Michael called out, stepping into the living room with a confident stride. Beside him stood a striking woman with familiar features. My heart skipped as shwalked down the stairs towards us with hands locked in with Michael's with a stoic look on her face “Oh my God!” was all I could say and immediately I started looking around for Ann.

“Belle?” I echoed , my mind racing Belle was the woman Michael wanted to marry, it being able to make out a proper thought. The last time I had seen her was at a family event, and now here she was, about to marry Michael.

You've got to be kidding me” said Ann, I didn't even notice when she had approached behind me.

“I swear I don't know what's going on… I didn't know they had something going on.” I blabbed and tried to explain to Ann who could barely keep her shock hidden, Belle making it worse by walking up to us.

“Surprise!” Belle smiled, her eyes sparkling. “I didn’t expect to see you here, Ann!” she said sarcastically

“Yeah, this is quite the surprise,” Ann replied, forcing a smile.

“What,you thought I wouldn't find myself a better man?” she said mockingly at Ann who was barely active in any conversations

“And there’s more,” Michael added, his voice booming with joy. “Belle and I have some news. We’re expecting a baby!”

The room erupted into cheers, I looked over at Ann and was met with a blank distant gaze and understood immediately her state of mind.

How's this happening?” Ann turned to me and all I could do was shrug in response, to me Williams looked like he was in love

And belle seemed to get back at me and Ann

Father and mother didn't know what was going on

In fact nobody knew except the four of us or would I say three cause Williams didn't know the full story except belle and Ann are stepsisters and belle would have probably told him more than I thought cause all the while he was hostile towards Ann and myself all through the get together.