AMELIA POV
Walking through the crowd, all the noise and talking made me feel uneasy. It felt like there was a lot of pressure, like a dark cloud blocking out the happiness that should've been there.
And there he was – Alexander, over in a corner, the candlelight shining on him. He looked totally relaxed, just sipping his drink, like he didn't have a care in the world, while I felt all kinds of things inside.
I took a big breath and walked up to him, my footsteps sounding loud in the big room. "Hey, Alexander," I said, trying to sound calm even though I felt all messed up inside.
He looked at me, his face hard to figure out, and said, "Amelia, you returned." His voice was smooth but chilly.
"I... I wanted you to meet my family," I said, stumbling over my words as I tried to stay calm even though he didn't seem to care. "They've been asking about you, and I thought..."
He lifted his eyebrow in a fake surprise, with a smirk on his lips. "Your family, huh?" he said, sounding superior. "How cute."
My face got hot, feeling both embarrassed and mad. It was the way he talked, like families were a joke. Like it was silly of me to want him to meet them.
I felt really mad, like a big wave of anger crashing over me, ready to explode. How could he make fun of my family? I thought angrily, my hands balled into fists as I tried to keep my feelings in check.
But then, I thought of what Emily said – to stay cool and patient, to not get caught up in fights that could ruin things. So, I tried really hard to calm down, to stop feeling so angry.
"Yes, my family," I said, trying to sound calm. "They care about me, and they want to meet the person who's going to be a big part of my life."
His smirk stayed the same. "Why should I care about your family?" he asked, sounding cold.
"Alexander, this really matters to me," I said, my voice strong but kind. "My family wants to meet you, and I think it would be good for both of us to..."
He stopped me with a wave of his hand, his smirk getting bigger. "Oh, Amelia, always worrying about what people think," he said, sounding really patronizing. "Don't you get it? I don't want to meet your family."
His words hurt, but I didn't want him to see that. I stood up straight, looking him right in the eye. "This isn't about what you want, Alexander," I replied, my voice strong. "It's about showing respect, about recognizing the people who are important to me."
There was a quiet moment. He glanced at me, his face hard to figure out. Then, he turned away and looked out the window, ignoring me.
"I get it," he said, sounding flat. "I guess that's how it is."
I stood there, shocked. I thought he'd say something, or show some kind of reaction. But his not caring felt like a hit. It was like he was ignoring me, ignoring how I felt.
I felt a lump in my throat, but I swallowed hard. I wasn't going to cry in front of him. I wasn't going to let him see me upset.
"Alright," I said, trying to sound stronger than I felt. "If you don't want to meet them, that's your call. But don't you dare show up in front of my family if you won't face them now."
I turned to go, feeling really sad. But just as I was about to walk away, he grabbed my arm. I looked at him, shocked. His face was tough to figure out, but there was something in his eyes that seemed new. Something that seemed like he felt sorry.
"Amelia," he said, his voice gentler now. "I didn't mean..."
"Fine, Amelia," he said, sounding like he was trying to calm himself down. "Set up the meeting. But don't expect me to play the perfect boyfriend."
His words hung there, showing how things had changed between us. I nodded, giving him a small smile. "I don't need you to be perfect, Alexander," I said, my voice gentle but firm. "I just want respect."
We headed to the backyard, where the party was lively. Laughter filled the air along with the scent of tasty food. My heart swelled with pride seeing my family, their faces brightening as they saw us.
As we neared my grandmother, sitting proudly in her favorite chair, surrounded by relatives, I felt a sudden burst of nerves.
"Grandma, this is Alexander," I said, my voice shaking a bit. "My future husband."
Grandma glanced up from her talk, her eyes keen and evaluating. "Ah, the famous Alexander," she said, a touch of amusement in her tone. "Nice to meet you at last."
Alexander reached out his hand with a confident grin. "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Hawthorne. I've heard a lot about you."
My grandmother's eyebrow rose in curiosity as she shook his hand. "And what did you hear about me, young man? Well, let's hope it's as good as they say."
I held back a nervous chuckle. Who would've thought that jerk could act so well? He made himself look good under my grandmother's examination.
Next, I guided Alexander to where my uncle and aunt were having an lively conversation about politics.
"Uncle Thomas, Aunt Margaret, this is Alexander," I said, my voice calm now. "My future husband."
Uncle Thomas faced us, his expression warm yet cautious. "Nice to meet you, Alexander. Looks like you've won over Amelia's heart," he said.
I was surprised by what Uncle said. Won my heart? Tss. If only you knew, Uncle, what kind of person he is.
Alexander nodded, his gaze steady. "I feel very lucky."
Alright, just pretend well. Trick them, this guy's something. He should've been an actor, he's good at it.
Aunt Margaret looked at him for a moment before giving a friendly smile. "Well, anyone who can handle our Amelia must be someone special. Welcome to the family, Alexander."
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding, relieved that my aunt and uncle didn't ask many questions about Alexander.
As the night went on, Alexander smoothly talked with my relatives, his acting and words winning them over one by one.
Watching him interact with my family, I felt grateful and affectionate. Despite his attitude, Alexander had embraced this evening with confidence and grace, proving himself not only to me but to the people who mattered most in my life.
"Well, it seems you've found yourself quite the catch, my dear," she said, speaking softly. "But remember, even the most precious gems need careful care."
As the night came to an end, my grandmother took me aside, her eyes sparkling mischievously.
I smiled, feeling a rush of love for my grandmother's advice. "I'll remember that, Grandma. Thanks."