Chapter 5 Under one roof

Emma Watson All eyes flew to me, and though Ray was blind, he looked my way. I was surprised at my own bravery. "I mean, who calls his son useless?" I said to release the tension, but it had little to no effect. "Watch your tone, girl," his father's voice cut through the air. "You are a nobody to speak to me," he added. The faces of Lucas and Bella were still unreadable as they watched their father. "I don't know what gutter Ray found you in, but if you try that ever again, you will return there." His voice was calm, but his facial expressions gave meaning to his words.

"Father!" Ray hit the table loudly, making my heart skip out of my body. "I will not have you insult my wife in the presence of everyone." "We are done here. Let's get going, Emma. It seems we weren't welcomed here," Ray emphasized as he stretched his hands, searching for me, then dragged me towards the door. He really had a great sixth sense as he led me perfectly away. "Rayian!" his grandfather called out. "Now, you don't want to be disrespectful because of them, would you?" Ray stopped in his tracks and exhaled deeply. "I'm sorry, Grandpa, but it seems we aren't welcome here." "Nonsense, Rayian. Please come back. This is my home, and if anyone doesn't like you here, they can kindly excuse themselves," the voice of the old man resounded through the dining hall as he scrutinized their faces. Rayian and I were still standing rooted to the spot when he continued. "Who do you think you are to just finalize a decision like that?" he spoke again. Suddenly, the room felt hot, with faces sending daggers my way. "Rayian has proved himself capable over the last few years, and you just want to flush his hard work down the drain?" "But Father-" Mr. Maverick tried to speak but was cut off immediately. "No buts. The position of the leading CEO remains vacant until I see who's really deserving of the two." "Grandpa, are you trying to say I haven't been working hard and I'm not deserving?" Lucas threw the question his grandfather's way, his black eyes narrowing slightly. "I never said so, grandson." Maverick banged on the table and left the room. "We will see who has no shame in the end," he said, looking at me before finally ascending upstairs. Ms. Maverick shortly followed. "Alright, Grandpa, I understand, and I trust your judgment." Lucas knelt before his grandfather, kissing his hands before dismissing himself. "I will be on my way now, Grandpa," Lucas retorted. "Big bro," he said as he playfully ruffled Ray's hair. I could feel Ray's grip on my hand tighten, making me flinch a bit. "Congratulations, bro. If only you could see your wife," he said as he glared at me, lust in his eyes. He was indeed handsome, but his look made my skin crawl. "Can I keep her as an inheritance in case something bad happens to you?" He gave a little chuckle. "Well, nothing bad will happen to my husband," I quickly responded, sensing Rayian was about to lose it. I could feel his grip loosen a bit. "Well, I'm just saying. Just in case," he smiled before finally moving out, the sound of his car crushing the silence. "Good night, Grandpa," Bella said as she took a plate of food with her. "I'm not going to let an ugly gold digger spoil my mood," she retorted and went upstairs. Why was everyone calling me names? I never asked for this in the first place. This marriage, this meeting-everything. So if they were displeased, then we were even. Ray sighed as he walked briskly to his grandpa, dragging me along. "Thank you for defending me, Grandpa," Ray said as he bent to be at the same level as his grandpa in the wheelchair. "We will be on our way," he added. "Stay the night, Rayian, please!" The room fell silent, only the clock ticking like a countdown to disaster. "What do you say, Emma?" "Uhm... me?" "Yes, dear." "Sir, I'm not with any appropriate sleepwear, so-" "We will spend the night, Grandpa," Ray's voice cut through the air. I never expected that from him, and so I was shocked. I hadn't been in the same room as Ray. Not even after marriage. "Brilliant," Grandpa said. "I already had the maids prepare your room, so enjoy... I mean, good night," Grandpa said as he signaled a maid, and she rolled him out of the dining room. It was just me and the blind, cold-hearted man. But then... he had been kind to me tonight. Maybe he's not that bad. "What are you still standing there for? Get your purse and come upstairs." "Like I expected better," I mumbled beneath my breath. "What was that?" He turned in his tracks as he held the stair railing. "N-Nothing," I responded as I continued following him, like a sacrifice going to a slaughterhouse. We passed through a few rooms. This mansion was indeed beautiful to behold, and the hall was adorned with different artworks. "Wow," I whispered as I stared at one. It was a drawing of a woman and a child in a form of embrace. "Are you still coming?" "Oh, yes, sir," I hurriedly rushed to him. Ray worked a few keys and finally unlocked the door. He flipped on the light, and his room was beautifully decorated, with flowers scattered all around. I walked in and sat on the bed. This was not within our contract agreement. "I know this was not within our agreement, but it's just for tonight. I know Grandpa is just testing to see if our relationship is legit." "You can use any of the clothes in the closet." "I will sleep on the couch," he announced as he walked towards the bathroom after grabbing an outfit. I was just there admiring his room. It was rich in color-brown, with a few white decors. Ray came out after a while. That was the first time I was seeing him without his glasses. Water was still trickling down his curly hair. He kept his glasses and moved to sit on the couch. I quickly took a bath and searched through his closet, going for a grey shirt and white shorts. I embraced myself with the blanket. Just for you, Lena. I hope you get well soon!