Chapter 4

THE FAMILIES DINNER

HAYDEN

I entered the car and saw my parents waiting for me, my dad who was busy operating his iPad stole a glance from me.

"Manuel let's go." My dad instructed the driver who immediately started the car

"Hayden behave well, don't ruin this for me." My dad warned

"Stop lecturing me." I mumble bringing out my phone from my pants pocket.

•••

"We are here." The driver announced the moment we arrived the Cooper mansion

I composed myself before getting out of the car to meet my parents who were exchanging pleasantries with the Cooper, after all the pleasantries with my parents and they Cooper we all sat down.

But hold on; Where is Tessa? I mean she is not here.

"Hayden." Tessa mom called with buoy as she came towards me and gave me a hug

"It's been long and you look more handsome than before." She flattered

"Thanks ma."

Well, i guess i have to be respectful to them since I am going to be stuck with their daughter for life.

"Um, where is Tessa?" I heard my mom asked the one question that has been bugging me, i turned to look my mom and Tessa's parents.

Mr Cooper looked at his wife who looked displeased.

"Uh.... She will be here soon, please pardon us." Mrs Cooper replied as she picked up her phone from the table beside her and walked outside

Okay, what is going on?

Where is that proud peacock?

Where is Tessa?

Maybe she is not happy about the marriage like me and she decided to skip the dinner.

I just hope she doesn't come so that my dad will see how disrespectful she is and cancel the marriage.

Who am i kidding my dad will not cancel this marriage for anything because to him this marriage is what will save his business.

"Let's go to the dining." Her dad said leading the way to the dinning which was filled all types of assorted wines and food.

Geez!!

Never forget this day Hayden Anderson, this is your marriage feast.

This is the end of your bachelor life.

I sat next to my mom

Where is Tessa Lina Cooper? Doesn't she have plans of showing up?

Geez! I should have expected this from her, she doesn't want to be part of this.

Why will she be interested in getting married to someone who she humiliated in the past?

Good grief! I can finally back out of this fucking charade and go back to my blissful life.

I was about enjoying my meal when someone entered flashing sparkles into my eyes, she walked gracefully like a goddess into the dining room.

The sight of her brought back painful memories that i have been trying to forget.

It opened unhealed wounds.

It opens up lots of hurtful and painful memories that makes my heart ache.

Foolish marriage!

Foolish betrothed!

Foolish company!

Foolish union!

Foolish set-up!

Foolish dinner!

Foolish dinner!

Foolish! Foolish! Foolish! Foolish!

I hadn't realized that i said my last thought our loud until a sweet calm voice spoke up.

"Well chill Hayden."

And right there and then was when she flashed me that perfect and sweet smile of hers that makes her more beautiful.

That smile that i fell for years ago.

That same stupid perfect and sweet smile that made my knees go weak Every time.

That same stupid and foolish perfect smile that was my weakness.

That stupid and foolish perfect smile that always put a smile on my face.

That foolish and stupid perfect smile that i always looked forward to everyday.

That foolish and stupid perfect smile that made me embarrassed myself.

That foolish and stupid perfect smile that ruined everything.

Stupid and foolish Tessa.

At some point, i felt that it was impossible getting married to someone like Tessa, this shouldn't happen, I don't think that i will be able to cope with Tessa as my wife.

I picked up the wine, sipping it while glaring at her.

"Sorry everyone, i am late, hi uncle, hi auntie." She greeted my parents pecking their cheeks respectively

"Hi dear." My dad replied in a calm voice

"Hi darling, how was your trip." My mom asked

"Fine auntie, I miss you all." She replied

"Thanks love, we miss you too." My mom smiled looking at her with admiration

I scoffed glaring at her, such a good pretender

"Hi dear Hayden, you have changed." She smiled. sitting opposite me.

"And you haven't changed." I replied

"Stop lying, i am more beautiful, sexy and curvy than before and beside i have added a little height and I am more successful now." She bragged about her beauty and achievement, picking up a glass of water

"How have you been uncle and auntie." She asked my parents

"Great sweetheart." My mom replied

"I made the right decision, my future daughter in-law is so down to earth, caring and kind." My dad praised her

"Sweetie, what took you so long?" Her Dad asked her

She touched her forehead and sighed. " I lost track of time dad." The maids hurried and began serving her food

We all started eating silently for a while, until my parents and her parents broke the silence with business talks.

I slowly lifted my eyes to look at Tessa who kept her gaze on her food, i decided to steal some glances at her.

She still looked the same, except for her long straight eyelashes, pointed nose, curves, cleavages and her hair which has become longer than before, she had grown more beautiful over the last couple of years.

"So Manuel, i trust you and your wife will be taking care of everything that Tessa will be needing for the wedding?" My dad said

"Of course, you should know we wouldn't tally in such issues." Her dad replied with a smile

They went on talking about the wedding, Tessa didn't flinched. She just concentrated on her food.

The place was already suffocating me with all the wedding talks.

"Sweetheart why don't you take your fiancee to the garden so you both should talk." Her mom asked

"Sure mom." She stood from the chair and with the garden while i trail behind her.

Tessa sat down on one of the chairs in the garden, scanning me from my head to my toes

"Not bad Hayden, you have changed from the creepy nerd to a handsome hot guy, what a lovely transformation." She teased

"But you are still the same bitchy Tessa." I sneered

"Woah! That was harsh Hayden, but you came after this bitchy girl." She replied with a smirk plastered on her face

"That was my biggest mistake." I retorted glaring at her

"But it didn't seem so seven years ago, you were practically begging me." She shot back at me making my anger boil

"Bitch." I snarled and she smirked

"Is that a comeback darling, because i find it cute." She teased smiling at me

"Stop frowning your face, i don't want our parents to think that i am bullying you." She said

"You know what? i hate you." I yelled

"This are not the exact words you said to me seven years ago Hayden Leo Anderson." She smiled

"I regret what happened seven years ago, i so much hate you." I glared at her.

"As if i care, you should be grateful that i am getting married to you, many men will kill to have me as their wife." She scoffed

Just then her phone rang and she left me heading inside the house to answer the call.

I stood there clenching and unclenching my jaw as i stared at her retreating figure.

"Tessa get ready i must exact my revenge on you, let's see how long that arrogant character of yours will last." I said before walking to join our parents