Chapter 50
Tears burned from the back of my eyes. “Thank you,” I whispered, blinking back the tears. “It’s perfect.”
He grinned, “Yeah, I know. Now, come on. Let me give you the five–cent tour before you get trapped talking to Ms Carol about her prize–winning delicacy for an hour.”
He led me away from the crowd, through the stunning living area and toward the back of the house.
“My mother has always wanted a daughter and well, I’ve always wanted a baby sister too. I’m glad you’re here even though it’s kind of selfish.” He signed. “Your parent must be so worried.
“I doubt they are. I can’t recall any of my memories but I feel that I’ve always wanted a nice big brother too” I smiled, holding his hand.
“That’s the kitchen. That’s the movie room, the fridge in there is always stocked with junks…Dad’s office is off- limits when the door is closed. And this,” he said, stopping at a door at the end of the hallway, “is yours.”
He pushed the door open and I gasped at the sight of the room. The down part of the walls is painted in sea blue and white, giving it the look of the sea while the top was painted in purple and pink with the drawing of various Disney princesses. A queen size bed with lavender blanket was placed in the center with lots of pillows in different shades of cream and silver. A desk sat under a large window that with the view of lush garden. I could see a pool too. And on the bed, sitting propped against the pillows, was a giant fluffy white teddy bear.
“That’s Snowball,” Asher said casually, staring at the teddy bear. “Do you like it?.”
I walked into the center of the room, spinning in a slow circle. “Of course, I love it“. I laughed.
“Aria, are you ready, sweetheart?” Helen’s softly from behind the door.
I blinked at my reflection in the mirror. My long black hair had been straightened and curled at the ends, falling past my shoulders. I adjusted the arm on my dress, it’s a black off shoulder dress, exposing a little of my cleavage.. A silver chain rested against my collarbone, a gift from her that morning.
“I think so,” I said finally, tugging at the hem of the dress.
The door opened, and Helen’s face appeared, radiant as ever. “You look beautiful. Absolutely gorgeous dear.”
“Are you sure this isn’t… too much?” I asked, glancing down again.
She laughed softly. “Sweetheart, we’re going to church, trust me, this is modest by Morales standards.”
A knock came on the doorframe. “Mom, we’re gonna be late.”
I turned- and my breath hitched. Asher stood there in a black suit, sleeves rolled slightly to show a silver watch. His hair was tousled to the side and on his ear is a pair of silver earrings. “Wow,” he said, looking me up and down. “You clean up well, Cinderella.”
I blinked, heat creeping to my cheeks. “Cinderella?”
Helen rolled her eyes. “Don’t start teasing her already.”
“I’m not teasing,” Asher said with a grin, walking closer. “I mean good. She looks like a princess. You’re glowing. Aria.”
“Uh, thanks,” I muttered, fiddling with the edge of my sleeve.
Helen sighed dreamily. “You two look so good together. My perfect son and daughter.”
Asher raised an eyebrow. “Mom, please. Don’t make it weird.”
I laughed as Helen swatted his arm lightly.
The ride to church was… a bit quiet. Robert drove, humming under his breath, Helen kept trying to fix my hair with multiple hair pieces from the front seat, and Asher tapped against his knee with his left hand while scrolling on his phone with his right.
When we pulled into the Morales private section of the church lot–lol yes, apparently they had one- everyone turned to look at us. I shrank in my seat, feeling nervous to step out.
“Relax, honey. Everyone’s just curious. They heard we have a new daughter.” Helen said, squeezing my hand reassuringly.
“Exactly,” Asher added with a smirk. “You’re the Morales mystery girl. Everyone’s been dying to meet you.”
“Great,” I muttered under my breath, “no pressure at all.”
He chuckled and leaned closer. “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you from the vultures.”
“You mean the church people?”
“Same thing.” He rolled his eyes.
I bit back a laugh, covering my mouth.
“Wow” I gasped, “this is massive.” Stained glass windows painted the walls in a soft hues of blue and gold, silver and gold chandeliers decorated the ceiling. The air smelled faintly of lilies and incense. As soon as we entered, a few heads turned, whispers following us.
“There they are… the Morales family…”
“That must be her…. the girl they found…”
“She looks just like Mr. Morales…”
“Damn she’s so lucky, I wish I can be adopted like her.”
My heart thudded. I could feel the burn of their stares on my skin.
Asher must’ve noticed, because he slipped his hand into mine. “Ignore them. Just walk like you own the place.”
“I don’t think I can, I’m presently beyond nervous to do that.”
He tilted his head, lips twitching. “Then fake it… or whatever. I’m not a motivational speaker.” He frowned.
I laughed softly and nodded.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
