Chapter 3 Dinner with my Billionaire Fiancé

"Don't mind him," said Sofia, Adrian's younger sister. "Let's go sit and get something to drink," she continued, guiding a distraught Serena towards the bar. They got two drinks and a table. "Is that how he is?" Serena asked, catching Sofia unaware. "What?" Sofia asked impulsively. "Your brother is how he is?" She asked again. "No, he is not." Sofia giggled.

The two girls sat and talked while the others were on the golf course. They mostly spoke about Adrian. Sofia told Serena many fun stories about Adrian, such as how nice, caring, and passionate he is. He doesn't joke about his family and those he loved. Sofia tried to erase the bad impression that he had made with Serena by telling her his good traits. But she still mentioned one of his greatest flaws, how he finds it hard to express and admits his feelings. She pleaded with Serena to be patient with him in their marriage. She was the only person who mentioned anything about the unin, others did as if it was nothing.

Serena was having a good time with her sister in law, exchanging stories and joking around. Though Sofia was two years older than Serena, they enjoyed each other's company just like peers. "It's time to go," Mr. Moretti said, breaking the girl's giggles. "You are having fun, but you can continue at dinner." He continued as Serena got up to hug Sofia goodbye. Even though she hadn't had a good time golfing, she was happy to hang out with Sofia.

Everyone bid themselves a warm farewell, except for Adrian and Serena. She purposely avoided him. She was still angry with the way he had humiliated her. He tried to talk to her and make amends, but she gave him a firm goodbye and walked away before he could say anything. Dumbfounded, he stood there and watched as she walked away. He wasn't angry, neither did he feel annoyed, he knew he deserved it for what he did to her.

Serena was silent during the drive home. The thought of Adrian being her husband weighed heavily on her mind. After seeing his picture, she considered the whole marriage thing like she had a choice in it. But after this face-to-face meeting, she wasn't sure if his appearance could make up for his nasty behaviour. She couldn't wait to get home and tell Ashley; she realised they hadn't really spoken about the matter or spoken at all.

She ran into her room immediately she got home, picked up her phone and dialed Ashley's number. "I don't like him," she started. "Hello to you, too," Ashley responded. "He is so rude and full of himself; he thinks the whole world revolves around him." She nagged, disregarding Ashley's indirect complaint. Serena spent an hour or two on the phone with Ashley, talking about the mixed feelings she has for him.

Her call was interrupted when her mom came into her room. "I'll call you back, Ash," Serena said before she hung up. Her mom sat on the bed and tapped the empty space beside her for Serena to sit. "I just want you to know that I love you, and I feel your pain," her mom said, reaching for her daughter's hand for comfort. "And if I could do anything to stop this, I would, but I can't." she continued, trying to hold back the already-formed tears, "but we just have to do this; we don't have any choice." She said, searching her daughter's eyes for mercy or forgiveness, but Serena sat there quietly, no emotions in sight. She didn't blame her mom, but she hated the fact she couldn't do anything to stop this.

After not getting the reaction she hoped for, her mom handed her a garment bag "For tonight," she said before calmly getting up and leaving the room. Serena immediately opened the bag, curious of what might be inside. She lifted a beautiful floor-length satin gown in a deep wine red that would cling to her little curves. With her jaw dropped, she sent a picture to Ashley, who immediately called her, "Can I see? Can I see? Can I see?" Ashley asked excitedly from the other end of the line, her face too close to her camera. "Put it on," Ashley exclaimed as Serena was placing her phone so Ashley could have a better view.

Looking at herself in the mirror. She was too stunned to speak; none of her designer clothes could compare to this dress. "I've got to hand it to your mom. You look amazing!" Ashley exclaimed. "Isn't it a bit much?" Serena asked, still admiring her reflection in the mirror as she turned to see every inch of the dress on her body. "Well, it's your engagement dinner after all," Ashley laughed. But Serena didn't find it funny, "What if he thinks I'm trying too hard or I want this marriage thing?" Serena asked, feeling hopeless as she dropped to the floor. "But you just said you don't mind marrying him," Ashley responded, confused, trying not to make Serena overthink. "But still, I don't like him. I just find him attractive," Serena said as she took the dress off. "I don't know what to do, Ash."Serena, darling, they're here!" Mrs. Moretti called out, her voice chiming through the elegant corridors of their home. She gestured for her daughter to come down and greet their guests. As Serena stepped into view, Sofia exclaimed, "Wow, you look stunning! You have to tell me where you got that dress!" Serena felt a rush of warmth and shyness as all eyes turned to her. Typically confident and outspoken, today she felt a flutter of nerves bubbling within her. "Thank you," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She stole a glance at Adrian, perhaps hoping for something, a compliment maybe, but he seemed lost in admiration of the grand interiors, completely absorbed in the atmosphere.

"I must say, you have impeccable taste, Mrs. Moretti. The decor is simply beautiful," Adrian remarked casually, continuing to gaze around the room, seemingly ignoring Serena's presence. "Oh, thank you, dear! If you like it, I can share my designer's contact," her mother giggled. "Shall we?" she continued, leading them toward the inviting dining room.

As the dinner progressed, Serena felt herself retreating further into a bubble of awkwardness while the rest of the guests laughed and conversed animatedly. No matter how she tried to chime in, the words stuck in her throat. The vibrant exchanges around her only deepened her sense of isolation and dread; she was the one getting married to the silent, arrogant man who barely acknowledged her presence, and the realization gnawed at her insides.

Feeling increasingly suffocated by the atmosphere, she finally broke free from her chair. "Sorry, can I be excused?" The room fell into a hush, the chatter ceasing as heads turned to her, including Adrian's, whose drink had just paused at his lips. "Of course, sweetheart. Are you alright?" her mother asked with concern. "Yes, I'm fine. I just need some fresh air," she replied, quickly seeking her father's nod of approval before slipping out.

Once outside, she found a quiet refuge in the garden at the back of the house, sinking onto a peaceful bench surrounded by fragrant blooms. Digging her phone from her pocket, she texted Ashley, "Yeah, I hate him," punctuated by a laughing emoji that felt hollow. Almost immediately, Ashley called, but Serena hesitated, her frustration boiling over. How could her parents treat her like a pawn in this old-fashioned game of marriage to the rude man?

"Are you going to answer that?" a deep voice interrupted her thoughts. She looked up, surprised to find Adrian standing there, a mixture of curiosity and concern on his face. "I'll call her back," Serena replied, returning her gaze to the serene scenery of the garden, desperate for a moment of solitude. "Can I sit?" he asked, gesturing to the empty spot beside her. "Be my guest," she replied, a mixture of tension and curiosity swirling within her. Maybe he is not that bad, she thought to herself. "Thank you." His voice held a softness that surprised her, and for a moment, the stillness of the garden enveloped them both.

An uncomfortable silence hung between them, so thick that you could hear a pin drop, its sound echoing in the stillness. "I know you're aware of our parents' plan for us to get married," he said, breaking the tension with an unsettling casualness. "Yes," she replied, managing a nervous laugh. "Well, regardless, just know I'm not exactly thrilled about this either. But I have duties to uphold, and I require an obedient wife," Adrian stated, his gaze unwavering.