Chapter 4 The Dinner

The soft click of heels echoed down the grand staircase as Kavya descended slowly, elegance wrapped in defiance. She wore a sleek, form-fitting black dress. It was simple, stunning, and unapologetically sharp.

Her mother, waiting at the foot of the stairs, looked up and sighed. "Black, Kavya? Really? This is a dinner, not a damn funeral."

Kavya raised a brow. "Well, it feels like one."

"You could at least try to wear a smile, you look like you're being held hostage," her mom said, forcing a smile. "Put on a happy face, darling."

"I'd rather be anywhere else but here, besides you are blackmailing your daughter, so technically, I am being held hostage." Kavya said, reaching the last step.

The front door opened.

In stepped Gerald Van Dyke, dressed in a crisp navy suit, flanked by his father, Mr. Charles Van Dyke, who carried himself like a man always ten seconds from delivering a TED Talk.

"Kavya," Charles said warmly. "You look absolutely radiant."

Kavya gave him a polite nod. "Mr. Van Dyke, it's a pleasure to meet you sir"

Gerald stood a few steps behind, hands in his pockets, jaw set. "Evening," he said coolly.

Kavya didn't move. "Hello," she returned, just as dry.

Their parents exchanged glances for some time . Charles gave her mom a warm embrace.

"Shall we?" Kavya's mom said, gesturing toward the dining room.

Just then, her phone rang.

"Saved by the bell," she said dryly, stepping away to take the call ,swiping to answer. "Yes Claire?"

"Hey, boss. Just a quick reminder-your winter line strategy meeting is in twenty minutes. The creative director from Paris just landed and is already at the office."

Kavya's face lit up with false hope. "You're telling me there's still a chance to escape this torture?"

"Wouldn't recommend it," Claire replied, chuckling. "Unless you want your mother to storm the office and drag you back."

She sighed. "Fine. I'll suffer through it. Keep them warm until I'm back tomorrow."

She hung up, turning back toward the hall, only to find her mother standing with arms folded.

"No more work tonight," her mom warned. "Kavya, do you need me to remind you that we have guests ? Please I need you to be physically and mentally present."

They met up with Mr Charles and Gerald at the dining hall.

The four of them took their seats. A table dressed in candlelight, floral centerpieces, and fine china stretched between them. A five-star meal none of them really wanted.

For a few moments, it was painfully civil.

Until Gerald said, "I appreciate you squeezing out time from your busy schedule just to host us Ma'am"

"I was more than happy to," Madam Anita replied cheerfully.

Then he muttered "Nice of you to dress like you're in mourning." Referring to Kavya

Kavya didn't miss a beat. "I am."

Charles raised a brow. "Everything okay, kids?"

"Wonderful," Kavya said sweetly. "Absolutely thrilling evening."

Gerald leaned toward his plate, voice just low enough to be heard. "Didn't think empires were built on attitude."

She cut into her steak. "Didn't think tech boys were this boring."

Both parents were chatting heartily to notice the knives and daggers being thrown between their children.

"So Kavya, I hear you have a new line coming up " He enquired

"Yes sir" she affirms

"How is it going?" He asked with a hint of curiosity.

" It's been hectic, especially when most people don't share your work ethics" She sips her wine

" Kavya is a workaholic. I keep telling her that she needs a break once in a while"

" Same here, Gerald travels a lot. It's always work, work and work."

But the tension was palpable-and every servant who walked into the room felt it. If the table were any colder, it'd be a crime scene.

Then came the final course-dessert, champagne, and awkward silence.

Until Charles raised his glass. "To new beginnings."

Kavya didn't lift hers. Gerald stared at his glass for some time

"To a new beginning " Kavya raised her glass lazily.

Gerald groans and does the same

That was when it happened.

" You have been a fantastic host ma'am, I wonder why your daughter didn't take after you"

Raising an eyebrow " What are you yapping about tech boy?" Kavya folds her arms.

Mr Charles gave Gerald a look " Behave yourself som" He smiles anxiously

"My dear please be calm" Anita tried to appease Kavay

"Oh I meant no disrespect. But you must have gotten that attitude from your dad"

" You're such a jerk, I'm sure you got that from your mom" Kavya fires back angrily