章 10: Family Dinner
"What dance are you trying to perform?"
Serena stumbled at the sound of the voice. She had awoken some time ago and had been trying to stand on her feet. However, she lacked the strength to do so. Determined to prove the doctors wrong, she tried, only for her legs to feel numb.
She jumped at the sound of Aiden's voice and whipped her head around to see him standing in the doorway, watching her.
When did he get here? And how long had he been standing there?
Too embarrassed to say anything, she chewed out, "Why are you here?"
"I've been asked to fetch you, wifey," he replied with a faint smile.
"I can't join. Just make an excuse for me," she snapped, frustration bubbling up inside her.
He frowned. "Why not?"
"Because I can't even walk to the bathroom! How am I supposed to walk down those stairs?" she shouted, her voice breaking.
Dam* it! Why did she feel like crying? She needed to think of a way to get to that bathroom. Crying wouldn't help her.
Aiden, on the other hand, froze at the sound of her almost crying. It took a moment for realization to dawn. This girl was so strong that he tended to forget that she'd been on the verge of death...
Without a word, he crossed the room, bent down, and scooped her up in his arms. She gasped in surprise, her hands clinging to her shoulders and questioned," What are you doing? I cannot go..."
Aiden shot her a glare before turning to look straight ahead and took her into the washroom. He set her down gently, and for a moment, their eyes met. Serena felt a surge of emotion, touched by his unexpected kindness while he mumbled," Just do your business. I'll wait outside..."
Serena was still trying to process the man's unexpected kindness as she slowly and carefully walked out of the room, only to find a maid standing there," I'm here to help you get dressed ma'am."
With the maid's assistance, she dressed simply and steeled herself for the journey downstairs. Each step was a challenge, but she was determined to make it on her own, even if she had to lean heavily on the railing.
As she reached the bottom of the stairs, Serena saw Aiden standing there, waiting for her. His expression was unreadable, a mixture of concern and something else she couldn't quite place. He offered her his arm, and with a slight hesitation, she took it.
"Thank you."
***
In the dining room, all conversation ceased when they entered. Serena could feel the weight of the gazes on her. She straightened her back, ready to face them when her vision was blocked suddenly by a young woman.
Before Serena could say anything, a young girl ran up to her, her energy palpable. She threw her arms around Serena in an enthusiastic hug, almost causing Serena to lose her balance. Aiden's hand instinctively moved to her lower back, steadying her.
The girl pulled back slightly, her bright eyes sparkling with excitement. "I'm so happy to finally meet you! I'm Ella, Aiden's younger sister."
Serena couldn't help but smile at the young girl with the infectious grin. "I am happy to meet you as well, Ella."
"We're going to be great sisters, I just know it!" Ella exclaimed, her excitement almost overwhelming. "We can do so many things together!"
A gentle, amused voice interrupted them. "Ella, dear, let her sit at least," Aiden's grandmother said with a warm smile.
Ella stepped back, still beaming as Aiden guided Serena to a chair. His hand remained on her lower waist, a touch Serena was acutely aware of. As she sat, she couldn't help but wonder if he had a fever. His hand was so hot, she could feel it through the dress! And why did he not take his hand off her?She was steady on her feet now.
When he finally did, Aiden sat beside her. She quickly became aware of the slightly hostile gaze fixed on her. She looked over in that direction and noticed a slightly younger version of Aiden. He sat directly across from her.
"Serena, this is Nathan," Grandmother introduced with a gentle smile. "Aiden's younger brother."
"It's nice to meet you, Nathan," Serena said.
Nathan's expression didn't soften.
"I wish I could say the same," he muttered under his breath.
Aiden shot his brother a warning look, but Nathan's gaze remained fixed on Serena in defiance. Serena gave him a thin smile and then proceeded to ignore him. The kid really thought that he could intimidate her when she wasn't even intimidated by his older brother?
"Ignore him, Serena!" Ella leaned forward and questioned her," You have to tell us how you and Aiden met. He's always kept you hidden away. I'm dying to know how he fell for you!"
There was a momentary pause as Ella asked this and while the food was served, her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she looked at Serena expectantly. Serena returned the look with a smile, shaking her head slightly.
"How did he fall? I think he didn't see the banana peel."
Ella chuckled at the wry joke and shook her head,"You are so funny. Come on, Serena! Tell me, please. How did you chase him?"
Serena pointed at Aiden, her eyes dancing with amusement as she saw him eating his food peacefully.
Ha! He wanted her to spin a story for his lie? Let him do the dirty work. "You have to ask him how he fell for me... I have no idea how he did. He was the one who fell first and harder...And me... I have no-"
With a challenging smirk at Aiden, she was about to announce that she had no memories, she felt a firm yet gentle grip on her hand beneath the table. She glanced down in surprise, then back up at Aiden, who was giving her a meaningful look.
Raising her eyebrows at him, Serena tried to pull her hand back. But Aiden's grip only tightened slightly. His thumb traced slow, deliberate circles on her skin, and she turned to him fully, her eyes narrowing slightly, a challenging glint in them.
"Aiden, honey," she said, her voice taking on a playful yet daring tone. "You have to tell Ella how you fell for me. Tell her the entire story..." She gestured with her free hand, inviting him to elaborate. "Tell her how you courted me. Come on."
Aiden gave her a thin smile and then turned to his sister. "It was love at first sight. I saw her a few years ago, but she was with someone else." He quickly shifted topics, his tone becoming more authoritative. "Now, would you like to tell me about your recent grades? I am sure..."
Ella's eyes widened in panic, and she quickly shook her head. "No, no! We should not talk while eating. Concentrate on your food," she said, hastily diverting the conversation.
Serena turned her head slowly towards Aiden, leaning in close, with a voice laced with challenge, she whispered, "Liar, liar, pants on fire."
He tightened his grip on her hand, pulling it closer with a deliberate, slow motion. "Why don't you check for yourself if they're on fire or not..." he murmured, his voice a low, daring rumble.
She tugged her hand back sharply, her pulse quickening. Aiden held on for a moment longer, their gazes locked in a silent battle of wills, before he finally released her with a controlled smirk. He'd finally won a battle.
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