The night of the dinner came quickly. Ann arrived at the restaurant and Mr. O’Neil was there with Daniel to greet her. She didn’t see Dennis and was half disappointed that he was not there to greet her.
While she was getting herself ready before leaving the house, she couldn’t help but think of him. How handsome he was, the way he look at her sometime, that charming smile that made every women melt and those dark eyes. Those mesmerize and controlling eyes. She couldn’t help but to want to look her best for him
Mr. O’Neil and Daniel walked Ann back to their table. Daniel pulled out the chair for her.
“Thank you.” She smiled and took her seat.
Daniel walked to the other side and took his seat next to his father. Ann couldn’t help but glanced around the room for Dennis, wondering where he was.
Mr. O’Neil smiled as if knowing who Ann was looking for. “Dennis will be here.”
Ann’s eyes widened as her cheek turned bright red. She couldn’t help but to look down at her hands on her lap.
“Dennis doesn’t know how lucky he was to have you.” Daniel said staring at Ann.
Ann glanced up briefly at Daniel and shifted her gaze away from him. She knew what he was getting at and didn’t want the conversation to continue.
“I’m sorry I didn’t have time to get you anything.” She began to say to Mr. O’Neil.
Mr. O’Neil smiled. “It’s alright. That flower that you sent was lovely.”
“I’m glad you like it. It was from the garden at h…home…” Her voice trailed off and her smile disappeared as she glanced at the entrances.
Daniel turned to see who she was looking at and wasn’t surprise to see Dennis making his way into the restaurant. What surprised him was the woman in his arm. He sighed in annoyance and turned to his father.
“Father, this need to stop.”
“It’s…” Ann said quickly. “It’s alright.”
“No.” Daniel turned to her. “It’s not alright. Dennis cannot…”
“Cannot what?” Dennis asked from behind.
“How nice of you to finally show up.” He said through clench teeth without looking up at him.
“Of course. It’s father’s special day.” He smiled at his father. “Father.” He bowed. “You remember, Joy?” He introduced her to him.
“Sawasdee kha, father.” She smiled. He returned her smile. “You don’t mind me joining you, do you? Dennis,” She smiled up at him and wrapped her arms around his. “He’d invited me and I couldn’t resist.”
At that point, Ann didn’t know what she was feeling. She was numb and couldn’t believe what was happening. Her husband didn’t only did not acknowledge or look at her, but he also brought his date to a family dinner.
All eyes turned to her as of waiting for her to speak. All she could do was smile weakly as Dennis pulled out an empty chair for Joy next to Ann. He took a seat next to his father across from Ann and still didn’t look or greet Ann.
“Aren’t you going to greet…er…her?” Joy asked Dennis with an innocent smile.
It was the first time he looked at her and Ann wishes he’d never look at her. She couldn’t tell if he was just annoyed by her or hates her.
“Why? I’m not here to see her.” He simply said and smiled at Joy.
“Dennis.” Mr. O’Neil said with a warning. He turned to everyone with a smile. “Shall we order?” He said as if trying to lighten up the mood.
