Chapter 35 - DINNER WITH THE LACROIX FAMILY 2 (1/2)
???? Extra Characters:
a. Uncle Antoine / Antoine Lacroix - Alice's husband
b. Aunt Alice / Alice Tan Lacroix - Eloisa's older sister
c. Uncle Robert / Robert Lacroix - Antoine's brother / Nicolette's dad
d. Eloisa Tan - Alice's younger sister
e. Nicolette Lacroix - cousin of the bride (chap 16)
************
Luo Jingyi knew the designer of the wristband and the purpose it was designed. If Yun Jinghan didn't raise his arm to reach for the folder minutes ago, Luo Jingyi wouldn't have noticed it. So the moment she saw it, she was careful as to what to say.
Never leave a piece of incriminating evidence. Someone repeatedly told her before.
The remainder of the trip was spent discussing what they had to do and what to say to others. Luo Jingyi requested that aside from aunt and uncle, she didn't want others to know of their relationship. That they would only act like a couple in front of Aunt Alice. But Yun Jinghan disapproved of it. He argued that they needed to leave shreds of evidence around in case she would investigate. Luo Jingyi refused to believe she would result to that. Aunt Alice could turn into a nagging woman but she wouldn't go as far as having someone follow her around. Listening to his reasonings, she relented.
By the end of their conversation, Yun Jinghan was able to convince her to allow at least two days per week for them to meet up. Her assent didn't come easily and it took a lot of convincing before she agreed. He noted that Jingyi tended to weigh things over. She wasn't the type who would tread on something without careful consideration.
It took almost an hour to get to Aunt Alice's seaside residence. After recognizing Jingyi, the guard opened the gates. As they approached the main house, her stomach constricted into a nervous knot. She was feeling bad that she had to resolve into something like this.
”Grandma, did I make the right decision?” Luo Jingyi murmured out of the blue.
Yun Jinghan heard her speak slowly. ”Did you say something?”
Luo Jingyi meant to answer but decided to just zip her mouth.
'You have a man standing in front of you Jingyi. You'll be fine.' A voice inside her brain reminded her. She already made a choice so there's no turning back.
Squaring her shoulders, she reminded him. ”Don't forget what we talked about.”
Carrying the gifts, he followed her. ”Of course, I won't.”
At the door, the family butler curtsied respectfully. ”Good evening Miss. And you too Mr. Yun.”
”Good evening Fredrick.” Luo Jingyi responded with warmth unsurprised to see him tonight. While France was the permanent residence of the Lacroix, they have houses in many places. And Fredrick always traveled with them to take care of the family.
Taking the bags Yun Jinghan handed over, he reported, ”Everyone is at the sunroom.”
”Thank you.” Luo Jingyi led Yun Jinghan to the sunroom passing through the long corridor. But before they entered the foyer that led to that room, she paused feeling puzzled by what Fredrick said.
'Everyone?' She had a very bad feeling about this. Collective laughter and people's voice made her realized something.
”What's wrong?” Yun Jinghan asked.
Luo Jingyi grasped now what Fredrick meant to say. When he said everyone, it was literal.
”The whole Lacroix family might be here.” She answered grimly. This family meant a lot to her. And what she was about to do, was considered lying.
Sensing her edginess, he briefly whispered to her ears, ”What are you worried about? WE are engaged, aren't we? We already exchanged rings.”
His closeness almost made her heartbeat jump irregularly but she bit her lower lip to jolt herself and edged two steps farther from him.
”Hey! The lovebirds are here.” Aunt Eloisa got everyone's attention with this mere announcement. She was behind them, carrying a bottle of wine.
All eyes turned to them.