Chapter 2: The Unexpected Guest

Putting on the last earring to her right ear, a sound from her phone caught her attention. Checking it out, it was a message from Casper.

“I already sent a driver to your place. He should be there for a few minutes. We’ll see you at the mansion later. Take care.”  

“Tsk. Directions would have sufficed.” Murphy thought when she read the message. As much as she wanted to decline, another message popped up. It was the driver Casper sent, informing her that he had already arrived at the entrance of the apartment building. 

Not wanting to make him wait, Murphy hurried and grabbed her bag and shoes, sparing one final look at her reflection in the mirror. She was wearing a white semi-formal dress. Casper told her to just wear anything, but her nervousness in meeting the Vannister patriarch and the rest of the family members, made her throw out the idea of wearing ‘just anything’. After long hours of rummaging through her wardrobe, she just ended up wearing a business suit-style dress. Paired with her already skinny figure, the outfit made her look sleek and presentable. 

With her waist-length wavy hair flowing freely along her back and a few accessories, Murphy was all set. As soon as the automatic glass doors of the building’s main entrance spread out, a man, probably in his late 30s, fully clothed in a black, polished suit, came towards her and introduced himself. With a careful stance, he opened the backseat door of the car and guided Murphy.

Throughout the whole ride, Murphy kept on overthinking things, especially about what would happen later at dinner. Although she had already met Nathaniel Vannister, Casper’s older brother, once, still, they didn’t have much of a conversation before, making her nervous. What worried her more was how she would act in the presence of the patriarch and his wife, who was rumored to be quite strict and fearsome.

“Haaa. Overthinking would lead me nowhere at this rate…” Murphy murmured in between her breaths and accepted her reality, making herself better by reminding herself about her long vacation waiting for her.

After 30 minutes of traversing through thick arrays of towering tree trunks, a glimpse of the gigantic golden gate encircling the whole vast property met her eyes that was reflected by the glass panes. Words can’t take justice on how magnificent and breathtaking the whole facade of the mansion was. Truly a home befitting of the Vannister line. 

As soon as they took a turn at the antique fountain center, she was greeted by the Vannister family butler, Mr. Edward Luis, as he introduced. 

“There you are. Just in time.” the voice of Casper echoed on the imposing array of pillars of the mansion. Clearly a contrast to her outfit, he wore a casual black sweatshirt, paired with a white sweatpants. His hands were hidden in his pockets as he casually walked towards her.

“What’s with the outfit? So grand. I told you, it's just a dinner” he teased as he had a look at her overalls. Murphy immediately rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.

“Easy for you to say. It's your home and your family dinner. I couldn’t just show up looking like a bun” Casper just shook his head and guided Murphy inside. “Hey, your jaws about to come off” Casper mocked as he saw Murphy took another round of awe when she roamed her eyes around. Murphy, hearing his embarrassing comment in front of their caretakers, immediately gave him a slight punch on the side, making Casper curl.

Entering the living room, Andrei instantly ran towards her while carrying Stell. “Hey, be careful!” 

“You’re here! But what’s with the outfit? You look so fancy for a simple dinner” Murphy wasn’t able to hide her rolling eyes again hearing Andrei repeat what her husband just said to her. 

‘Gosh. Is it a couple thing? Ugh’

A few minutes of greeting and catching up, the couple then guided Murphy inside. There, the whole family gathered in the midst of the fireplace. The entirety of the living room was filled with glass windows, highlighting the panoramic views of the downtown city as the mansion was situated on the hillside.

Murphy then met the eyes of Nathaniel Vannister, who was just sitting quietly on the side, while his triplets climbed on either side, which she presumed to just annoy him. Nathaniel’s expression before they met was quite funny to Murphy, seeing how he was already drained by the non stop bickering of the kids near him. However, she kept her expressions to herself, as to not agitate Nathaniel. Casper did tell her that Krystle Vannister, Nathaniel’s wife, was overseas, so she couldn’t attend the dinner. The latter, who couldn't get up from his seat as the kids were playing on his lap, only gave Murphy a nod as a greeting, to which she responded back.

“Dad. Meet Architect Murphy Jayden of McDaniels Design. The one I was talking to you about.”Casper called out to the busy elder who was playing with the little Stell on the carpeted floor, directly in front of the fireplace. 

Mr. Chaisel Vannister. The chairman and patriarch of the Vannister Group. The man who founded the Group with strictness and utmost authority from scratch. And the elder who was rumored to have some terrifying qualities. However, seeing how the elder was so smitten with Stell, Murphy thought that maybe the rumors about him being scary and fearsome might be wrong.

