The beach house was a beautiful building made of glass and white wood right next to the ocean.
Julian parked the car and looked at Lyvana. She looked great in her short skirt and strapless top, but he could see she was nervous.
"Don’t worry," Julian said, taking her hand. "My mother has strict rules, and she’s tough, but she can be reasoned with. And if she didn’t like you, you wouldn’t be here in the first place."
Lyvana nodded.
"Co on," he said, gently pulling her toward the door.
A maid t them and led them to the back of the house. A table was already set for lunch outside near the water. A few minutes later, Eleanor walked out.
Eleanor hugged her son and then turned her eyes turned to Lyvana.
Eleanor smiled. "It’s good to see you once more." She waved a hand at the empty chair across from her. "Sit. Let’s eat before the food gets cold."
Julian pulled out a chair for Lyvana and sat beside her. He reached under the table and squeezed her hand. It was a small gesture, but it gave her the strength to sit up straight.
The maid began to serve the food. It was a fresh and tasted lovely, but Lyvana was too nervous to eat much, and she was afraid she would throw up.
"My son tells you are a designer," Eleanor said, picking up her wine glass. "He says you have quite a talent for making things... beautiful."
"I try my best," Lyvana replied with a smile.
"Beauty is important," Eleanor agreed. She took a slow sip of her wine. "You are very beautiful. Do you love my son."
Julian cleared his throat. "Mother, we ca here for lunch, not a job interview."
"Everything is an interview, Julian," Eleanor snapped, though her eyes softened when she looked at him. "Especially when it cos to the person who will stand by your side. Now tell , you two. What is going on here?"
She suddenly looked serious.
"Because you my dear lady are engaged to so senator in the making. What are you doing with my son Lyvana?"
Lyvana went pale. She knew this conversation would co up eventually.
"Mother, it’s not like that," Julian said quickly.
"It’s not like what?"
"It’s not that complicated."
"Then enlighten Julian. Because from where am sitting... it’s indeed very complicated."
"She is not with him... she’s with ."
Eleanor lifted an eyebrow. "I think you can do better than that."
"She hasn’t broken off the engagent because of her grandmother’s health," Julian said.
"Julian, you know I love you. And I accept your choices, but this is too much. Your father will never understand this. And frankly, neither will I. I think it’s best you wait until she is free of that man before you continue whatever this is."
"She is with , mother," Julian said firmly. "Let explain everything to you. From the very beginning."
Julian didn’t hold back. He told her the truth. How Mark was a scum who only wanted Lyvana’s trust fund. He explained how Lyvana was stuck, trying to protect her grandmother’s heart before she could finally end the engagent for good.
Eleanor was quiet for a few long seconds. The only sound was the wind and the waves.
Just then, the maid arrived. She carried a tray of fresh seafood salad and a sweet cake. As the scent of the seafood hit the air, Lyvana’s face went from pale to green.
Without a word, she bolted from the table.
Julian didn’t hesitate; he rushed after her toward the bushes. Eleanor frowned, watching them go. Even the maid looked confused. Eleanor looked down at the seafood, then back at the two of them, her eyes narrowing as a new thought crossed her mind.
Julian followed Lyvana to the bushes. She was leaning over, throwing up, her face ghostly white. He placed a steady hand on her back, his expression full of worry.
"Are you okay?" he whispered.
She nodded weakly. He led her to the bathroom inside the house to rinse her mouth and splash so water on her face.
"Your mom probably thinks I’m a freak or sothing," Lyvana said, looking at her reflection in the mirror.
Julian laughed softly. "She doesn’t. Trust . She has already accepted you. I know her."
Lyvana nodded and forced a smile. The nausea subsiding slightly.
Julian led her back to the table, then called the maid over and told her they wouldn’t be having the seafood yet.
Eleanor was watching them intently, although she said nothing. She slowly poured a glass of orange juice and pushed it toward Lyvana.
"Are you alright, child?" Eleanor asked.
Lyvana nodded and smiled, taking the juice. She looked at Julian, then back at Eleanor.
"Um," Lyvana whispered. "I am fine ma’am. Thank you."
"Like I was saying mother," Julian started, "and the problems with Mark Vaughn should be resolved very soon."
Eleanor’s heart was conflicted. She couldn’t ignore the scandal this could bring. But then this is the very first girl Julian had shown so much devotion to. She noticed the way his hand hovered protectively around. Her son, who usually treated won like temporary accessories, was finally acting like a man.
She sighed, then turned to Lyvana.
"If you are going to be with my son, you cannot be engaged to another. You need to end things with the Senator cleanly. No scandals and no loose ends."
Lyvana nodded.
She leaned in closer, her jewelry clinking softly. "But listen to carefully. My husband, Julian’s father, is not as sentintal as I am. He sees people as assets or liabilities. Right now, Lyvana, you are a liability. We need to change that before he finds out."
"I’ll handle Father. I just need to know you’re on our side, Mother."
Eleanor leaned back and finally offered a tiny, elegant smile. "I am on the side of my son’s happiness. You know that."
Julian gave her a bright smile. Just then his phone rang.
"Lily, this better be important. I told you I didn’t want to be disturbed."
"It’s important." Her voice sounded anxious. It’s Arthur Reed. We found him."
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