At that mont, Roo’s phone rang.
Serena watched as he stood up and strolled towards the backyard. She hurried down the stairs and followed him stealthily, her mind whirring with secret calculations.
After ending the call, Roo suddenly heard a voice call out, "Roo."
He didn’t need to turn around to know who it was.
"Roo, I owe you an apology. What happened last ti was my fault."
Serena’s words hung in the air as she saw Roo pocket his phone and stride past her without so much as a sideways glance.
Feeling humiliated, Serena raised her voice, "Don’t you even have the patience to listen to ?"
Roo didn’t break his stride.
"Soone must have put you up to this. In my mory, you weren’t the heartless kind."
Before Serena could finish, she saw Roo stop in his tracks, his eyes narrowing sharply.
"Have I been too kind to you?"
An aura of displeasure radiated from him, his icy gaze cutting through her like a knife, as if he wanted to flay her alive.
"In my presence, you dare slander my fiancée? Are you tired of your cozy life with the Collins family?"
"Ever since you’ve been with my sister, you’ve treated worse and worse."
Tears welled up in Serena’s eyes, a picture of profound grievance.
Roo’s eyes were tinged with scorn at her words.
"Who the hell do you think you are?"
Serena’s face changed instantly.
"Do I need to show any respect to soone like you? Speaking one word to you disgusts ."
"Would you dare repeat that to Grandma and Grandpa?" Serena retorted, biting her lip in feigned innocence.
"After all, I’m their beloved granddaughter."
Roo’s scorn deepened.
"To , you are nothing."
"What did you say?" Serena was incredulous, staring at the man she once adored, montarily frozen.
"It seems you’re not only lacking in brains but in hearing too." Roo withdrew his gaze, unwilling to waste another second on her, and walked away.
Serena stood there; it took her a while to gather her wits, her humiliation reaching its peak.
Roo had gone too far! She was a lady, after all! How could he speak to her like that?
Didn’t he realize how awkward, how hurt she felt?
Hidden in the shadows, Eunice’s eyes narrowed as she watched the scene unfold. It was clear that Roo had a strong dislike for Serena, and Serena seed to harbor so special feelings for Roo.
Could it be that her scheming heart was still at work, trying to capture Roo’s attention?
With this thought, a flicker of displeasure crossed Eunice’s eyes.
Back at the dining table.
Darren asked with a twinkle in his eye,
"Roo, you a fan of the liquid courage? I’ve picked out a few light beers for ya."
Roo glanced at Rosemary instinctively before answering obediently,
"No, I don’t drink."
Catching Belinda’s gaze, Darren chuckled and put the beer bottles back.
"Well, I guess I’ll pass too. Just didn’t know if you had a taste for it, so I picked out a few. Good on ya, lad. Staying sober’s a fine habit."
Swallowing, he looked longingly at the bottles. He’d been hoping for a cheeky pint.
Belinda knew he was itching for a drink but deliberately ignored it, smiling warmly at Roo.
"This is your first ti over for dinner. We weren’t sure what you like. If there’s anything on the table that’s not to your taste, just say the word and I won’t have it made next ti."
"He’s not fussy at all. Eats everything," Rosemary chid in quickly.
Roo looked at Rosemary with an adoring gaze.
"Rose’s right. I’m not picky at all."
"You’re such a catch," Belinda said as she got up to serve him more food.
"Dig in, then. These dishes are the family favorites."
"Thanks, Grandma Belinda."
After serving Roo, Belinda turned to Rosemary.
"Here you go, Rose. Eat up. You work so hard and I can’t really share your burdens, but I hope this al makes life feel a bit brighter, even if just for a mont."
Rosemary softened.
"Thank you, Grandma."
"Don’t ntion it, sweetie."
"This soup’s killer, really hits the spot." Darren also stood up, ladling so for Roo and then for Rosemary.
"Roo, it’s your first ti here. Make yourself at ho. Whatever you want to eat or drink, don’t hold back." Bard clapped him on the back genially.
"After we eat, I’d love to have a good chat with you."
"You’re putting the boy on the spot. He’ll lose his appetite," Eunice laughed as she served Roo so more food.
"Don’t mind him. He just wants to get to know you better."
Feeling their warmth and seeing them continually filling his plate, Roo replied gratefully,
"Thank you, Uncle Bard, Aunt Eunice."
Serena watched as the family fussed over Roo and Rosemary, and felt she was a fifth wheel, utterly invisible.
"So, Roo, are you focusing more on dostic or international growth these days?" Bard asked with a grin.
"I hear you ca to Dawnstar just for Rose."
"Both fronts are moving at the sa pace, but it’s mainly about Rose. Wherever she is, that’s where I’ll be."
The family exchanged knowing smiles and teased,
"Ohhh,"
as Rosemary shot Roo a look that said, ’Can you stop?’
But Roo just smiled at her indulgently.
"Rose’s parents wanted to co by today, but I told them we’re planning to head to Reflections Villa with the grandparents for the celebration. It’ll be a grand ti, and you should join us."
Upon Bard sending the invitation, Eunice interjected,
"Roo has his own family to be with. I heard his grandparents have just got back on their feet, and his parents are back in the country. Let him fulfill his family duties first. He can join us any ti."
"Or he could have dinner twice on that day — one with his family and then with us! He’s practically one of us anyway. We’d love to have him over."
As soon as Darren said this, everyone burst into laughter.
"Pop, you’re gonna stuff the poor boy before he’s even your grandson-in-law," Eunice laughed as she ladled Darren so soup.
Darren looked hopefully at Roo, thinking how much livelier that day would be with him there.
Roo chuckled.
"Actually, my parents also invited Rose over for dinner. Haven’t asked her yet, but if Rose’s up for it, we can co here first, then head over there."
Reviews
All reviews (0)