Harrison stepped out of his car as he arrived at the family mansion, his face etched with exhaustion after a long day at work. He stretched slightly, trying to ease the tension in his shoulders, when he noticed another vehicle pulling into the driveway.
A smile tugged at his lips. The car looked familiar, he assumed it was his mother returning home. Curious and hopeful, he walked toward the vehicle, expecting to see her familiar face.
But as the car door opened, he froze in surprise.
"Hey, where have you been?" Harrison asked, trying to sound casual despite his evident surprise.
Carmilla, equally surprised to see him, smiled softly.
"I went to see my parents. It's been a while since I last visited. I'm sorry I didn't tell you."
His expression softened.
"No, it's okay. That's right of you. Maybe next time, I'll go with you to see them."
Carmilla gave a small shrug.
"It was a last-minute decision. I didn't want to bother you. Besides, I needed some time alone with them."
Harrison nodded in understanding.
"You look exhausted. How was work?" Carmilla asked, her voice laced with concern.
"Work is just work. Same thing every day," he replied, taking her hand gently and leading her toward the house.
As they stepped inside, they were met with the warm aroma of dinner wafting from the kitchen.
"Perfect timing!" Arthur, Harrison's father, called out as he emerged from the kitchen with a tray of steaming dishes. "Dinner is just being served. Come on in, everyone! Oh Harrison, your mom's been holding it together, but barely."
The Harringtons gathered in the dining room. Harrison pulled out a chair for Carmilla before taking his seat. Margaret was already seated, looking composed but sharp, while Crystal had just arrived and immediately switched off her phone.
"You're late," Margaret said pointedly, turning to Carmilla. "You know when dinner is being prepared, you're supposed to be around, helping decide on the dishes. Instead, you left that responsibility to your father-in-law."
"I'm sorry, Mom. I lost track of time. I promise it won't happen again," Carmilla said apologetically.
Seeing how serious his mother's tone had become, Harrison stepped in, trying to defuse the tension.
"Mom, don't be too hard on her. It's not like Dad's complaining. Unlike you, he actually loves the kitchen."
"I agree with Harry," Crystal chimed in with a playful smile.
"Alright, that's enough," Arthur interrupted, setting the tray on the table. "Let's eat. After you, honey," he said, handing out dishes.
The clinking of silverware filled the room as everyone began to eat. The tension gradually eased, and the air became warmer again.
Margaret turned her attention to Carmilla.
"So, Cam. How are your parents? I'm sure they were more than happy to see you."
"They're doing well, thanks for asking," Carmilla replied politely, still chewing.
The room fell into a comfortable silence as the family continued their meal.
While they were finishing up dessert, Crystal looked up from her plate.
"Carmilla, do you have any plans to go back to L.A. and continue working?"
Carmilla hesitated. It was a question she had been pondering for a while, and luckily, she had just talked about it with her parents earlier that day.
"I actually discussed that with my parents today. I plan on going back maybe after a week. I mean… it wouldn't feel right to abandon my responsibilities, especially my workers and my assistant."
Everyone nodded in understanding everyone except Harrison, who remained quietly thoughtful.
"That's good—very responsible of you," Margaret replied. "But if I had a choice, I'd want you to stay here. After all, you're the daughter-in-law of this family. You should be overseeing what goes on in this house. But since you seem to have a lot on your plate, I'll save you the trouble."
She paused, her gaze firm.
"You and your husband can talk about it. Once a decision is made, let me know."
Seeing how serious the discussion was becoming, Crystal decided to excuse herself.
"I'm full, I might explode at this rate. Mom, Dad, I'll head to my room."
"Me too," Arthur said, pushing his chair back. "I'll be in the theater room if anyone needs me."
"Sounds like a plan," Harrison replied, smiling as he helped Carmilla to her feet.
Just as the family began to disperse, the doorbell rang, freezing everyone mid-step. They turned toward the entrance, curiosity filling the air.
"I'll get it," one of the servants offered quickly, hurrying to the door.
Moments later, the servant returned with a delivery man holding a package.
"Hi, I have a delivery for Harrison and Carmilla Harrington."
Hearing his name, Harrison walked over and accepted the package, signing for it before returning to the dining room. The servant shut the door behind him.
"What's that?" Margaret asked, her eyes narrowing with curiosity.
"It's a package for me and Carmilla," Harrison replied, examining it as he searched for the opening.
Carmilla's eyes lit up with interest.
"Ooh, what is it?"
As Harrison turned the package around, he noticed a small envelope attached. He opened it and read aloud:
"It says, 'Wishing Harrison and Carmilla a happy marriage…'"
Crystal raised a brow, confused.
"Seriously? It's been a month. Who sends this now?"
Harrison scanned the rest of the card, but his expression quickly shifted—his curiosity replaced by something darker, more alarmed.
"What's wrong?" Carmilla asked, sensing the tension building.
Harrison's eyes met those of his family. He gave a small, tense nod. They responded silently, urging him to open the package.
His hands trembled slightly as he began unwrapping it—then suddenly, he recoiled, flinging the package away from him.
"Who the hell delivered this?!" he shouted, his voice shaking.
Chaos broke out instantly as the family rushed toward the package where it had landed. Carmilla's eyes widened in horror as she caught sight of its contents.
"Oh my God… Mom… Dad—it's a human head!" Crystal screamed, covering her mouth in disgust.