Chapter 31: The Family

Avery smiled, hearing the voice of his mom sent chills to her spine. She immediately regretted the dress she chose for that day. She should’ve worn her most expensive dress if Carson’s family would just judge her.

Mrs. Lee looked at her from head to toe. She looked like she was around 50 years old but her skin was glossy. Her hair was tied up into a bun and was covered by her black hat. Her make-up was not too much unlike the wives of Avery’s exes.

Her dress was black as well. The design was simple yet it was elegant. She looked like a famous celebrity who decided to retire and spend her days at spas. Avery almost gulped but she chose not to. She knew she had to endure this and maybe she could win Carson for real.

“Hi! It’s a pleasure to meet you”

Avery offered her hand and Mrs. Lee took it almost immediately. Her eyes widen as their hands touched. “Soft hands” Avery chuckled, “Thank you” The woman took Avery’s hand as if examining it. “But you work hard on your own. Don’t have a maid?”

“Mom” Carson spoke to eliminate the forming tension in the room. His sister and dad also turned to him in surprise. Carson was not the type to join in conversations.

“Yes, sweetie?” Mrs. Lee let go of Avery’s hand as she turned to her son. He walked near Avery and lightly pulled her closer to him, earning another surprise from his family. “What brings you here?”

Mr. Lee stood properly as he smoked. “As you both know, everyone is now interested in your relationship. The article we made for Avery was one of the top-searched articles since last night. Plus, the attention was on the both of you the whole night.” He was wearing his usual tuxedo. His hair was pulled up again like always. But he didn’t look stress rather he seemed to be in a good mood. In fact, all his family members seemed to be happy.

“The incident with Jenny made everything better. You won everyone that night, Avery.” Carson’s sister commented as she crossed her arms. “So we came here to confirm about this mysterious woman that won our little prince’s heart.”

His sister was a year older than him. She looked exactly like Mrs. Lee, only younger. She was wearing a white sleeveless silk top and tight black pants. She had pale white skin that looked exactly like those commercial models. She had sunglasses on her head. Her make-up looked natural but it was obvious that she did it herself.

She was wearing high heels with a designer bag in her right hand. Her aura was different from other rich women. She was confident and she didn’t look like she would let anyone harm her or her family.

Avery lightly smiled. She was aware that Carson’s actions that night was obvious but she didn’t expect that people can see it as well. “Well, we can’t accept her if she didn’t pass our standards” Mrs. Lee commented. Her eyes were like a hawk, searching any negative thing about Avery. She was like those evil mothers in soap operas who would do anything to make their sons successful.

Avery knew she would never reach their standards. She wasn’t rich or powerful like Jenny. She was a simple girl who got a lot of money from her targets.

“Even so, we need to make it seem like we already accepted her. Doing this can help the company. Carson having a rich mysterious girlfriend will intrigue people about them and we’ll lead them to our company.” Mr. Lee added. He got another cigar from his pocket and lighted it. The room smelled a mix of smoke and expensive female perfume.

Mrs. Lee laughed. “Oh dear, all you ever think about is your company. How about Carson’s happiness?” Carson was about to say something when his sister spoke, “He seemed happy.”

Avery turned to Carson who was looked like he was in a hot seat. He didn’t respond but it seemed like he also agreed with his sister’s statement. There was a dead silence for a couple of minutes. Mr. Lee was looking at the folders on Carson’s desk, his sister was using her phone, and Mrs. Lee was still eyeing Avery.

Carson noticed the aura and decided to change the topic. “So, have you guys eaten? There’s a nice restaurant nearby.” Mrs. Lee’s attention was now on Carson. “What food do they have?”

“I think Italian.”

Avery watched as the family started talking about food. They seemed to be the kind of family wherein they just gather because they need to or just because something was intriguing them. Even if Carson’s sister kept mentioning his happiness, she didn’t seem sincere. His father was only concerned about the company while his mom seemed to care about social status.

It was not the family she imagined for him. Yet she understood why he had this mysterious and rebellious vibe. She looked at him as she tried to analyze what kind of person he was, especially now that she saw him with his family.

She was busy analyzing them that she didn’t notice that they have reached a conclusion. “Come on, Avery” Carson’s sister offered her arm as she headed to the door. Avery’s eyes widen at the sudden offer. People don’t link their arms unless they were close.

She starred at her arm as she debated on what was the right thing to do. If she linked arms, what would that mean? If she refused, what would their impression of her be?

“Oh, my sister likes skinship” Carson explained. Avery was confused about what’s happening. “I’m sorry, but what’s going to happen?”

The family turned to her and laughed. “From now on, you will be Carson’s girlfriend.”