‘Or is it only towards his grandson?’

When the elder turned, his face became dull, as if sulking because of Casper’s sudden interruption with his quality time with Stell. “Honey, control yourself. You’re scaring the little miss” a woman came to the group and gave the elder a little tap on the shoulder. She turned her gaze to Murphy and gave her smile. In that instant, Murphy felt comfortable upon the woman’s arrival. Judging by her aura and how he addressed the elder, Murphy quickly realized who she was.

Mrs. Andrada Vannister. The Vannister family’s matriarch and Casper’s mother. Indeed, she was still beautiful and graceful despite her age. Even as she stood, her aura alone completely changed the atmosphere of the place. Hearing his wife’s sentiments, Mr. Chaisel instantly changed his expression upon meeting Murphy, who was sweating buckets earlier after sensing the sudden change of his mood and facial expression. 

“Ah. Ms. Jayden, my daughter-in-law’s best friend, I presume?”

“Yup, it's her, dad!” Andrei popped into the conversation behind Murphy, flashing a big smile towards Casper’s father.

‘Wait. Daughter-in-law? These guys haven't gotten married yet though?’ Murphy pondered as she gave Andrei a secretive weird look. ‘Girl, you’re truly something else’  Murphy sighed at the sweet sight. 'I guess even without the marriage vows, Andrei was already part of the family.'

“Well, we still got time before dinner starts, so Ms. Jayden, shall we head to my office to discuss some matters?” Mr. Chaisel asked before giving Stell to his wife. Murphy, in response, gave a nod before the two of them disappeared from the noisy crowd.

“Hmmm. Indeed, Andrei and Casper weren’t lying when they said your works are excellent. Your designs are unique and truly practical. No wasted space. I like it” Murphy can’t help but feel proud upon hearing consistent compliments from the chairman. 

Mr. Chaisel was said to be quite picky and strict, down to the tiniest details, and can be harsh sometimes in giving feedback (well, most of the time, as Kiefer warned her before) so Murphy has prepared her mental state before she came into the mansion. Her palms were sweating in her grasps as Mr. Chaisel fell silent for minutes while browsing her portfolio that Casper initially gave. She was holding her breath for the duration, which is why she felt she could breathe again by hearing the positive remark. 

“Well, that settles it then. I approve of you handling the future project. You’ve got the skills and the competency. I’ll forward the portfolio and my thoughts to your boss after the dinner ends later.

“Pardon me for asking, but aren't you my boss for this project?” Murphy couldn’t resist asking when she heard his last statement. Both Casper and Raychelle didn’t inform her of the specifics of the project and just blatantly told her to attend the dinner. Although she wasn’t informed for what purpose or industry the expansion plans were for, considering that Casper directed her to the chairman himself, she thought she would be coordinating with him.

“Oh. Didn't Casper tell you? The expansion plans are to be handled by someone else. He just asked me for recommendations after I approved it. I was about to recommend my usual design partner but things got shitty so I asked Casper instead.”

“Is it for another branch of the Group”

“Yes. I’ll tell you his name during dinner. I’m quite starving you see so let’s quickly wrap things up. You'll settle things properly and legally during a separate date for the contract signing, okay?” Mr. Chaisel replied seeing the confusion on Murphy’s face, hoping to ease it. However, his statement just added to more confusion in her mind, realizing that her purpose for coming to the estate felt like it didn’t meet her agenda at all.

As they exited the office, they were joined by the other members of the family, who were now gathering towards the dining room. Murphy was still in a daze but when she saw Casper laughing dearly along with Andrei, she quickly assimilated with the group and gave Casper a tug on the arm.

“Oh, you’re done? We were about to call you-” he couldn’t continue when he felt a sting on his side. “Hey! Why’d you pinch me?!” Casper complaint in a whisper so as not to alert the others.\

“You scammed me! Why didn’t you tell me that the project was for someone else?! I looked like a stray cat earlier in front of your father!”

“What? I didn’t know either.” 

“Liar!”

“Hey! I’m as confused as you are! He just straightly asked me for a recommendation and to keep in touch with Raychelle. That’s it! I didn’t know that the recommendation was also another recommendation” Casper defended himself, still stuck on a whisper battle with Murphy. The latter didn’t seem convincing on her perception and was about to rebut when someone interrupted them. It was one of the family’s staffs, calling their attention to the dining room, prompting the both of them to halt their conversation, having no choice but to quickly follow and join the others.

