[59]

The lunch was awkward at first. The long table on the terrace of Damian's house was adorned with delicious dishes that seemed unable to overcome the stiffness between them. Miya sat next to Damian, feeling nervous about the sight of Kayoko, Damian's sister whom she was meeting for the first time. Meanwhile, Victor sat at the other end of the table, looking relaxed with his thin smile that always managed to break the ice.

Kayoko watched Miya intently, trying to guess the girl's character. On the other hand, Miya felt intimidated by Kayoko's presence who looked so confident and charismatic. “So, Miya,” Kayoko started the conversation in a casual tone, ”how does it feel to live in such a big house?”

Miya was surprised for a moment, then smiled nervously. “Hmm, it's a little hard to get used to, really. But Damian is very helpful.” She glanced at Damian, who just nodded without saying much.

Victor chuckled. “You should know already, Kayoko. Damian isn't good at showing his softer side. But believe me, he really cares about Miya.”

Damian glanced at Victor sharply, while Kayoko laughed crisply. “Ah, I guessed it. Damian's been like that since childhood.” Kayoko looked at Miya again, this time with a warmer smile. “Don't worry, Miya. You'll get used to it soon enough. And if you need anything, you can call me.”

That remark made Miya feel a little relieved. The conversation continued at a more relaxed pace. Kayoko, with her easygoing nature, started telling funny anecdotes about Damian's childhood. Miya ended up laughing along, feeling that the tense atmosphere was slowly melting away.

After lunch, Kayoko took Miya for a walk in the park. The park was filled with blooming flowers, with small benches scattered in various corners. Kayoko brought a box of snacks that they had picked up from the dining table, then sat down on one of the benches under a shady tree.

“So, Miya,” Kayoko began, ”tell me a little about yourself. How did you meet Damian?”

Miya smiled shyly. “We met under... rather complicated circumstances. At first, I never imagined I'd be a part of his life.”

Kayoko nodded, looking at Miya with interest. “I'm sure there's an interesting story behind that. But clearly, I can see that Damian really cares about you. That's a rare thing, you know?”

Miya smiled a little, feeling comfortable talking to Kayoko. They began to share stories, from Miya's life before meeting Damian to Kayoko's unique habits that often annoyed Damian. Their conversation became more and more intimate, interspersed with small laughs and light comments.

“I'm glad to get to know you, Miya,” Kayoko said sincerely. “I'm sure we'll become good friends.”

Miya nodded, feeling the warmth in Kayoko's words. “I feel that way too. Thank you for making me feel welcome.”

Meanwhile, in Damian's study, the mood was much more serious. Damian and Victor sat in front of a large desk, discussing an urgent matter. A file was open in front of them, containing data about Caterpillar, a partner company that had recently been having problems distributing Dream pills.

“This supply must be addressed immediately,” Damian said in a stern tone. “Otherwise, we will lose the trust of our major clients.”

Victor nodded. “I've contacted Caterpillar, but they need time to resolve the logistical issues. We may need to find a temporary alternative.”

Their discussion was interrupted for a moment when Marcus walked into the room at a leisurely pace. “Did I miss something?” he asked, sitting down on an empty chair without waiting for an invitation.

“The Caterpillar thing,” Victor replied briefly.

Marcus nodded, then began to come up with some ideas to resolve the situation. The three of them engaged in an intense discussion, trying to find the best solution. However, Victor eventually had to leave them first.

“I have to go to Hillarious,” he said as he stood up. “I have a fundraising event to lead.”

Damian nodded. “Make sure everything goes smoothly. We can't let the university lose its reputation.”

Victor smiled slightly. “Of course. You can count on me.” He departed, leaving Damian and Marcus to continue their discussion.

In the garden, Kayoko and Miya were still chatting away when Marcus appeared in his typical frenzied style. “Kayoko! How are you, my chatty sister?”

Kayoko glared at him, then laughed. “Marcus! You're still the same, always making noise.”

Marcus approached them with a big smile, then noticed Miya. “Ah, so this is Miya? I've heard a lot about you from Damian.”

