Jack glanced towards the door, following my gaze. "Oh, him?" he replied. "He's just a busy friend. We met through business." I nodded and went to the living room.
After the party, we all were standing outside ready to go.
"Thank you, Jack. The party was awesome. I enjoyed a lot today," I said to Jack. He looked at me with a smile on his face.
"No worries," he replied casually.
"Indeed, the party was awesome," Jasmine added.
"Can you drop me? I came through a taxi," Jasmine asked Jack.
"Okay, then let's go," he replied, and they both sat into Jack's car, while Lena and I went through Lena's car. She dropped me off at my home and drove to hers. I went inside the living room where Mom was sitting on the couch while watching TV. I sat beside her and took the glass of water that was placed on the table.
"Amanda, you came. How was your day?" Mom asked in a sweet tone. I nodded my head while drinking the water.
"It was good," I replied to her while standing from the couch.
"Amanda, can you take some time tomorrow? Actually, I was thinking to go to lunch with you if you'd like to," Mom said suddenly, making me stop from my way.
"Why not? We can go," I replied to her with a smile, knowing there must be something else she wanted to discuss besides going to lunch.
"Good, then also I want to introduce you to someone," she replied, confirming my thoughts.
"Really? Whom do you want to introduce me to?" I asked in confusion.
"I will tell you tomorrow. Go sleep, it's already late," Mom said, trying to change the topic.
"Okay, then," I replied and went to my room. After taking a shower, I wore comfy clothes and sat on the bed. Thoughts of Mom's lunch plan filled my mind.
"Now what is she planning?" I said to myself, but I didn't have an option but to wait until tomorrow. I went to bed and fell asleep after some time.
The next morning, I woke up to the sound of knocking on the door. I sat up and got out of bed to see who was there. I opened the door and saw Mom standing there.
"Yes, Mom?" I looked at her and asked. She usually didn't wake up that early.
"Breakfast is ready. Get up, we will have it together," she said in a sweet tone.
"Okay, I am coming," I replied as she went downstairs. I was confused by her behavior, as I had already woken up and done my morning routine. I went downstairs to see Mom already sitting, waiting for me to join her for breakfast.
After having breakfast, I went to my room to work on my project. It was already lunchtime when Mom came to my room, telling me to be ready as we had to go out. After getting dressed, I went downstairs to see Mom already standing there, waiting for me.
We both drove to the restaurant. After arriving, we went inside and took our seats. Mom's phone rang.
"I am coming," Mom said and went to attend the call. I was looking at the menu when Mom returned.
"Ma'am, let's order something," I said to Mom, giving her the menu.
"Yeah, Amanda, can we wait a bit? I am waiting for someone," Mom said, looking eagerly at the entrance.
"Here he is," Mom said with a bright smile. I glanced up and saw a man approaching our table. He wasn't very tall, but he had a strong presence. His dark skin and thick afro hair made him stand out. He seemed a bit chubby and older, maybe around 45. But what really caught my attention were his eyes—they seemed cold and calculating. As he sat down, I couldn't help feeling a bit uneasy around him. There was something about him that didn't sit right with me.
"Sorry for being late," he said while sitting beside Mom's chair. Mom's smile brightened further upon seeing him.
"No, it's not late. We just arrived 2 minutes before," Mom replied to him with a smile.
"You're Amanda, right?" he said while lifting his right eyebrow.
"Yes, she is Amanda, my daughter," Mom replied to him.
"I am Austin," he said while offering his hand for a handshake.
"Nice to meet you," I replied and shook hands with him, not wanting to be rude.
"Actually, I am here to specially meet you," Austin said, while Mom cut him off.
"Okay, further talks after lunch. Let's order something first," Mom said, taking charge. While having lunch, Austin asked questions about my job and studies. After lunch, we were still sitting there when Mom started.
"Amanda, I have something to tell you," Mom said, hesitating a bit.
"Yes," I replied with a nod, assuring her to continue.
"Actually, me and Austin, we have decided to get married," Mom said suddenly. I was looking at her with pure shock.
"Mom, what are you saying?" I asked her again, thinking that I had overheard.
"Yes, Amanda, we are getting married. I just wanted to tell you that," she replied.
"Amanda, we have been in a relationship for the past 8 months, but we were waiting for you to understand. Now, it's time to tell you. Your mom would be my responsibility, and I am sure I will make your life happy," Austin said, trying to be sweet with his words, but his eyes were not genuine. They did not support his words.
"So, whatever you want," I replied and got up from the chair, going outside, leaving them both.
I went outside, took a cab, and went home. After going into my room, I locked the door and cried hard while standing with the door.
"Mom, you… prove it today. You didn't love my dad from the start," the thought of the past reflected in my mind.
I was passing by Mom and Dad's room when I heard Mom shouting from inside. Whom was she shouting at, I thought, and saw inside from the door.