CHASED BY THE DUKE

9. Family dinner

CHAPTER NINE

She had no idea on what exactly she was supposed to do. Should she confront him for not telling her who he really was? Why did he even lie saying he was just a friend of the Duke? She felt cheated.

“We are here, Ma’am,” She pulled herself from her mental ranting, offering Bernardo, their family driver, a half smile.

“Thank you, Ben,” she took her purse, stepping out of the car.

She straightened the invisible creases on her one shoulder long sleeved Black crepe tuxedo blazer dress, tucking her matching purse under her arm as she exhaled. Looking up, her tepid brown eyes stared at the words Grand La Alma pasted at the front in Army green and gold accentuates. She was not very fond of her father’s open control of her life but well, when the man called for a family dinner, she could not say no. It irked her to say the least but at the end of the day, she was as much of a puppet of her father as the rest of the family. She was fashionably late, dropping almost an hour late and as she walked through the revolving doors of the restaurant, she knew she was in for quite a tongue lash from her father.

The family was on the second floor and it was easy to spot them from afar. Gingerly, she made her way over, leaning to place a kiss on her father’s cheek.

“I hope I’m not late,” she said, walking across the table to sit next to Darren, knowing her father’s cross gaze was pointed on her.

“You were supposed to be here at eight,” Mr. Carrington calmly pointed out.

“I had a conference call with my boss, Dad. Since my client is doing extremely well, they want me to take up another author. You know, there is a film production company in South Korea that is interested in his work already? Trust me, he is going to be worldwide big soon and I could not be-“

“Victoria Carrington,” Her father muttered in an aggravated tone, gaining quite the attention of the neighboring tables.

“She is sorry she is late. How about we get on with that dinner, huh?” Elizabeth Carrington reached forward taking her husband’s hand,” We are here for a good family time. Let’s have that,”

That seemed to calm her father down, Elizabeth earning a death glare from Diana who was dressed as though she was here to model. Elizabeth on the hand looked like the ultimate prize wife, everything on her screaming the word money in bold letters.

“Well, let’s order then,” He said, offering a small smile.

They all placed the orders and soon the adults were engrossed in their chatter while their kids got into their own world, catching up with each other.

“Come on, no date life for real?” Darren pointed out in disbelief.

“Yes. Why is that so hard to believe?” she leaned forward, picking a glass of water to patch her dry throat.

“Duh! You expect me to believe that you are single? Girl, you want me to believe you were in Korea for two years and you didn’t even hook up with anyone at all? Even that hot client of yours?”

“Han is just a friend and trust me, no one has even kissed me for two years. I guess it was hard to let any man close to me after…Ryan. I just can’t trust any man,”

“Come on, chin up. If you can put up with our messed-up family for all these years, why would you let some guy drain the fun out of your life?” Darren was the perfect brother and she was actually lucky to have him in her life.

“Why are we talking about me? How about you? Still seeing Carrie?” She questioned, curiosity dancing on her features.

A dark cloud briefly pasted over his eyes but he smiled,” Nah! It didn’t work. On the plus side, I’m interested in someone but I just haven’t made it public yet. This person, makes me feel alive and I don’t want to lose them,”

“My brother is in love. Damn! Who is she?” she questioned just as the appetizers began flooding the table.

He glanced at his father across the table before whispering,” His name is O’Brien,”

“He?” Her lower lip dipped in surprise.

“Don’t give me that judging look, okay? Father doesn’t know and no one actually does. O’Brien is everything to me and I know the moment dad finds out, that’s the end of us. Please don’t tell anyone, “He pleaded.

“When?” she questioned, knowing he’d understand her question.

“I found out I’m bi-s****l about three months ago when I kind of got drunk and kissed some guy in a club after my break-up with Carrie. Please, you can’t tell anyone,”

“I won’t but I’d like to meet him when you are ready. Since Carrie, this is the first time I’m seeing a sparkle in your eyes when you talk about someone,” she smiled reassuringly as she stood up,” Excuse me,”

Why did her bladder have to fill right now? She hurried towards the washrooms, still a little surprised by the news of her brother’s sexuality.  After she was done, she stepped out, washing her hands by the sink before grabbing a paper towel to dry them. If her father were to find out that his only son was bi-s****l, then Darren was in for hell. Even though it was unknown news to the public, their family was headed by a homophobic father.

“Could you help me with a paper towel?” A soft, British voice made her turn to her side. On her left, was a young woman, slightly older than Vicky but with a youthful vibrance detectable in her kind smile.

“Of course,” Vicky grabbed the paper towel, cutting a piece before giving to her.

“Thank you,” she replied.

“You are welcome,” she offered her a warm smile before the two women stepped out of the washrooms.

There was something about that woman that immediately struck Victoria as someone of importance. She glanced one more time at the woman, her breath hitching when she recognized the man sitting opposite her and he was looking right back at her.

The f*****g Duke.