“What took you so long?” Andrei queried when Murphy and Casper entered the room late. Casper gave her a kiss on the forehead, as well as Stell before sitting on the left side of the table, between Madam Andrada and Andrei. Casper whispered the reason to her that made her giggle. Murphy then sat on Andrei’s right side. On the opposite side of the table were Nathaniel and the triplets. Mr. Chaisel then sat on the very corner of the table. When everyone was fully seated, the staff then pulled out their carts and displayed the food in front of them. 

“Are we expecting someone?” Casper inquired, pointing towards another plate setup beside the triplets and in front of Murphy. 

“Oh yes, I forgot to mention. We have a surprise guest but he’s running late so we should just start eating first.” Mr. Chaisel replied before raising his wine glass, signaling the start of the dinner. 

Everyone’s chatter echoed throughout the walls. Amidst the clatter of the sophisticated utensils that were obviously custom-crafted, joyous laughter filled the atmosphere. Seeing the children’s laughter, as well as the bickering of the adults, made Murphy slightly jealous. Even though they’re quite the wealthy bunch who emitted such authority in the elite society, Murphy cannot deny that all of the family members are truly close in bonds. Something she once hoped she had.

Sitting quietly in the corner, Murphy felt she didn’t belong in such wonderful scenery. While she munched on her food, her mind was filled with one thing. She wanted to remove herself from the crowd. Unfortunately for her, she couldn’t do so, so as not to be rude by accepting the invitation first hand. 

Murphy just accepted her reality and ate quietly, while occasionally sparing a smile and laugh whenever their attention was directed at her.

“Ah, he’s here!” everyone’s attention immediately focused on Mr. Chaisel upon hearing his joyous remark by what the butler just informed him. He quickly ordered the butler to let the newly-arrived guest come to the dining room. While the butler was gone, the members of the family played a game to guess who was the visitor. Minutes later, the butler arrived, shocking everyone on the dining table.

Murphy didn’t bother raising her gaze to see who it was. Afterall, she was sure enough that such a person is unknown to her. Although her attention was directed to her plate, quietly eating everything placed on it, she still listened on the conversation that were filled with excitement and gasps.

“Holy shit, you’re back!”

“Casper, watch your mouth!”

“Cousin! It's you! Looking good, I see”

“Wow uncle, you’re here! We missed you!”

“Oh my! You look even more handsome the last time I saw you”

“Uhhh, who’s that?” Amidst the familiarity of the rest, one voice stood out from the crowd. Andrei’s confusion about the identity of the man made Casper chuckle.

“Remember when I told you that we still have another relative? Yup, it's him. Our one and only cousin.” Caspered replied, earning an affirmative noise from Andrei.

“My beloved nephew. It’s been years since the last time you went back home. Why the heck did it take you an expansion plan to call me, huh?” Mr. Chaisel’s sulky voice was imminent in their conversation. In response, a deep, smoky voice of a man resonated with Murphy’s listening ears.

“Sorry, uncle. Just had a lot of things to handle. But I’m here, so I’ll definitely make it up to you.

“Well, you better. It's been so chaotic without you”

“Oh. You haven’t met, right? The lady over there is Andrei Swann, Casper’s girlfriend. The kid beside them is the cute, little Stell, their son” Murphy heard footsteps walking towards them. Later on, the chair beside her moved as Andrei rose for a handshake. 

“To think Casper managed to get a girlfriend, and a kid at that? Man, you gotta reveal your prayers” the man remarked that made everyone in the hall burst into laughter. 

“I am truly gone for so long”

“Yes, you truly did”

“So to get back on track, can someone introduce me to this gorgeous lady over here? Surely, she’s not Krystle, right?” Murphy felt someone directly standing just behind her chair, making her stop in her tracks when everyone’s focus was concentrated on her, gaining her senses back.

“Oh, I forgot. She’s Architect Murphy Jayden, the talented lady that Casper recommended for your expansion plans.” Feeling the necessity to give respects, Murphy wiped her lips with a cloth and turned around, only for her to turn pale upon getting a clear look to the person standing beside her, with his face closely facing her.

Before Murphy could recover, her hand was carefully carried by that person up to his mouth, to which she shivered upon feeling the slight touch of his soft lips to her delicate, porcelain skin.

“Allow me to introduce myself. The name’s Caius Vannister” the man uttered in between his smirking lips. Murphy knew from the very moment their skin touched that her peaceful life is now under a chaotic cloud. 

“Nice meeting you, milady…” 

*****