Aubrey’s Pov:
A warm, welcoming atmosphere filled the air as Mr. Davis’s eyes lit up with joy upon seeing a young man step through the threshold of their home. It had always been a quiet understanding that he had a son with Camilla, but little did I realize that he possessed such remarkable handsomeness, a contrast to Evan’s more reserved appearance. A closer examination revealed subtle resemblances between him and my husband, such as their captivating eyes and the way their hair fell in a similar fashion.
“Come inside and acquaint yourself with our family,” Mr. Davis beckoned, placing a reassuring hand on his son’s shoulder and guiding him into the heart of the house. An unspoken fear coursed through me, wondering how Evan would react upon discovering his presence.
One by one, Mr. Davis introduced his son to each family member, and he greeted them all with grace and politeness. When they finally approached me, Mr. Davis’s voice broke the silence, “Lucas, please greet your sister-in-law.” So, his name was Lucas. A peculiar feeling washed over me as he directed his gaze toward me, accompanied by a smile that stirred a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. With a gesture of extended hand, he offered a handshake.
“Hello, my beautiful sister-in-law. It’s such a pity you’re already married,” he remarked casually. I furrowed my brows, taken aback by his comment. His lips twisted mischievously, and his smile broadened.
“I’m only teasing, of course. I’m truly glad you married my brother.” Such an eccentric individual he was. Reluctantly, I shook his hand, softly uttering my name, “Aubrey.”
“Your name is as beautiful as you are,” he remarked, his smile unwavering. I found myself at a loss for words, unaccustomed to such compliments from a man. A small smile tugged at the corners of my lips, unsure of how to respond. As I attempted to withdraw my hand, he held onto it, refusing to let go. Arching an eyebrow, I studied his face, which now sported an almost manic grin. When our eyes met, he finally released his grip on my hand.
“My apologies,” he mumbled, quickly excusing himself. “What a peculiar person,” I murmured, gazing down at my hand.
“We didn’t think you had the ability to captivate a man’s attention, considering Evan’s lack of interest in you. But, once again, you’ve proved us wrong,” Mrs. Jane’s voice sliced through the air, catching me off guard.
“Indeed, Mom,” Jennifer chimed in.
Confusion washed over me as I turned to Jennifer, seeking an explanation for their words.
“You aren’t as naive as we thought. Can’t you see the way he was looking at you?” Jennifer’s statement ignited a surge of anger within me. How could they think such things about me? We had only met a few minutes ago, and already they were accusing me of seducing him.
“I didn’t seduce him,” I defended myself, frustration seeping into my voice. Mrs. Jane approached, her hand gripping my chin firmly.
“Let me make this clear, Aubrey. If you do anything that brings shame upon my son’s name, I assure you, the consequences will be beyond your wildest imagination,” she warned sternly before departing. How could they hold such a low opinion of me? In their eyes, I was nothing but an object of scorn.
Glancing around the room, I observed Grandma’s overwhelming joy at Lucas’s presence, while Mrs. Jane’s countenance was a canvas painted with anger. As for Lucas himself, he appeared animated and enthusiastic about everything.
“Aubrey, why are you standing there? Serve tea to everyone,” Grandma instructed, pulling me from my thoughts.
Complying with her request, I began to approach each person to pour their tea. However, Lucas rose from his seat, expressing his desire to assist me.
“No, please. I’m the youngest, after all,” I politely declined.
“I insist. It would make me feel uncomfortable if you were the one serving,” he persisted, eventually joining me in the task. Glancing at Mrs. Jane, her displeasure became even more evident.
Dinner passed, and each family member retired to their respective rooms. Yet, Evan had not yet returned. I tidied up the table, attending to the dishes. My gaze drifted to the clock, revealing that it was already 11:00 P.M. Why was Evan taking so long? I settled into a chair, fixating my eyes on the entrance gate.
Over the past three years, it had become routine for me to await Evan’s arrival, prepare his meal, and deliver it to him. My thoughts drifted as I felt someone taking a seat beside me. I turned, discovering Lucas by my side.
“Why are you here so late?” he inquired.
“I’m waiting for Evan,” I replied, pretending as if Lucas didn’t exist. I wished to avoid further scolding from Mrs. Jane due to his presence.
“How fortunate my older brother is,” he commented. His mention of “older brother” compelled me to face him directly.
“Do you realize that once my husband sees you in this house, he will harbor such intense disdain that it might consume you?” I cautioned him.
“Of course, I’m aware of that. We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. But for now, we haven’t had the chance to get to know each other a little,” he remarked, his eyes filled with curiosity.
“There’s nothing significant to know about each other,” I averred, averting my gaze back to the entrance gate, hoping Evan would return soon.
“You’re quite adorable,” he muttered, barely audible, but his words reached my ears. “Enough with the flattery,” I responded, feigning annoyance. “Oh no, and here I thought that once you fell for my charm, you would be on my side when my big brother scolds me,” he exaggerated, playfully dramatizing the situation. I couldn’t help but laugh; his theatrics were truly amusing. He joined in my laughter, and for a moment, I found myself captivated by his presence, as if a faint sense of familiarity lingered.
“I know, I’m incredibly handsome. If you continue to gaze at me like that, I might grow bashful,” he teased, his hand lightly grazing his face.
“You… you… have we met before?” I pondered aloud, racking my brain to recall where our paths might have crossed. Yet, my memory failed me, and I directed the question to him, pointing at his face.
“I’ve seen you somewhere, but where?” I inquired. His face brightened at the mention of having encountered him before. Eagerly, he peered at me, resembling a puppy eagerly awaiting its master’s approval. Taking my hand within his, he surprised me.
“Think… think… think,” he urged, his voice filled with anticipation. I shook my head, signifying my inability to recollect.
“I can’t recall where I might have seen you,” I admitted.
“Perhaps in the movies?” he suggested.
“What film did you watch?” he probed further. “Oh,” it suddenly struck me. I remembered seeing him in the newspaper, where it was revealed that he was an actor. I peered at him, preparing to disclose the source of my recognition. However, a somber expression clouded his face.
“I assumed you were a fan of mine. Why do you seem so distant? Is there something I’m missing that prevents you from being a fan?” he queried, sounding disappointed. I felt a pang of guilt. Should I fabricate a response? But what would I say when he inquired about the specific film?
“I’m sorry,” was all I managed to utter.
“What’s happening here?” I halted at the sound of Evan’s voice. I turned, spotting him standing at the gate. I followed his gaze, only to find him fixated on Lucas, whose hand was still intertwined with mine.
