Chapter 4 AWKWARD

Ginny couldn't move, couldn't speak. She just stared at Raymond, her mind reeling with the horrifying realization that her stepfather was the man from her one-night stand. It felt like her world was collapsing in slow motion, every moment stretching into eternity.

Raymond's eyes locked onto hers, a flicker of recognition flashing across his face before he quickly replaced it with a polite, somewhat strained, smile. "Ginny, it's so nice to finally meet you," He said, his voice steady but with an undertone of discomfort.

Ginny's throat tightened, her breath coming in shallow gasps. "Y...You're Raymond," She stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. It wasn't a question; it was a statement of disbelief.

Raymond nodded, his smile faltering slightly. "Yes, I am. And you must be Ginny. Your mother has told me so much about you."

Her mother, oblivious to the charged atmosphere, clapped her hands together with a delighted expression. "I'll leave you two to get acquainted. Raymond, why don't you show Ginny to her room? I'm going to start dinner."

Raymond nodded, still trying to maintain his composure. "Of course, darling, it will be my pleasure," He smiled before turning to Ginny. "Follow me, Ginny."

Ginny's legs felt like lead as she followed Raymond up the stairs. Each step was a struggle, the tension between them palpable. The house seemed to grow quieter as they climbed, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavily in the air.

When they reached the top of the stairs, Raymond led her down a hallway to a door on the left. He opened it and gestured for her to enter.

"This will be your room," he said, his voice clipped and formal.

Ginny stepped inside, her gaze sweeping over the neatly made bed and the soft, welcoming decor. She nodded, unable to muster more than a weak smile. "Thank you."

Raymond looked like he was about to leave but hesitated, his eyes darting to her face. "If you need anything, just let me know."

"Okay," Ginny said, her voice small.

Raymond gave a curt nod and turned to leave.

As the door closed behind him, Ginny sank onto the edge of the bed, her mind racing. The last thing she wanted was to be alone with her thoughts, but she didn't have much choice. She needed to get a grip of herself before dinner.

Downstairs, Raymond was trying to maintain a sense of normalcy as he joined her mother in the kitchen. He forced himself to focus on small talk, but his mind kept drifting back to Ginny. The tension between them was undeniable, and it made him feel restless.

"Everything alright?" Lucy asked, noticing Raymond's distracted demeanor as she stirred a pot on the stove.

"Yeah, just a lot on my mind," Raymond replied, forcing a smile. "It's been a long day."

She patted his arm reassuringly. "I know it's a lot to take in. Ginny's been through a lot, too. I hope you two can get along."

Raymond nodded, though he wasn't sure how to respond. The earlier encounter with Ginny had left him feeling unsettled. There was something about her that stirred feelings he hadn't expected, something dangerous and irresistible.

Lucy suddenly dusted her hands off, before washing some flour off her hands. She grabbed a bowl and dished out all the food into it, before making her way toward the dining room.

"Ginny, dear, dinner is served!" Her voice echoed through the house, calling out to Ginny to come downstairs.

Ginny took a deep breath, steeling herself. She forced a smile and descended the stairs with as much composure as she could muster.

At the bottom, she found Raymond seated at the table, his eyes briefly flicking up to meet hers.

"Evening, Ginny," Raymond said, his voice warm but edged with something Ginny couldn't quite place.

"Good evening, Raymond," She replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

The table was set with a sumptuous spread, and Lucy bustled around, serving dishes with a flourish. The awkwardness in the room was thick, like an invisible fog.

Ginny did her best to focus on the food and engage in the conversation, but she couldn't ignore the charged atmosphere between her and Raymond.

"Raymond was just telling me about his new project," Lucy said, clearly trying to bridge the gap. "It sounds fascinating, doesn't it?"

Ginny nodded, but her attention was drawn to the way Raymond's gaze lingered on her. Each time their eyes met, her breath hitched, and the worst part was, she just couldn't stop stealing glances at him.

Ginny's pulse quickened, and she found it increasingly difficult to concentrate on anything other than the way Raymond's eyes seemed to see straight through her. Dinner continued with polite chatter, but Ginny's thoughts were preoccupied.

Ginny suddenly stood up, adjusting the chair backwards.

"Where to, sweetheart?" Lucy asked, drinking some juice off her glass.

"To keep the dishes and perhaps wash them," Ginny replied, pressing her lips together; all she wanted was to get the hell out of there.

"Not a chance, dear. I'm just seeing you after three years; you think I'd let you lift a finger?" Lucy wriggled her brows, getting on her feet as she arranged the plates together.

"Mom..." Ginny whined, watching her chance to escape the awkwardness slipping away.

"I'll do the dishes, sweetheart. In the meantime, you can get to know your new father even more," She flashed them both a smile before shuddering into the kitchen, leaving them alone.

Ginny swallowed hard, sliding into her seat once more. The room was suddenly filled with silence. Both had something to say, but no one dared to say anything yet.

"So, Ginny," Raymond began, his voice breaking the silence. "How was your flight?"

"It was fine," Ginny replied, her tone guarded. "Long, but fine."

Raymond nodded, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. "I'm sure it's been a long day for you."

Ginny glanced at him, her expression softening slightly. "It has been. I didn't expect things to be so... complicated."

Raymond's eyes met hers, and for a moment, the world outside seemed to fade away. "No, I suppose none of us did."

The intensity of their gaze was almost too much to bear. Ginny's heart raced, her breath catching in her throat. She wanted to look away but found herself drawn to him, her resolve crumbling under the weight of their shared secret.

"I should go to bed," Ginny said, standing up abruptly. "It's been a long day, and I'm exhausted."

Raymond stood as well, his eyes following her movements. "Of course. Goodnight, Ginny."

"Goodnight," She replied, turning to head toward the stairs. Her hand was on the banister when Raymond's voice stopped her.

"Ginny," He said, his voice low and urgent. "Can we talk for a minute?"