Chapter 12

Ophelia

At the loud voice, the head cook ran into the dining room. 

“Who made this food?” Sophia asked again. 

“I am sorry if there is an issue with the food, ma; it won’t happen again,” the head cook apologized, bowing his head.

Nothing was wrong with the food, I prepared them myself. I looked at everyone's faces as they ate the food. Their expressions were unreadable.

“I just need to know the person who made the food,” Sophia insisted. The head cook raised his head and looked at me but didn't say anything.

“Sophia I-” 

“I made the food, ma,” the head cook answered, breaking my sentences off. 

This could cost him his job. Maybe I shouldn't have gone to the kitchen but I was still confused. Nothing was wrong with the food.

I took my fork and ate the pancake on it. It was okay!

“This is the best food you have ever made,” Sophia said, and others nodded in approval, their faces smiling.

Hearing that, my chewing slowed down and my heart calmed down.

“It tastes so good. Aunty, I might steal your cook back home,” Elina said, rushing her food.

“Ma'am, it was actually…” I shook my head at him as he raised his eyes to meet mine, wanting to call my name. 

“Actually what?” Sandra asked.

“It is a new recipe” he completed.

Everyone complimented him for the food. Ryder, beside me, didn't say anything but continued eating his food. His expression showed that he loved the food.

I don't think he noticed I was the one who made it as he has never eaten the food I prepared for him.

“Please, can I have some home?” David asked as the head cook was about to go.

“Please, me too,” Elina shouted.

“Just pack some for everyone,” Sandra told the head cook, and he bowed before leaving.

“Ophelia, you haven't said anything,” Elina said as everyone continued eating.

“Huh?”

“Is there something on your mind?” She asked looking concern

“Oh, no. There is nothing. The food is good,” I said, and she nodded her head. 

After breakfast, Jacob called the men and they went for a quick meeting. We, the ladies, sat in the living room and just chatted.

It was tense at first because I was lost in almost all their conversations but I was able to meet up at some point.

“Ophelia, when are you going on your honeymoon?” Sandra asked me.

“Ryder is busy with work” I answered.

We don't even speak together. How will I know if he actually even wants to go on a honeymoon? With me

“You two should get to it so I can have another niece,” Sylvia said.

Heat rose to my cheeks and I regretted packing my hair in a ponytail.

Having a baby with Ryder? I haven't thought of it but it sounds like a good idea.

Ryder came out with the rest of them and I stood up. “We are about to leave,” Ryder said and went to hug his mum.

“I will get our bag,” I said and went to the bedroom to carry our bag.

Jacob was leaning by the door when I reached. “Is anything wrong Jacob?” I asked.

He moved from the door and took me by my shoulder.

“I am sorry for all that happened yesterday. The embarrassments, insults, and abuse you went through yesterday. I should have prevented them.” I nodded and smiled, and he continued. “You are a strong, brave, and beautiful lady who decided to give my son a second chance at experiencing happiness again. Please be patient with him. Ryder is not usually like this. It started when he was 10 and changed when he met Olivia. I believe you can make him come out of his shell again” 

What happened when he was 10? I wanted to ask but I stopped myself before I could.

“I and my wife will always be here for you if you need any help. Feel free to come here at all with Ryan. You are most welcome” I nodded my head, giving him a wide smile.

“Thank you, Jacob.” his face turned into a frown.

“Call me father, please. You are my daughter.” Before I could register what he said fully, he pulled me into a hug, and tears escaped my eyes.

“You can talk to me anytime,” he said, and I started sobbing. His hug was warm and fatherly. I didn't want to let go but I had to.

I used to cry myself to sleep when I was little, to hug my dad to sleep, and I am getting one from my father-in-law, and I couldn't help but cry.

“You are a crybaby,” he said. We both chuckled, and I wiped my tears.

“Take care of yourself and send my kisses to Ryan. God bless you, child.” I nodded my head, and he helped me with the bag.

My eyes met Ryder as I reached him. His eyes shifted from mine to his dad and back to mine but I avoided his eyes.

He collected the bag from Jacob—father. “Be good to her,” he warned Ryder.

“Take care of yourself and my son's for me,” Sandra said, pulling me into a hug. 

“I will,” I said.

“You can come by anytime,” she said and detached herself from me. Ryder opened the door for me and I got in.

“Bye dad, bye mum,” he said.

“Ophelia, bye!” Elina screamed as she also got into the car with her family. 

As Ryder drove out of the compound, I couldn't help looking back at the house. 

It was a hell of a weekend. I can't wait to see Ryan's cute and beautiful smile. His smile always manages to make my day.

“Buckle your seat belt,” Ryan said, his eyes still on the road as he drove.

“What?” I asked in confusion.

“We are going for a ride” He took his eyes from the road for a moment to look at me. The usual cold and indifferent look was not on his face.

He had a little smile on his face. That was the first time he was going to look at me with a smile. Even though it is a small smile, it was something. 

I smiled back at him and he focused back on the road. His speed increased and we followed another route from the way home.

‘The weekend might not end up as hell after all’ I thought as the cold breeze hit my face.