“It’s nice to see you guys. Do make yourself at home,” Simone said, gesturing at us to take a seat.
Although she did not look a lot older than Ashton and me, her voice sounded frazzled.
Ashton was clearly taken aback by her voice as well. He stood right in front of them without moving an inch. The air grew tense with every passing moment.
Nicolas buried himself in his newspapers, not bothering to look up. Simone sat slightly apart, and the two seemed not to have much interaction.
I guessed Simone was probably the more expressive one between the two. I shook off Ashton’s hand, trying to snap him back to reality. When he finally looked at me, I pulled him toward the seats.
Now that everyone was seated, we were anticipating the patriarch to speak.
Silence ensued for about two to three minutes before Nicolas showed his face behind the newspapers. His cold glance swept across Ashton before finally stopping at me.
“Scarlett Stovall. You’re certainly a brave one. I still remember how you lectured me at the hotel,” he stated without betraying the slightest hint of emotion. His tone and demeanor made me feel as if he was interrogating a criminal.
Is he raking up old grievances?
I pursed my lips and smiled. “Birds of the same feather flock together. This is why I got together with your son. I need to live up to my title as his wife. You and Simone must be honored to have a son like Ashton.”
Nicolas scoffed without replying, allowing Simone an opportunity to interject and speak instead. “Mom and Dad,” she corrected how I addressed them.
I was stunned for a while but quickly repeated after her, “Dad, Mom.”
Although we had our differences, some things still had to be done for cordiality’s sake. Civility was the basis of negotiation.
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