But today, when she laid eyes on Rosemary, she realized that there was always soone out there, ready to take the crown.
Rosemary’s features were like a breath of fresh air, her ethereal beauty lit up the room, and she carried an air of sophistication that was impossible to ignore, even when she tried to tone it down.
She had a kind of beauty that seed untouched by the mundane world, both aloof and regal.
It was no wonder Roo was smitten. She was even more stunning than her own sister, Luna.
"Hey there," Rosemary said, picking up on the thinly veiled hostility emanating from Cathy. Cathy was smiling, sure, but her eyes were laced with arrogance and disdain, as if Rosemary’s presence was less than welco.
"Rose, let’s go have the feast—wait till you try my cooking!" Jennifer tugged Rosemary towards the kitchen.
Cathy tried to follow but was stopped short by Roo’s firm grip.
"Roo." Cathy wobbled like a chick caught by the scruff.
"You got a problem with my fiancée?"
"No." Cathy rushed to clarify, "She’s under your wing, Roo, I wouldn’t dare."
"So, you do have a problem then?"
"Roo." Seeing the tension, Jeffery quickly stepped in, "Cathy didn’t an it like that. If she disrespected your girl, I’d be the first to set her straight."
"Think I can’t see for myself?" Roo’s voice was frosty as he turned to Cathy, "Did I keep you waiting? Are you upset?"
"No." Cathy was taken aback by Roo’s familiar coldness, "I just..."
"Roo." Rosemary, noticing Roo hadn’t followed, looked back.
Roo instantly let go, and to hide any sign of the altercation from Rosemary, he casually slung an arm around Jeffery’s shoulder. "Just gonna catch up with Jeff here, be right over."
Rosemary nodded, sensing the weird vibes but choosing not to pry.
"Wait up, Rose!" Cathy suddenly called out, eager to join them.
Roo, unimpressed by her quick move, commanded sharply, "Stop right there."
His glare was clear: Did I say you could go?
Cathy was on the verge of tears. Couldn’t she just show the future sister-in-law around? Couldn’t she try to be friendly?
"I’ll deal with you after I’m done talking to Jeff. Stay here," Roo said, leaving Cathy fighting back tears.
"Just let them be," Jennifer reassured Rosemary as they walked away, "The siblings don’t get to see each other that often. Don’t worry, with here, you can make yourself at ho. No need to be on
edge."
Cathy watched Rosemary disappearing into the distance, her last shred of hope extinguishing.
Roo was daunting, and Cathy’s confidence wavered, "Roo. just let explain."
Ever since they were kids, Roo had been the one to instill fear in them. He had always been the one they were afraid of.
"Co here," Roo’s voice was lighthearted yet commanding, causing Cathy to shrink back a little.
"My legs have gone numb, I can’t move." she protested weakly.
"Weren’t you sprinting just monts ago?"
"Now I’m stuck."
Seeing she wouldn’t co to him, Roo started walking towards her.
This terrified Cathy, and with a sudden burst of energy, she sprang to her feet and dashed behind her older brother, gripping the hem of his shirt as she pleaded, "Jeffrey, save ."
"Roo," Jeffrey interjected, trying to smooth things over, "Cathy’s just being silly. She was out of line earlier, I’ll have her write the house rules a hundred tis and send you a snapshot."
"Jeffrey?" Cathy’s eyes widened in disbelief. It was the New Year! Their family’s house rules were so extensive that even writing them once or twice could cramp her hand, let alone a hundred tis.
She felt utterly betrayed by her own flesh and blood.
"She seems quite reluctant," Roo observed, his gaze resting on Cathy.
"Roo, can I just write it once, please." Cathy’s eyes brimd with a pitiful plea, "I promise to be the most welcoming, friendly, and sincere person later! Just watch !"
"You could also try not being welcoming, friendly, or sincere."
"No, no, no, I’ll be all that and more!" Cathy begged, her eyes pleading with Roo.
"Finish writing it a hundred tis and email it to , and if there’s a single typo, start over."
"Roo?" As her brother walked away, Cathy hurried after him. "Listen to , I was just hungry, okay?
I have nothing against your fiancée, she’s so beautiful and elegant, such a perfect match for you. Why would I have any issue with her? Plus, her voice is so lovely, and she’s got such a great figure, all tall and slim."
"Make it fifty tis. Send it when you’re done."
Cathy paused, then quickly followed him, "Roo, I’m not finished. The mont I saw your fiancée, I was stunned by her beauty. Not a single word can be used to describe her allure. Her looks are the
most beautiful, unique, and distinct I’ve ever seen!"
Seeing that her brother wasn’t stopping, she added, "Such a stunning, lovely fairy joining us for the New Year dinner, I must bring my A-ga, treat her right, and make sure she feels the warmth and love of our family!"
Her brother kept walking, so Cathy quickly added, "Before I t her, I always thought Serena wasn’t good enough for you, but from the mont I saw your fiancée today, I felt like it was fate, that she was ant for you. She outshines Serena in every aspect, it’s like she was born to be with you. You two look so good together, like a perfect match! Let be the first to wish you both a lifeti of happiness and unity."
"Ten tis."
"Thank you, Roo, but can we do less." Cathy saw her chance as he lowered the count, pleading,
"After dinner, we’re supposed to watch the show and fireworks with her, right? If I’m absent, she might think I don’t like her. Just let write it once, one ti is already a lot, a hundred rules, you know."
"Any more bargaining and you won’t reduce a single word."
"Roo." Cathy watched helplessly as her brother entered the dining room, feeling defeated. Ten tis, she’d be writing until who knows when.
At the dinner table, Phillip and Shirley sat on either side of Rosemary, fussing over her and urging her to eat more.
Tomas and Donna had never seen their parents shower so much affection on a younger relative before.
Even Jennifer, who was usually so aloof and shrewd, had lowered her guard. She seed eager to heap every delicacy on the table into Rosemary’s plate.
Reviews
All reviews (0)