In the name of the family

Daphne’s heart was unsettled and her palms are becoming sweaty. Her last encounters with this man flashed through her head like a trailer for a horror movie.

“Oh my dear grandson, welcome” Old Lady Williams said with smiles and the well-wishers clapped to welcome Black William into the hall.

Daphne took steps behind as Kai pushed his wheelchair forward to where she saw him standing with the old lady of the house.

“Happy Birthday to you grandma,” he said with a faint smile.

Old lady Williams bent slightly to plant a kiss on both of his cheeks.

Daniel squeezed his wine glass in anger, not just him but his mother hates the attention he's always getting from the old woman.

“Today being a very happy day for me, I'm pleased to announce to you all that I have found a beautiful and decent bride for my grandson” she announced.

At that moment, Daphne could not face Black, the hairs on her body sparked up when her name was mentioned. Fear was clearly written on her face.

She wanted to run away but her aunt and her husband were keeping close eyes on her.

She took Lady Williams’ hand and she bowed to everyone.

Silent murmurs soon mixed with the slow ethereal music playing In the background.

Both positive and negative comments filled the hall.

Immediately the air in the hall turned cold as she would see pricing gazes on her from jealous ladies that wished to enter the family for money and those that were rejected once in the past.

Black remained seated in his chair, watching carefully with full interest.

When Daphne’s face met his by mistake, his face was as cold as ice. Deep, murderous, and merciless.

“Mother! Don't you think it's too early to jump to a conclusion? Why does it look like you just cornered Black?” Lady rose, Daniel’s mother said with scorn.

Old Lady Williams covered her concern by inviting her guests to their table for food and drinks.

“Thank you all for coming” she ended her speech with that.

Old lady Williams insisted that Daphne should share the table with Williams and her family.

They took the longest table with Black and Daphne seated across each other. Daniel sat beside Lady Rose while Jessica took a seat beside Daphne.

Daniel only introduced her to the family two years ago and they got engaged last year when Jessica would not stop pestering him about marriage.

They were eating in silence at first but Daphne’s hands could not grasp her cutleries. The anxiety was killing her.

“So... What's your full name, Daphne?” Jessica asked with a smile.

Daphne flinched for fear that she would be bullied by Jessica and Daniel after what they did to her. ‘What if they tell on her about her scandal years back?’ the thought alone scared her to the brim.

She was about to answer Jessica when the old lady cuts in “You don't talk to her like that, she's going to be the new lady of the house. She's not engaged for years like you, she would be married to Black” she cautioned her.

Jessica crawled inside her shell immediately as she was put in place. Lady Rose flashed her yet another angry stare, she never liked Jessica for her son.

“So my dear Black, I am anxiously waiting for your decision tonight. I can't wait to hear of her fate too” she said with a proud smile as she bites down on her steak.

Black’s face remained expressionless and unmoved. It scared Daphne the more that she could not digest the one spoon of food she managed to eat.

Daphne's heart skipped a beat when she exchanged glances with him again and when her throat starts to get dry, she excused herself.

Daniel took the opportunity to follow her but with an excuse.

“I should go get your gift, Grandma,” he said wiping his mouth.

As soon as  Daniel disappeared into the corner, he changed his route and followed Daphne.

He knew she must have headed to the restroom first and he wasted no time in going inside not minding if there are others inside.

Daphne had just finished washing her face, she had barely straightened up when the door closed with a loud noise behind Daniel.

She gasped in fear, moving back with her weak legs as he strutted toward her.

“Wow Daphne, I have underestimated you I admit,” he said prancing around her like a predator.

“Whatever you might be thinking in your empty skull right now, you should leave me the f*ck alone!” she warned.

“Ha ha! You make me laugh Daph, you're still the same, all you've got are empty threats when deep down. you're scared of me right now” Daniel said as he paused.

He continued approaching her till her back hit the cold wall of the restroom.

“It's not proper for us to be seen together! You betrayed me but I won't hold that against you so pretend you don't know me” she said.

Daniel scoffed and lean closer to her face “How can I deny this ever-gorgeous face? Don't worry I can forgive you for sleeping with a pimp when I never got the chance to have you to myself. I'm generous enough to ugh t accept you once Black rejects you tonight” he said playing with her hair.

“Get your filthy hand off me! I will rather die than come back to you jerk!” she said slapping his hand away.

He doesn't know that it was Black that Daphne had slept with that night and it was relieving for Daphne. 

“I would do anything to get out of here right now, who wants to be here in the first place?! I hate you all in your God-forsaken family!” Daphne yelled.

But then the door kicked open and Black appeared in his wheelchair with Kai behind him.

They were so shocked to the brim.

“Are you insulting the noble name of the Williams? Grandma liked you young lady” Black said, anger evident in his tone.