Chapter 98
~LANA~
I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me. I couldn’t shake the uncertainty of what had transpired between Apollo and his mother after I left his room last night. They both seemed on edge, and I could only imagine her reaction to finding me there, especially with the door closed and him shirtless.
I’d paced my room for over an hour, hoping that Apollo would try and meet up with me after his mother left, to fill me in on what took place and maybe continue where we stopped. However, he never showed up to my disappointment.
“So, you’re telling me she caught you two in Apollo’s room?” Isabella gasps. “And he was shirtless! This is crazy Lana!”
I nod, “Yeah, it is. Then Apollo asked me to leave so he could talk to her. He didn’t want me overhearing their conversation. I don’t even want to think about what was said between them in my absence.”
Isabella sighs, “I wish I had been there. I would have paid good money to see the look on her face when she walked in or even to hear the things she said after you left.”
I roll my eyes, realizing Isabella wasn’t grasping how serious this all was.
What if Apollo’s mother decided to tell my mom or stepdad what she saw? The last thing I needed was to deal with that drama while also trying to cope with seeing Apollo with someone else.
Despite everything, something seemed to shift in Apollo last night. He was the one who revealed that I was in his room. I had tried to duck out of sight when his mom showed up, but he wouldn’t let me. It got me thinking–maybe my words had made a difference. Maybe, just maybe Apollo was willing to confess to his mother about us.
“So, we’re meeting Jada’s parents today,” Isabella reminded me. “Do you think they’ll be anything like Ms. Reign?”
I couldn’t help but groan at the thought of meeting Jada’s parents. My mother was set on making a good impression, which meant we’d have to socialize with these people whether we liked it or not.
However, if I was right about Apollo suddenly changing his mind about marrying Jada, then maybe we wouldn’t have to deal with meeting her parents today.
“Lana?” Isabella reminds me of her earlier question that I still hadn’t answered.
“I have no doubt they will be,” I reply. “Just look at their daughter. Her family is bound to reflect her. Besides, Apollo’s mom is their good friend, that means they will share similarities.”
We both move toward the window as we hear a vehicle pull into the driveway. I can already make out the sounds of voices–Apollo and his mother, joined by Jada–waiting eagerly for their arrival.
My heart sinks. The sight of my mate greeting his future in–laws confirms that our conversation yesterday had no impact on his decisions. He’s still through with the wedding, fully aware that it will shatter my heart into a million pieces.
The weight of that realization hits me hard.
I couldn’t believe I’d mistaken everything about last night. I was sure that something had changed between us.
How could I have been so very wrong?
I can’t help but watch helplessly as Jada’s parents step out of the limousine, impeccably dressed as if they belong in a palace.
“I can already tell they’re judging our home,” Isabella huffs, observing how they sean their surroundings with disapproval. Their facial expressions clearly indicate they’d prefer to be anywhere else.
“I can’t believe mom agreed to host them when all they’re here for is to critique everything,” I sigh in frustration.
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Isabella rolls her eyes. “I still don’t get why they chose to do it here instead of somewhere else. It’s not like we wanted them here either
Ms. Reign wanted to make our lives miserable, I was convinced that was her true reason for being here after spending time with her. She knew her presence would make us uncomfortable and that was exactly what she wanted to do.
“Are you ready to meet the family?” my sister asks me. “We both know if we don’t get down there in the next five minutes, mother will show up at this door insisting that we greet our guests.”
She was right. I didn’t want to have to deal with her pounding on our door, insisting that we go greet Jada’s parents. It was better to get it over with now
Besides, I wanted to have a closer look at my mate. I needed to figure out what was happening between us.
“Ready?”
I nod and follow her out the door. I can feel the anxiousness growing in my chest with each step I took forward. Soon enough, if Apollo didn’t change his mind, he would belong to Jada for good.
My feet feel heavy as I try to keep my composure.
When we reach the bottom of the stairs, mom is already there waiting.
“I was just about to come looking for the two of you.” She says, confirming our earlier discussion. “Jada’s parents are lovely just like she is.”
Lovely? That was certainly not the description I would use for that family.
“Come on now,” she says as she guides us into the family room.
I can already feel the judgemental looks from Jada’s parents as we step into the space.
“These are my daughters.” My mother introduces us.
“It is a pleasure to meet you two lovely ladies.” Jada’s father says as he reaches forward for a handshake..
“Thank you for giving our daughter such a warm welcome into the family,” her mother says. “She has told us only good things about her stay here so far.”
I didn’t believe that for a second. Jada was not the type of person to not complain to her parents. The truth was I didn’t know her that well but still, she wanted me to change the way I dressed in my own home! That told me all I needed to know about her.
“Look at my ring!” Jada says as she flashes it in front of her parents‘ faces, switching the attention back to her.
I become nervous at the mention of her ring. I still wore the ring that Apollo got for me on my finger. Surprisingly, Isabella hadn’t noticed it yet.
Wearing it in front so many people was probably not a good idea. I didn’t want my mother to notice and ask me about it.
“It is absolutely stunning just like you.” Her mother says. “I am so happy for you sweetheart. I already have your makeup artist, hairdresser, and stylist on a plane. They will be here tonight, we can have a practice session before the real day.”
Ms. Reign smiles brightly, “she will definitely be the prettiest for the ceremony. My son is so lucky to have her.”
Apollo wasn’t looking my way. Usually, I would have his full attention even while others are in the room with us. However, it felt as though he was avoiding my gaze.
What was going on? What did he and his mother/speak about last night and why did it feel like he was distancing himself from me?
“Aren’t you excited to marry Jada?” Ms. Reign/asks my mate.
He usually avoided her questions whenever she asked something like this.
However, this time he pays attention to her words before he responds, “yes, I cannot wait to marry her.”
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There is no emotion in his voice but he seems serious. He meant those words.
I cover my mouth to stifle a gasp.
No.
He’s never admitted anything like that before. My heart is racing in my chest and it feels like the walls are closing in around me.
What was happening?
