Chapter 9: Visitor

The evening felt like a dream, one I was struggling to wake up from. My cheeks still burned from the unexpected kiss Isaiah had planted on my skin, the crowd's attention hung around us like a heavy fog. I kept my composure, but underneath, my nerves were unraveling.

“Play along” His words escape his forced smile. I nodded.

Isaiah’s hand rested on my waist as we made our way through the room, his touch was casual as if reminding me that we were still playing the part. I followed his lead, trying to appear calm despite how his touch still lingered on my skin and made me feel.

His touch felt rehearsed. As if he had planned this all along. I could feel a quick sting of disappointment make it's way in my chest, though I had no right to feel that way. He had warned me about the expectations of his world, about the demands it brought but I still accepted regardless . And yet, for a brief moment, I had foolishly hoped for something different.

We made our way to the table we were previously at, taking a seat with the crowd gazes finally subsiding but not completely gone. As we sat, Isaiah ran through some conversation with his father so naturally like he hadn't just put on an entire show for the crowd and possibly the entire media.

Finally the banquet was finally over and we made our way out of the hall and back to where the car was parked.

“Take her home.” Isaiah said to Leo his voice without any emotions.

Take me home?

Aren't you coming along?” I asked as he stood still while I made my way into the car.

“No, I have a meeting later tonight. It’ll be a while,” Isaiah said, his eyes flickering into mine for just a moment before turning away.

“Alright,” I replied softly, forcing a smile, though it didn’t reach my eyes. “I’ll head home on my own then.”

Isaiah paused, his eyes narrowing slightly before finally saying “No, I'll drop you off.”

Why did he all of a sudden want to drop me off?

I didn't have enough time to keep wondering about his sudden change of heart before Leo came out and opened the passenger seat for us to get in.

I stood up, smoothing the fabric of my dress, trying to muster some dignity. Something in me didn't want him to go again tonight but I didn't let that feeling out in the open.

Isaiah’s hand brushed lightly against mine as we both reached to get into the car, and I turned to him, meeting his gaze. There was something unreadable in his eyes, something I couldn’t quite place. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but then he stopped himself.

“Let's go” he finally said, his voice in a low tone.

I nodded and walked away, feeling the eyes of the room follow me as I made my way toward the exit. It was a feeling I had grown used to tonight, but it didn’t make it any easier.

The car pulled up, and both I and Isaiah got inside, the soft hum of the engine starting up. He was only accompanying me home only to make things look more believable but I knew better than to believe this little display of affection but a part of me still yearned to. I glanced out the window, watching the lights of the city blur. I was unsure of what was happening. I didn't have any feelings for Isaiah,

It was too damn early so what was this strange feeling in my chest?

I should have felt more at ease now that we were finally leaving the banquet but I didn't, the emptiness inside me seemed to swell with every mile that put more distance between the grand banquet hall and the house.

Isaiah on the other hand remained quiet all through the drive not even uttering the slightest response on if I had done well or not today.

The car pulled up in front of the mansion, the large house I stepped out of the car with Isaiah still seated.

I pursed my lips before finally speaking.”When will you be back ? “

He looked taken aback by my question but immediately composed.

”Tomorrow.”

I wanted to ask the exact time but immediately closed my mouth stopping any words from coming out.

I nodded slowly before turning to walk into the house.

I hear the car engine start seconds later but just as I waited for it to move it didn't. Instead the car's engine turned off.

I turned around to see why the car had suddenly stopped.

Had he chosen to stay?

I stood looking towards the direction of the car but Isaiah was nowhere inside anymore.

I didn't even hear the car door open so how?

Just as I was about to move closer I saw him walking straight to a mini white SUV packed just some inches away from the car.

I didn't see that before.

My toes suddenly started to grow numb with goosebumps secreting around my body. That was definitely not there when I came out a few minutes ago.

I was about to call out for Isaiah when the white SUV driver seat door suddenly flung open a huge man revealing himself. Isaiah who was right in front of the SUV suddenly stopped at seeing the man. I couldn't quite see what was going on as everywhere was already dark but mustering all my courage took a step forward to get a clear view.

The man who had come out of the SUV suddenly made his way in front of the passenger seat before revealing an elderly lady in white gown.I squinted my eyes to get a good view but I soon saw her drawing Isaiah into an embrace before releasing him from the hug.

“Is this the lovely girl ?”I heard the woman say as I made my way closer to them.

“Yes Grandma” I heard Isaiah reply.

Grandma?