Emily's POV
"Don't forget dinner at my Mom's place."
Brian's family always held a Thanksgiving gathering every six months. I would have loved to spend the weekend resting at home, considering the drama that unfolded during the course of the week.
The doorbell interrupted my train of thought. It was the dispatch rider. I had ordered food for breakfast and lunch for myself.
Ever since I got to know who my husband was, I stopped putting in so much effort. Why cook for a cheating husband planning my downfall?
As Brian reached out for the food, I snatched it away from him.
"Ouch- Didn't you order for both of us?"
I rolled my eyes. "Why would I do that? This is for me alone. Stay away from it."
Brian scoffed. "Since when did we start this?"
"Oh, we've just started. Get used to it." I crossed my arms.
"Since you got out of the hospital…you seem different."
My brows shot up.
"That is your concern not mine." I shot back.
His jaw tightened, "You have never talked to me this way."
I let out a short laugh. "You clearly don't know me too well," I paused. "Dear husband". I added mockingly.
He looked at me baffled and surprised. He exhaled through his nose, like he was barely holding his frustration back. "You need to get some rest, this is not you Emily."
Instead of going back and forth with him, I walked out of the parlor and went into the room.
This is just the tip of the iceberg, dear husband.
***
"And I caught her trying to jump over the fence. One of her legs slipped and she went right back to the ground." Everyone laughed at Aunt Daphne's story. She was talking about how she caught one of her staff members stealing from her.
It was stories like these that made me look forward to Thanksgiving. It was always fun.
One of Brian's cousins leaned back into the chair.
"Did y'all see the mess that happened with Taylor Swift's ticket? My boyfriend waited for over five hours and still didn't get one."
Vanessa walked in like she was a part of the family. I glared at her as I watched her settle in. In a giggly voice, she rushed to hug me. I was sure Brian had invited her.
It wasn't her first time attending but I hadn't paid much attention to it. But now, it is pissing me off seeing her here.
Vanessa laughed. "The Eras tour? It has caused a whole lot of chaos online. People are literally fighting over it."
"I would not be surprised," someone muttered.
"Ticketmaster sure doesn't care enough."
Brian shrugged, "People complain every year and yet still buy the tickets.
***
It was time for each person to stand and say what they were grateful for as tradition.
It was Brian's turn, and he stood up and raised his glass.
"I would not be where I am today if not for my wife."
He placed his hand on my shoulder. I looked around the room and caught some faces smiling.
"She is an amazing wife."
Vanessa shifted uncomfortably in her chair.
I am sure amazing now means foolish. The fool who funds your fake businesses.
"Emily has always believed in my dreams, she supports me in every step I take." Brian continued proudly.
"Statistics show that men who profess love for their partners publicly are the worst type of partners to be with."
Aunty Eloise is my favourite person in the family. She knows how to stir things up.
Brian's mother cut in and scolded her.
"Eloise, why would you say such now! You must have had a lot to drink."
"I haven't even drunk up to my daily quota yet." She let out a mirthless laugh.
"My dear ladies, don't let men hold you down within the chains of marriage." She continued.
Brian's mum's temper flared up.
"Look around the table, who has a failed marriage here? You, Eloise! Don't you dare try to blacken the hearts of the children."
"Failed? I call it a win for me. No children, no husband. I am living that life, Big Sis."
Aunt Eloise is what we call a strong feminist. I adore her so much, she is the type who never backs down or gets humiliated by a Man.
***
The noise became too much, so I decided to go out to get some fresh air.
The cold breeze brushed against my skin.
I inhaled deeply, I needed this.
"You look like someone who just escaped a sentence."
The voice was familiar.
My heart fluttered.
It was Lucas Reed.
He leaned against a black car parked in front of the house.
"Wha..What are you doing here?" My throat went dry.
His lips curved slightly, like he was enjoying how uncomposed I was.
"Now that's an interesting question."
"But permit me to ask the same question," he said, pointing at the house.
"This is my Husband's family house," I said.
"Your husband" he repeated, his demeanor stiffening.
"Yes," I said firmly.
"Well," he said, crossing his legs. "That makes the situation more interesting." He added.
Before I could respond, the front door opened and Brian's voice cut in.
"Emily?"
His eyes landed on Lucas and then back to me.
He stepped closer, raised one of his brows.
"Do you two know each other?"
My heart skipped a beat.
Which one would make things easier?
The truth.
Or a lie.