LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 18: A family reunion and a stormy welcome
Chapter 18: A Family Reunion and a Stormy Welcome
The following day, Lila and Alexander arrived at his grandmother's estate, a sprawling mansion nestled amidst rolling hills. Lila, having met his grandmother on previous occasions and having enjoyed their interactions, felt a sense of familiarity as they approached the grand entrance.
As they approached the grand entrance, two uniformed guards opened the wrought-iron gates, their eyes widening in recognition of Alexander.
The interior of the mansion was equally impressive, filled with priceless antiques, ornate tapestries, and an air of old-world elegance. They were greeted by a flurry of activity, relatives greeting each other with warm embraces and excited chatter.
Lila, feeling a little overwhelmed by the sudden influx of new faces, smiled politely and greeted familiar faces. She exchanged pleasantries with Alexander's parents, his grandparents, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins, many of whom she remembered from previous family gatherings.
She felt a pang of unease when she saw Alexander's cousin, James, and his wife, Eleanor. Eleanor, who had been married for four years, already had two children, a source of constant pride for her family. Lila had always felt a subtle undercurrent of competitiveness from Eleanor, a silent judgment that seemed to hang in the air whenever they interacted.
"Lila, darling," Alexander's grandmother, a regal woman with piercing blue eyes, greeted her warmly. "It's wonderful to see you again. You look absolutely radiant."
Lila smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her. "Thank you, Grandmother. It's a pleasure to see you as well."
"And how are you feeling, dear?" his grandmother inquired, her gaze lingering on Lila's face. "Everything alright?"
Lila, sensing a touch of concern in her grandmother's eyes, assured her that she was fine. "I'm feeling well, thank you," she replied. "Just a bit nervous about meeting everyone again."
His grandmother chuckled. "Nonsense, child. You're always a welcome guest. Now, come, let's have a glass of champagne."
As they moved through the crowd, Lila couldn't shake off the feeling that she was being scrutinized. She felt the weight of expectation, the unspoken pressure to conform to the image of the perfect wife and future mother.
She caught Eleanor watching her with an amused glint in her eyes. "Enjoying the attention, Lila?" Eleanor purred, her voice laced with a hint of sarcasm.
Lila forced a smile. "As much as anyone can enjoy being the center of attention at a family gathering," she replied, her voice carefully neutral.
Eleanor's smile widened. "Oh, I'm sure you're used to it," she remarked, her eyes lingering on Lila's figure. "After all, marrying into the Hart family must have been quite an adventure."
Lila felt a prickle of annoyance. Eleanor's words, though seemingly innocuous, carried a subtle undercurrent of condescension.
She decided to ignore the barb and engage in conversation with others. However, she couldn't shake off the feeling that Eleanor was watching her, a predator sizing up its prey.
The afternoon progressed, the air in the mansion thick with a mixture of forced cordiality and simmering undercurrents. Lila felt increasingly uncomfortable, every subtle glance, every whispered comment, a reminder of the judgment she was facing.