Inquisition

Finally, the day of the family introduction arrived. Deanna's stomach was in knots, and she hadn't been able to eat all day due to nerves. If she made it through tonight, Harry and Laura could start their life together; if she failed... well, they still could, but she'd be in for a miserable year.

Daniel, on the other hand, felt confident about what lay ahead. If he showed any weakness, he'd have to put up with his mother's constant meddling throughout the marriage. That couldn't happen - not only was his brother's wedding at stake, but also Deanna's well-being. She had put so many important things on hold to help them, and he felt compelled to protect her somehow.

The gathering was set at Daniel's parents' house. Laura's parents and some close family members would be there too. Daniel had insisted on keeping it a simple, intimate dinner. Exposing her to the entire family would be overwhelming for Deanna. Dealing with his mother would be challenging enough.

He picked her up at her apartment. Deanna looked stunning; Laura had chosen well. A two-piece outfit that covered everything yet highlighted her curves - modest but alluring at the same time. An perfect hourglass figure, complemented by matching heels and her caramel-colored hair partially pulled back.

"I brought you this," he said, extending a small box while avoiding her gaze.

"What is it?"

"An engagement ring. We'll need it."

"Right."

"I hope it fits," he mumbled, watching her reaction carefully.

Daniel had suddenly become nervous. It wasn't a real ring, it meant nothing, just another prop - yet giving it to her felt strangely difficult. Deanna had always imagined receiving an engagement ring would be romantic, magical. That's what they had agreed on. Why would he give it to her any other way if this was all pretend?

At his parents' house, everyone was waiting expectantly. Camila had already told them what to expect so no one would be shocked when they saw her walk in. She was ready for battle, while Charles had simply settled in for drinks with Laura's father. If she couldn't expose this fortune hunter's true intentions tonight, her son would end up marrying her.

They got out at the entrance, and when Deanna saw the stairs, she knew she'd have trouble climbing them. Not only did the skirt restrict her movement, but she wasn't used to high heels. She tried to take the first step but couldn't get the right angle. Daniel watched impatiently.

"What's wrong? Why aren't you going up?"

"I can't in this skirt," she admitted, blushing slightly.

Daniel came back down and offered his hand. She just smiled at him - that open, genuine smile that froze his world for a few seconds. But it wasn't enough, so with his other hand, he gathered some of the fabric up to her knees; at least now she could move her legs more easily.

"Well, we're here," he whispered when they reached the door.

"Yes," she exhaled, biting her lower lip as she looked to him for reassurance. And something stirred inside him.

When they entered, Camila was the first to approach them, walking straight up to Deanna and sizing her up.

"Mom, please..."

"Good evening, I assume you're Deanna," Camila said with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"Yes, nice to meet you."

"I'm Daniel's mother."

"It's a pleasure, ma'am."

"Yes." That was it? Just "yes"? This was going to be a long night.

Harry came to the rescue.

"Dean! Hey, friend! How are you? Let me introduce you to the rest of the family."

"Your mother's going to poison my food..." she whispered as they walked away.

"This is my father," Harry announced.

Charles stood up, but unlike Camila, his expression was warm and good-natured.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir."

"Well, well! The pleasure's all mine, Deanna. Welcome to the family."

"Thank you." It was a relief to hear a friendly voice.

"Daniel told me you were pretty, but that description didn't do you justice. Well done, son!" Daniel wanted to sink into the floor.

Harry continued introducing her to everyone else before they moved to the dinner table. Thankfully, Deanna was seated between Daniel and Laura. But Camila couldn't wait any longer.

"So... how did you two meet?" Camila asked, setting her fork down.

"Harry introduced us, Mom."

"Yes, son, but I was asking Deanna."

"Harry introduced me to Daniel at a dinner at his apartment," she replied firmly.

They had rehearsed and gone over what they needed to say about their relationship; both stories had to match.

"I see... and why did he introduce you?"

"Why? I don't understand..."

"Surely you were interested in meeting him..."

"Mom..."

"Harry thought we might be compatible."

"Of course. Were you looking for a husband?"

"Looking for a husband? No."

"And besides studying at university, what do you do?"

"I work part-time at a clothing store."

"And your parents?"

"I was raised by my grandmother and mother. I never knew my father."

"And what does your mother do?"

"She owns a restaurant."

Everyone watched in silence; it felt like a quiz show. Camila fired the questions and Deanna answered without hesitation. She was trying to throw her off balance, but Deanna held her ground.

"What did you see in my son? Daniel isn't exactly the romantic type."

"He's a gentleman and he's considerate."

"Daniel?" Harry couldn't resist.

"You know, Deanna? It's quite trendy nowadays for young women to look for a considerate gentleman to live off of," Camila remarked, leaning slightly forward.

"Is that so?"

"Indeed. Don't you find that embarrassing?"

"Mom, please..." Daniel clenched his fists under the table.

"Very. But those young women wouldn't exist if there weren't gentlemen willing to be taken advantage of."

"And is my son willing?"

"I highly doubt it. Daniel wouldn't let himself be fooled like that; he's an intelligent and level-headed man. He's proven to be very considerate despite his gruff manner and, from what I've seen, he's an excellent father. He wouldn't fall for something like that."

Everyone was taken aback by her response, especially Daniel. She was showing strength in front of Camila, drawing a line that she wouldn't let his mother cross. But the atmosphere was getting heavy; neither woman was willing to back down. If Deanna didn't stand her ground, Camila would eat her alive.

"Dear, why don't we eat dinner first and then you can continue with your interrogation?" Charles intervened in a conciliatory tone.

Gradually, things began to settle down, with small talk and trivial comments. Daniel said very little; he was clearly upset with Camila. He just watched Deanna from the corner of his eye as she chatted with Laura and Harry. He felt somewhat guilty that she had to go through all this.

"So, when's the wedding, Daniel?" Laura's mother asked.

"In a couple of weeks."

"How quick! Will you have time to organize it in just a few weeks, dear?"

Organize the wedding? She didn't know how to plan a wedding, but Laura surely did. In fact, they had talked about it. Laura would have preferred not to have to elope; she wanted a beautiful, big wedding, full of guests, and had told her every little detail. Why not?