Chapter 4 I WILL

A booming voice, as imposing as the man himself, shattered the momentary silence.

"Sebastian, my boy!" Nathan Steele appeared from the crowd. His smile was wide but something about it made me think of a crocodile poised to strike.

"And this must be the lovely Alexa!" Nathan boomed again, turning his attention to me.

His gaze, sharp and calculating, took in my designer dress and the carefully styled hair.

A flicker of something approval? amusement? crossed his face before settling into a mask of practiced warmth.

"Welcome to the Steele family," he declared, his voice loud enough to reach the farthest corner of the room.

Next came Olivia, a vibrant contrast to her parents. Unlike the others, she didn't stop for a handshake.

Instead, she rushed forward, engulfing me in a warm hug that felt refreshingly genuine.

"Finally!" Olivia exclaimed, "It's about time Sebastian brought someone decent home."

She cast a playful jab towards her brother, who managed a faint smile, the first flicker of genuine emotion I had seen him display.

Sebastian guided me to a designated table at the head of the room.

Across from us sat Isabella, Sebastian's mother.

Nathan motioned for Sebastian to follow him, which he did, leaving me alone in the unfamiliar setting.

"Tell us about yourself, Alexa," a man from the other table near us asked out of nowhere

My throat suddenly became dry. This was it. Time to play my part. I cleared my throat mentally ready to open my mouth, a different voice cut through the chatter.

"Hold your horses, Uncle Dominic, "Let the poor girl breathe before launching the interrogation." Olivia teased.

Olivia's intervention offered a much-needed salvation. Relief washed over me, momentarily easing the tension in my shoulders.

"This is an engagement, I do not think we have time for small talk since your father is in a rush, or do you disagree, Isabella? "

"So, Alexa," isabella''s voice cut through the one second silence. "Tell us about your family business. Does your father run a corporation as well?"

I forced a smile. A bead of sweat formed on my forehead.

My "family business" was a ruined tiny bakery my dad ran down the street, a world away from the high-stakes dealings of the Steeles.

"Oh, um," I stammered, "Actually, my dad..." I hesitated, unsure how much to reveal.

"He's an entrepreneur!" Sebastian interjected smoothly from behind, "Owns a charming little bakery in the heart of the city. Delicious croissants, I assure you."His lie flowed seamlessly.

"How lovely," Isabella remarked, her lips pursed. "But surely, running a bakery requires a certain business insight. Did your father inherit the establishment, or did he build it from the ground up?"

The woman's sharp gaze seemed to dissect my soul. I fumbled for an answer. "A bit of both, I guess. He bought the shop a few years ago but he's put his own touch on it, introducing new recipes..."

"And how successful has this venture been?" Uncle Dominic asked, leaning forward with predatory interest. "Profit margins? Expansion plans?"

Panic prickled at my fingertips. These weren't the friendly questions I assumed to be asked at family dinners that turned out to be an engagement, this was definitely not we agreed.

"Why don't we give my beautiful fiancee a chance to breathe, uncle?" Sebastian said with all calmness as he sat.

"After all its her first meeting with us" Nathan agreed

"It seems like a lively discussion?" a woman on uncle Dominic's table scoffed.

"Our family gatherings are more akin to board meetings, my dear. Efficient and to the point or aren't you comfortable with that?"

I met her gaze unflinchingly. "Perhaps," I said, "that's why my Sebastian enjoys them so much. He thrives on efficiency, wouldn't you agree?"

I turned to Sebastian, catching a hint of amusement in his eyes. It was brief, fleeting, but it was there.

"Indeed," he replied, shooting me a smile, " Let's eat"

A jabbing comment from Dominic caught me off guard. "So, Alexa," he said, his voice dripping with condescension,

"what exactly do you bring to the table besides your looks?".

" Dominic," Nathan scolded.

That was a close one else I would have said I would help him streamline his spending and buy second hand clothes instead.

Finally, the moment everyone seemed to be anticipating arrived. Nathan rose, his glass held high like a conductor signaling the start of a grand symphony.

"Tonight," he announced, his voice carrying an air of authority,

"We celebrate not only a delicious meal, but also the joyous news of Sebastian's engagement to our lovely Alexa!

This was supposed to be a family dinner, but I decided to make it a larger guest because I am sure he would not have a grand wedding anyway."

Applause boomed again,Nathan reached into his pocket and produced a small velvet box he passed it on to Sebastian,

" To all the great things that are yet to come!"

Sebastian opened it, the diamond ring reflected straight into my eyes.

He knelt before me, his eyes locked into mine

"Alexa," he began, his voice low and surprisingly gentle,

"Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

I felt overwhelmed by the situation, a part of me wished for a genuine connection with the man kneeling in front of her.

I took a deep breath, smiled confidently, and met his gaze.

"Yes, Sebastian," I exclaimed, my voice clear and determined. "I will."

He slipped the ring onto my finger. The diamond sparkled under the chandelier's light.

Sebastian's lips brushed against mine, a light, unexpected kiss that sent a jolt through me.

My mind reeled. This wasn't part of the plan. We hadn't discussed any displays of affection, This whole night has been full of surprises and I am not sure that was in the contract.

I should be upset but I only stared at him speechless,

Even my cheeks were denying me of that feeling as they blushed from the kiss

"Congratulations!" Olivia's voice broke the spell, her enthusiastic shout pulling me back to reality.

A confused smile spread across my face, and I forced myself to return Sebastian's gaze which was unreadable. "There," he murmured, his voice low and husky. "Now everyone can relax.