Chapter 12: Chapter 12: Doubting and suspicious
DAMOND CHRIS
After much discussion, we decided to stay at my family home for the night. My mother arranged a cozy room for Daisy and me, and when Daisy discovered that it had been prepared for both of us—thanks to everyone's assumption that we were a couple—she almost choked on her glass of wine, her eyes wide in disbelief, I guessed.
Just as we were about to head up, I heard my dad call from across the dining room, his voice firm yet inviting, "Damond, I need to speak with you for a few minutes in my study."
"Sure," I replied, offering Daisy a reassuring nod before following my father into the dimly lit study, the air filled with the scent of old leather and polished wood.
DAISY JOYCE
Meanwhile, in the dining room, Damond's mom and sister engaged in light-hearted banter, radiating warmth and inclusivity.
"Don't worry, sister-in-law; I'll take care of all the wedding arrangements," Mimi, Damond's enthusiastic sister, assured me with a bright smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement. A wave of guilt washed over me as I nodded, knowing they were blissfully unaware that this wedding was part of my work obligations.
"Do you love my brother?" Mimi suddenly asked, her inquiry entirely unexpected and catching me off guard. I turned to her, forcing a smile and fighting to maintain my composure as a myriad of emotions churned inside me.
"Yes, of course, I love him," I replied, the words spilling out like a reflex, even as I hoped desperately for an escape from this charade and some peace of mind.
"Maybe Mom has something important to share with you," she added, standing up to leave, her departure leaving me alone with my racing thoughts.
In the sudden silence that enveloped me, I felt a gentle grasp on my hand.
"Daisy, please take care of Damond. He might come off as cold and arrogant, but really, he's just quite immature beneath that exterior. You should have noticed that, considering you're together now."
"Yes, I get it," I said, my voice steady even though I was lying through my teeth. I barely knew Damond; our arrangement had only been in place for four days, and we hadn't even shared a meaningful conversation beyond polite exchanges.
I smiled at her reassuringly, squeezing her hand gently with warmth. "Don't worry, Aunty."
"No, you can call me Mom. I'll always be here for you too. If anything happens between you and Damond, promise me you'll tell me—I want to handle him," she said, her tone a mix of jest and earnestness, prompting a shared chuckle between us.
The light mood shifted, however, when she pressed further, "You said you love Damond; are you really sure about that?"
"Yes, I do," I replied, my heart racing with uncertainty. "Are you not concerned about his eyes or his blindness? He should have told you."
"Do you know what caused his blindness? He should have shared that with you, especially as you're the one he loves," she stated, her gaze piercing and earnest.
I was left momentarily speechless, the weight of her question hanging heavily in the air. I had never thought to ask him about it; it seemed too personal, too painful. And I assumed he wouldn't divulge anything significant to me, anyway.
"She shouldn't make such a simple question feel complicated," I murmured to myself, a sense of unease washing over me. "But the truth is, I'm not really his fiancée." Just then, the study door swung open, and Damond stepped out, looking a little more serious than before.
"Honey, it's getting late; you should take care of your health. Let's get some rest," he said, striding over to me and taking my hand in his. "Good night, Mom," he called out as he led me through the hallway toward my room, a quiet determination in his step.
Damond Chris
"You could have excused yourself back there," I said gently, unable to shake the concern in my voice.
"I couldn't do that; it would only make things worse," she replied with a tone that suggested she had dealt with expectations like these before. I nodded, respecting her choice. "Alright then, freshen up and get some sleep," I encouraged.
I summoned the maid to bring in pajamas for Daisy, and a few minutes later, she emerged from the bathroom, her cheeks slightly flushed with what I assumed was the heat of the moment.
As the maid handed her the pajamas, I felt the urge to take a shower after her. Just then, I heard Daisy's voice, "Let me help." I hesitated, unsure if I wanted to accept her offer with the maids lingering around, but the atmosphere felt comfortable, so I reluctantly agreed, "Okay, sure."
She guided me to the bathroom with a gentle touch. "I'll wait outside," I assured her once I stepped in, grateful for the moment alone. After the shower, I felt refreshed and a little more at ease, and when I returned to the room, she was waiting, handing me my pajamas with a quiet smile. "You shouldn't feel sorry for me I said; then just take care of yourself," she said softly, her words lingering in the air.
DAISY JOYCE
His words left me feeling somewhat puzzled, but I decided to put the thought aside for now.
"I'll take the couch," I said, preparing to lie down.