CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
846 Words
“Victoria dear,” She practically beams upon sight of our aunt. “You’ve finally made it.”
She opens her arms wide for aunt to embrace her, and our aunt acquiesced with a smile. Though the stiffness of her body told me it wasn’t an enjoyable experience.
“I have Mrs Taan, when my husband told me you were going to be present I knew I just had to come.” She replies as she pulls back, turning to the woman’s husband she regards him with a polite smile and bowed her head slightly in greeting.
“And Mr Taan, I see you still as young as ever.”
Throwing his head back with a booming laugh, the man fixed our aunt a playful look.
One hand rest on his protruding belly, while the other pats the circular bald patch in the middle of his thinning hairline.
“And I see you’re still a sneaky liar. Please, everyone, have your seat.” He instructs.
Chloe and I settle on the vacant chairs next to aunt Vicky as she settled next to our Uncle.
Curious, the older couple gazed at Chloe and me before turning to aunt expectantly. “Oh, excuse my manners, these are our nieces of whom we’ve often told you about. Girls, please stand up and introduce yourself.”
Obeying, we rise to our feet and simultaneously bowed our heads, muttering. “Good evening, Mr. & Mrs Taan.” Before settling back in our seats.
“Oh, good evening to you two sweethearts, what are your names dear?” Mrs Taan asked and I politely answer.
“I’m Mina Winchester and this is my little sister Chloe.”
“Well, it’s nice to finally meet the two of you,” Her husband smiles politely. “Your aunt Victoria and Uncle has told us so much about you two.”
Doubt any of it was true.
At the mention of her name, her lips twitched with a pleased smile from the corners before she looks away. The door opens and two waiters carried in our trays of food, settling them down before us.
Grabbing my napkin, I smoothly spread it over my lap before gently picking up my chopsticks.
I knew the adults are watching so I played the perfect niece with perfect manners knowing that’s what Aunt wants.
Daintily tasting the food I nodded once in approval, before picking up more to eat. Aunt looked like she was about to bust out in triumph as the older couple glanced at each other and nodded slowly in approval.
“Nicely done, now there will be less focus on me." Chloe leans in to whisper and I resisted the urge to smile.
Raising my napkin to my lips, I whisper behind the clothing. “Don’t be so comfortable yet, we’re only free when we leave this restaurant.”
We ate in silence with the occasional probing question from the elderly couples, and after dinner was cleared the adults enjoyed their desserts with wine as they talked among themselves.
Uncle and Mr Taan talked about business while Aunt and his were laughing about some latest gossip circulating in their circles.
I was just enjoying my last bite of chocolate cake when Aunt faked a small yawn.
“Oh, dear me I’m so sorry. The girls and I were finishing up on some last minute decorations in their rooms last night, and we lost track of time so I didn’t get much sleep.”
“And you were also out shopping again this morning?”
The older woman inquires with a gentle smile on her lips, gazing at my aunt with a nod of approval.
Turning to us, she beamed. “You girls are so lucky to have someone this caring in your life.”
“Lucky isn’t the term I’ll use.” Chloe quipped, the sarcasm in her words startled the older woman and made Aunt pale.
Faking a laugh, I laid a hand on Chloe’s and squeezed tightly underneath the table. “What she means is that, we are not lucky at all." I say, turning to Aunt with an endearing smile, a hand on my chest.
“We’re blessed.”
Placing a hand to her chest as well, the woman cooed softly while Aunt drowns a hearty gulp of the rest of her wine. “That’s so sweet.”
She flashes a stiff smile when the woman whirls her way and waves her hand when the waiter on standby tries to refill her glass, turning to her husband the older woman gently rests a hand on his to draw his attention.
“I think we’ve kept the Kang’s out for too long, it’s time to leave.”
“Should we?” He chuckles and raise to his feet, helping his wife as well.
Mr Taan moved around the table to shake Uncle’s hand while Mrs Taan pulls Aunt, Chloe, and me into an enthusiastic hug one after the other.
“It was so lovely to meet you girls, I hope you’d both be able to make it to one of my luncheons.”
“Maybe not Mina, she’ll probably be in the castle due to the selection.” Aunt replies, then gaze down at my sister with a satisfied look on her face. “But Chloe and I will definitely be there.”
- Writer