Miya smiled, feeling a little nervous. However, Marcus' friendly demeanor put her at ease quickly. “Nice to meet you, Marcus.”

“Nice to meet you too,” Marcus replied. “And don't worry, I'll make sure Kayoko doesn't bother you too much.”

“Hey!” protested Kayoko, making them all laugh.

Miya felt that she finally had someone to talk to. With Kayoko and Marcus, the atmosphere became livelier. They talked about many things, from funny stories of Kayoko's childhood to Miya's experiences at Damian's house. However, their laughter suddenly stopped when Damian appeared at the end of the garden, his expression serious.

“Miya, I need to talk to you,” he said simply.

Miya felt the tension in the air. She looked at Damian, trying to figure out what was going on. However, before she could ask, Damian had already turned toward the house, gesturing for her to follow him. Kayoko and Marcus exchanged glances, confused by the sudden change in atmosphere.

***

Damian and Miya had just finished eating their family lunch on the back porch. Damian looked at Miya who was smiling faintly while clearing the empty glasses on the table. For a moment, he observed his wife's face, which looked tired but still radiated calmness.

“There, I'll do it,” Damian said as he took the glass from Miya's hand. “You rest first. I know it's been a long day for you.”

Miya shook her head gently. “I'm fine. Besides, I enjoyed meeting your family. They're all very nice.”

Damian gave a small smile. “I'm glad you feel that way. Kayoko does like to make people comfortable.”

After a few moments of silence, Damian glanced at his watch. “Miya, I just remembered, we have a control appointment at the hospital this afternoon. If you're ready, we can leave now.”

Miya was stunned for a moment, then nodded. “Okay, I'll get my bag first.”

Damian waits by the door, making sure Miya is wearing a warm jacket before they head to the car. The ride to the hospital started off with a rather tense atmosphere. Miya looked a little uneasy, and Damian, who was sitting behind the wheel, occasionally glanced at her with concern.

“You look nervous,” Damian broke the silence. “Is there something you're worried about?”

Miya turned her head and gave a small smile. “Not really. Maybe it's just because it's my first time seeing a doctor with you.”

Damian laughed lightly. “You make it sound like something big.” He reached out, grasping Miya's hand warmly. “I'm right here, Miya. There's nothing for you to worry about.”

Miya felt reassured by Damian's gentle demeanor. Along the way, they chatted lightly, making the atmosphere more relaxed. Arriving at the hospital, Damian swiftly opened the door for Miya and led her inside.

In the waiting room, Damian stayed by Miya's side, occasionally asking if she was comfortable. When their turn came, Damian held Miya's hand tightly as they entered the doctor's office.

The doctor greeted them with a friendly smile. “How are you, Mrs. Sawyer? Do you have any complaints?”

Miya shook her head. “Nothing, Doc. Just a little soreness in the back, but that seems normal.”

Damian paid attention to every word the doctor said, even asking a few questions to make sure Miya and their baby were doing well. Miya was surprised by Damian's attention to detail, something she had rarely seen before.

When the examination was over, the doctor informed her that everything was in good condition. Damian breathed a sigh of relief and smiled at Miya. “I know you're strong, but hearing the doctor say everything is fine makes me a lot calmer.”

Miya just smiled shyly. When they got back to the car, Damian invited Miya to stop by for some snacks that he knew Miya liked. However, that little happiness was cut short when Damian's phone rang.

He picked it up with a slightly tense face. “Yes, Mom?”

The voice from the other side sounded stern. “Damian, I need you to come home tonight. Kayoko is at home. There are some things we need to talk about.”

Damian sighed. “Okay, Mom. I'll come.”

He hung up the phone and turned to Miya. “Miya, Mom wants us to go to the house. Kayoko is there, and she wants us to join her.”

Miya was silent for a moment, nerves returning. This was the first time she was going to meet Damian's parents in person. Damian noticed the anxiety and gently rubbed the back of Miya's hand.

“Don't worry. I'm here with you,” he said in a soothing voice. Miya nodded slowly, trying to compose herself, while the car drove towards the Sawyer family home, taking them to the meeting that would be the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.