I was startled by the question . B5 vouchers My mouth didn't move . My fingers tightened slightly around Lena's hand , my eyes stayed locked on him onger than they should've . He lifted a brow and that was when I realized I'd been staring without saying a word . Rick looked at me like I was a stranger . Calm , straight - backed , one hand loosely in his pocket , the other resting against the side of his thigh . blinked once , pulling myself together . My family had never known about us , not the restaurant visits or the nights we met in secret , the plans he made and broke . He had to be putting on a show , I straightened my shoulders . " No , we haven't ." He watched me for a second longer , " you seem familiar ." That caught me off guard but before I could answer , his eyes shifted slightly , just a flick , but it landed irectly on Lena . felt my body shift closer to her . One hand instinctively rested on her back . He didn't know , I never got he chance to tell him and I wasn't ever going to after he threw me out like shit . His gaze lingered a moment too long . Then my father's voice cut through everything . " It's impossible , " he said , stepping forward . " I'm embarrassed to even admit she's my daughter , she doesn't walk in spaces you would've been . " He waved his hand toward the hallway . " Come on , let's go in and start the proper introductions ." We stepped into the house . Lena's hand was still in mine . Her other hand tugged gently at the edge of my shirt , she looked around , eyes wide . The living room was decorated like they were trying too hard , flowers , lights and some kind of gold fabric hanging from the staircase , I looked past it all . My stepmother was by the fireplace , one heel slightly popped , fingers wrapped around a drink , she saw me , looked me up and down , then scoffed . I didn't look away . Rick stood off to the side , just behind my father . He was watching the room , nodding slightly at something being said , arms resting at his sides like this was all normal . Chapter 3 My stepmother's voice came sharp behind me . " Oh , look who decided to come back . " I stopped walking . B5 vouchers " I never thought you'd return , " she added , her voice louder now , " especially not with a bastard child . " Lena flinched , hiding behind me instinctively . I turned around , immediately taking steps toward her , startling her enough for her to shift back , " she has a name , " I said with a frown . My stepmother blinked , surprised I answered so quickly . " She's not a ' bastard . She's my daughter and if I hear you call her that again , even once , I won't just leave , I'll make sure you remember what it feels like to be embarrassed . " My stepmother's mouth opened , then shut . " I didn't ask this family for anything ," I said , my eyes on hers , " and I'll die before I let any of you talk down to her . " Lena stayed close to me , my hand rested lightly against her back . " Let's get this bullshit over with , " I scoffed , heading to sit on the table , reminded of why I left to begin with . We sat around the dining table , the clink of silverware and glass filling the gaps between forced conversation . Lena sat quietly beside me , swinging her feet under the chair , her fingers curled gently around the edge of her plate . I placed a hand on her back without thinking , grounding myself through the steady rise and fall of her breath . Across the table , Rick leaned in as my father spoke , his head tilted slightly , his jaw flexing as he laughed . I watched him laugh at something my father said , saw the way his lips curved with ease , the way his fingers wrapped casually around the stem of his glass as he lifted it to his mouth . I couldn't stop looking at him , did he really not know who I was ? Every time he turned his head , I found myself still staring . My eyes dropped , but my pulse was already moving too fast , pressing at my throat . I looked away , pretending to adjust Lena's napkin , but that moment of distraction didn't last . I felt it , the pull of someone watching . When I looked up again , Rick was looking right at me . His eyes didn't move , his expression didn't change . He just stared like he was trying to figure something out , like something in his brain was working too slowly to catch up . I blinked , once , and then Marissa's voice broke through the air " Why do you keep staring at him ? " Her fork clattered against her plate . Everyone turned toward her . She pushed her chair back with too 2/3 8:40 pm E Chapter 3 B5 vouchers much force , arms crossed , eyes locked on me . " Is something wrong with you ? He's my fiancé . Stop looking at him like that . " I snapped back to reality , my hand slid away from Lena's shoulder as I stood up . " I need the bathroom , " I said , my voice calm , tight , almost too quiet . I stepped out of the room without waiting for permission , the hallway cooler and quieter than I expected . My heels moved faster than I wanted them to , and by the time I reached the bathroom , my hand was already reaching for the sink . I turned on the tap , splashing cold water on my face . My fingers gripped the edge of the counter , holding myself steady . I leaned closer to the mirror , eyes wide , throat dry . I took a breath , then another , " you're fine , " I said quietly , wiping my face with the towel . " You're fine . " I opened the door and stepped out , and froze . A hand grabbed mine hard and pulled me sideways . My back hit the hallway wall , my breath caught instantly . Rick stood in front of me , one hand still gripping my wrist , the other planted firmly on the wall beside my head . AD Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!