Nothing, just the recent project with the Smith Group," Julian replied. "The person I sent to investigate the land just sent a message confirming everything is almost ready. We're getting the site cleared for the next conference, where we'll be discussing the project's details."
Sophia's face lit up. "That's great! But get dressed already, mom and dad should be here soon."
Julian nodded but his response to the message was different. He typed out a reply, his fingers quickly flying across the screen: "Calm down, Natalia, I miss you as well. I'll try to see you later." He hit send, deleted the message, and smiled to himself.
After sending the text message, Julian opened his Instagram page with over 2.5 million followers and posted a picture of himself and Sophia taken earlier that day when they went shopping for their outfits.
With a caption: "Family dinner night! Tonight, we're hosting a special evening with both our parents, distant relatives, and cousins coming together. Looking forward to a wonderful night with the people I love. #familydinner #love".
After posting it, Julian decided to get dressed, as he entered the room, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror and smirked, he knew he was a living lie.
He put on a tailored navy blue suit, a crisp white shirt, and a black tie. His shoes were polished black oxfords, and he had a simple silver watch on his wrist.
After getting ready, he walked over to Sophia who was doing the finishing touches and gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek. "You look stunning, as always," he said, trying to maintain the facade of a loving husband.
Sophia smiled and playfully pushed him away. "Go check on the preparations. Make sure everything is perfect for tonight."
Julian nodded and headed downstairs, his mind wandering back to Natalia, if not for how important this dinner was he would have made something up so he would spend the night with her.
Sophia was pregnant now, so he couldn't really do all he wanted with her and Natalia was so good in bed, currently she was his favorite girl, just thinking about their last time together at the hotel made him feel hot. He pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the evening's events.
He entered the kitchen and was greeted by the aroma of roasting meats and the sound of sizzling vegetables. The chef, a stern-looking woman with a kind smile, nodded at him. "Everything is almost ready Mr. Smith. Your family will be impressed."
Julian smiled, feeling a sense of pride in his home and the evening's preparations, the place was set for a warm and intimate family gathering.
Grant and Helena, Sophia's parents, arrived first. Julian greeted them warmly, welcoming them to their home. Helena beamed with a bright smile, dressed in a gorgeous, expensive gown that suited the evening's atmosphere. Grant, on the other hand, wore a tailored suit, looking calm and refined.
Sophia, already fully dressed and ready, came downstairs to greet her parents. Her ash-blonde hair was styled in loose curls that cascaded down her back.
She wore a simple yet elegant flowery flare dress that stopped mid thigh, complemented by delicate jewelry and perfect makeup. She looked stunning, like a doll who wouldn't even hurt a fly.
Sophia hugged her parents and they exchanged pleasantries. "How are you doing mom and dad?"
"We're doing great, darling," Helena said, her eyes shining with pride. "You and your husband have really done well today. Everything looks great, and I know the food won't be any less. Tonight is really a night for us two families to celebrate our union and partnership, your marriage, and... we're expecting a grandchild soon." Sophia smiled, her face glowing with happiness.
"I know Mom," Sophia replied. "Julian and I made sure everything would be perfect. Nothing could go wrong tonight."
Helena smiled at Sophia with warmth, her eyes shining with prideness as she looked at her daughter and Julian. Julian led his in-laws to the dining table, and they sat down. Sophia's phone rang, and she excused herself to answer the call.
Seeing the caller id Sophia tensed at first, wondering why he was calling her at this moment. Nevertheless, she quietly went to the restroom to answer the call. "Hello, Nathan," she said as soon as she picked up the call.
The voice on the other end sounded displeased. "Nathan seriously? Is that what you're calling me now, Sophia?"
Sophia's tone turned sweet and apologetic. "Okay, I'm sorry, darling. But you know I can't take your calls now. Is it urgent or something? And please don't tell me to come over now because you know I can't. We have a family dinner tonight."
The person on the other end went silent for a while, and then his deep voice echoed, "I know, I saw Julian's post. It seems like you guys are really one sweet family." Sophia tried to placate him sensing the jealousy on his tone, using a soft, sweet, and soothing voice. "Don't be like that, okay. I still have you in my heart."
"Then why can't you come be with me instead? Why are you stuck with Julian?"
Sophia's voice remained calm and reassuring. "You don't have to worry too much about Julian. I'm just married to him, okay. He is my husband, and I can't leave him. Also, my parents wouldn't want that. And don't forget that the baby in my stomach is yours. So, you really have nothing to worry about because I love you so much."
Nathan's response was curt. "Whatever! Stay safe and protect my child." With that, he hung up, clearly unconvinced.
Sophia looked around to make sure no one was near her, then she looked at herself, plastered back her smile, adjusted her hair, and said to herself, "I'm so pretty, even more than that bitch Remy. Who does she think she is? What I have now, she doesn't have. Her man, her father, her mother's company, her rightful company, the Harrison Group – I have all the fortunes that are supposed to be hers. I'm so proud of myself."
She smirked with a devious glint in her eye, a huge contrast to the vulnerable and soft expression she had earlier. She turned around and went back into the living room.
As Sophia returned to the living room, she composed herself, ensuring her smile was radiant and her demeanor was poised. She joined Julian, Grant, and Helena in the living room.
As they waited for the rest of the family to arrive, Sophia engaged in conversation with her parents, discussing everything from the latest happenings to family gossip.
Grant however was mostly quite and didn't talk much, she seemed to be slightly bothered about something else.
The doorbell rang again, signaling the arrival of more people. Julian excused himself to greet his parents who had just arrived, leaving Sophia alone with her parents. The evening was young, and the night was still full of.. surprises.