S E V E N - A Little Family Reunion

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Happy reading, Sade xx

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"CHARLOTTE, is that you?"

At that very moment, she wanted the ground to open up and swallow her in whole just to escape this dreaded situation that was about to unfold.

Hearing that voice sent a shock down her spine, similar to the feeling you get when jumping into a pool of freezing water. Before her stood someone whom she had not seen in probably 4 years.

Her mother.

There she stood dressed to the nines, hair pinned into the perfect chignon, with glittering jewellery across her neck and fingers. When it came to events like these her mother liked to dress like she was about to meet the Queen. Barbara Greyson did not like to be showed up.

It really didn't surprise her that her mother and most likely her father as well would be there, they did attend almost every social event that they could possibly manage to. Talk about trying to climbing the social ladder.

"Mom," she tried to say in an excited voice but she was sure that it came out in an awkward, strained way instead by the way Max and even Nic were trying to hold back their laughs.

"What an absolute surprise to see you here." Her mother replied in that voice she despised, a tone Charlotte dubbed as her mother's 'social voice'. Her pitch was a tad higher, pronunciation more precise but the delivery of the words were slower than usual.

Nic must have noted the way her mother's gaze scanned over her so he inched closer.

The action startled her slightly, she cleared her throat. "Mr. and Mrs. De Luca this is my mother Barbara Greyson," she introduced.

"Oh yes, we've met before," her mother replied excitedly, "We see each other from time to time at events like these." Her mother stated proudly.

Isabelle replied with a smile but anyone could tell that her eyes relayed a different emotion.

Her mother turned towards her, "Charlotte I really didn't know that you were acquainted with the De Luca's."

"Actually, she's my girlfriend," Nicolas stated in a surprisingly proud tone while stepping even closer to her, now standing directly behind her and gently placed his hand on the side of her hip. An action that was not looked over by both of their mothers.

Charlotte let out a nervous giggle, not knowing what else to say. The only thoughts running through her mind was how simply agreeing to be someone's date had now turned into a major cluster f*ck.

The shock on her mother's face was evident, clearly, she did not expect that seemingly simple sentence to leave Nicolas's lips.

The group stood there in extremely awkward silence. She didn't know what to say, no one did. "The program will be starting shortly so we should all probably make our way to our seats," Isabelle swooped in, sensing the uncomfortable tension between the group and saving her.

"You never told me your parents would be here?" He whispered as they sat down.

"Well Nicolas, if I knew they'd be here I wouldn't have agreed to this absurd, spiraling plan of yours,"  Charlotte said through gritted teeth as she tried to keep a pleasant look on her face.

The MC opened the event, welcoming all the guests and announcing the program of the evening; she hardly paid any attention to what was going on around her, her mind congested with what had just occurred.

The waiter came and placed the salad before them and conversation lulled into a passive murmur, which she was immensely grateful for.

"Charlotte, I truly never knew that Martin and Barbara had another daughter much less that it was you?" Enzo broke the silence and suddenly all the eyes around the table were on her.

She visibly stiffened, a wave of panic emitted from her persona and two out of the 10 patrons around the table seemed to notice.

"Papa."

"Enzo, I really don't think that's an appropriate topic to discuss right now," Isabelle interjected and shifted to speaking about the art pieces that were on show. She gave Isabelle a thankful smile but when she turned towards Nicolas the look on his face told her that he wouldn't let the topic go easily.

The entrees had been served and Charlotte had been presented with the most gorgeous meal; seared scallops on a bed of creamy polenta and charred asparagus. Not even a mouth-watering plate of food could ease the anxiety that she felt.

As the empty plates were being removed from the table an announcement was made and Nicolas was called up to the podium situated on the small stage.

He walked with a confident stride, looking as in control of himself as ever. Clearing his throat he began to speak and Charlotte could tell that he had the type of presence that commanded your attention.

Everyone in the room was utterly captivated by the way he spoke about what the foundation meant to him and his family. His grandfather, Alessandro, was diagnosed with Chordoma which is a rare form of bone cancer commonly located in either the lower or upper ends of the spinal column. The ADL Foundation, started by the family was aimed at providing more research on  finding ways to diagnose, treat and mostly cure Chordoma. In his speech it was clear how close Nic and his grandfather was by the compassion that overtook his features when he spoke.

Before the dessert course was presented the guests were now urged to browse around the various artworks being showcased for the auction; so she was left to wander off on her own as Nicolas excused himself to speak to some businessmen.

She was so captivated in all the depth and beauty of the pieces on show that she didn't even notice Max sneak up next to her.

"Charlotte, I've been meaning to catch you alone," uh oh this wasn't off to a good start, "so you and my brother, an item, huh?" He stated with a chuckle.

Charlotte let out a nervous laugh, which she seemed to be doing a lot this evening. She was not sure what to tell him because she and Nicolas didn't really come up with a back story. Being at a loss for words was very unlike her, acting the way she did when she was that shy 13-year-old girl, so nervous to talk to anyone. But could you blame her? The facade of a relationship that Nicolas has created was now spiralling out of control.

"Truly, I can't recall the last time Nickie actually introduced us to a girl, much less one as his girlfriend"

"Well, what can I sa-"

"Interrogating my girl, are we?" Nicolas announced his presence, thankfully coming to her rescue for a second time tonight. Walking towards the pair with a smirk on his face, saving her from unwanted situations seemed to be a reoccurring thing tonight.

Her eyes widened. Why was there a sudden flutter in the depth of her stomach when he called her his girl?

"No interrogations going on here fratello,"

"Charlotte ?"

Damn, this really wasn't her night was it?

"I really didn't believe mother when she said you were here but clearly I was wrong!" She exclaimed.

Charlotte took in a deep breath and tentatively turned around. She didn't want it to be true but tonight was honestly not her night.

There stood her little sister, Caroline, in all her glittering evening gown glory. Looking like quite the poster girl that Charlotte knew she was; makeup applied and hair pinned to perfection.

"Carol,"

Standing next to her sister with his arm wrapped quite firmly with hers was none other than Greg Lawson. Someone whom she would have been glad to never run into as long as she walked this Earth, but it seemed like this evening has just become the anti of what she wanted.

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Peep that new cover, ngl I'm pretty chuffed about it bc I made it mysef :D

Again, I apologize profusely for not uploading in what seems like eternity ! Writers block, plus studying for finals and a whole bunch of family events thrown in the mix is a lethal combo !

So while this chapter might be quite short, just know that the next one is underway !!!

Please feel free to comment and don't forget to vote if you've enjoyed reading 💖

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