CHAPTER 105: THE RECEPTION

Evelyn’s face lit up the moment she saw Daisy step into the house. "Ah... I’ve missed you," she said, pulling her into a gentle embrace. When she noticed Aurora standing behind, her brows lifted slightly. "And this must be your friend?"

"Yes," Daisy replied softly. "I was coming from her house when you called earlier. I’m sorry for bringing her along without asking."

Evelyn shook her head with a warm smile. "Don’t be silly, dear. You’re always welcome here and so are your friends. Have you eaten yet?"

Daisy nodded quickly. "Yes, just before you called. I’m completely full." She smiled and patted her tummy for emphasis.

"Will you be sleeping here tonight?" Evelyn asked, lifting her brows slightly. But before Daisy could answer, she noticed the flicker of hesitation on her face. "Ah, I’ll call Theo and ask for his permission."

"No, no..." Daisy waved her hands quickly, flustered. "It’s just... my friend..." She scrambled for an excuse, feeling a little uncomfortable, especially given her complicated relationship with Theo at the moment.

"Your friend is welcome to stay too," Evelyn reassured warmly. "We have plenty of guest rooms." She smiled at both of them, then leaned forward slightly, craning her neck to get a better look at the quiet girl behind Daisy. "And what’s your name, dear?"

"Aurora, madam," Aurora replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper, her shyness clear in the way she lowered her gaze.

"What a beautiful name," Evelyn said warmly. Then she clapped her hands together, her eyes twinkling. "Come, both of you. How about a little... hmm..." she pressed her lips together in thought, "a not-so-late night snack? Maybe a red velvet cake? Or perhaps some Japanese cream puffs?" Her smile widened at the thought.

Daisy’s eyes sparkled mischievously. "Ah, that should be illegal, right? I mean... Mrs. Kingsley..." she gave an exaggerated pout, pressing her fingers against her cheeks. "I’ll have to surrender myself to the real culprit... the one who keeps adding an inch to my waistline."

Evelyn shook her head, wagging her finger with mock sternness. "What is this, Daisy?" she chided softly. Then, cupping her own waist in a playful sulk, she added, "I told you to call me Mom..."

Daisy’s eyes widened in sudden realization. "Ah—uh, I’m sorry. I’ll get used to it... Mom," she said, smiling awkwardly.

Evelyn led them to the dining table, where plates of red velvet cake and Japanese cream puffs were already waiting. The sweet smell filled the air, making the room feel cozy.

As Daisy reached for a cream puff, Evelyn pulled out a few glossy catalogs and placed them on the table.

"Take a look at these, Daisy," she said, smiling. "Pick one you like."

Daisy frowned, confused. "Pick... what?"

Evelyn laughed softly. "The wedding, of course. Colors, dresses, themes... everything."

Daisy froze, her fork halfway to her mouth. She stared at the catalogs, then at Evelyn, completely unsure what to say. "Wedding?"

Evelyn chuckled, sliding the catalogues closer to her. "Yes, dear. You and Theo have already registered your marriage, but no one knows. Our family, our friends... they deserve to meet you properly. I thought we could plan something small, a proper reception."

Daisy’s fork clinked softly against her plate. "A reception?"

"Yes. Don’t look so worried," Evelyn added quickly, noticing her expression. "It doesn’t have to be grand if you don’t want it. Just... warm. Something to celebrate you both."

"What celebration?" The sudden voice made everyone’s head snap around. Theo had just walked in, pulling out the chair beside Daisy as if he’d been part of the conversation all along.

Daisy froze by his side, only her eyes kept blinking.

"The reception," Evelyn answered softly, her smile a little too awkward and careful. "It’s time people knew about your marriage. I thought we could finally... give you both the celebration you deserve."

Theo took the fork from Daisy’s hand without asking, his fingers brushing hers briefly. To everyone’s surprise, he smiled, not at Evelyn, but at Daisy. "Is it good?"

Daisy kept on blinking, lips parting but no sound coming out.

While she hesitated, Theo cut a neat piece of the cream puff and popped it into his mouth. He chewed once, twice, then tilted his head. "Ah... vanilla cream... this is really not my flavour."

The room stilled.

Every pair of eyes stayed glued to Theo, as if they were watching an impostor wearing his face. He never acted this casually, this... light, except if his personality switched.

Evelyn’s breath hitched, her hands tightening in her lap.

"Choose the themes, colour, dress, everything that you like..." Theo spoke again, his tone smooth. "Let’s do the reception."

Evelyn’s eyes glistened, relief flashing across her face like sunlight breaking through clouds. "Theo..." she whispered, her voice trembling with hope.

But Daisy’s stomach knotted. She studied him, the curve of his smile, the way he leaned back as if this whole decision cost him nothing. This wasn’t Theo. Not the guarded, sharp-edged man she knew.

"What’s wrong?" Theo’s voice dipped low as he leaned closer, brushing her ear with his words. "Don’t worry. It is me... not what you’re imagining..."

Before she could respond, he pulled back slightly and pressed a swift peck on her cheek. "We will sleep here today, I’ll go up first. I’m quite tired."

Her stomach twisted. Not in rejection, but because she liked it—liked him—more than she dared admit. She pressed the feeling down, hard, like it was something dangerous.

Just then, Liam stepped inside. He froze mid-stride, eyes narrowing at what he had just witnessed. His lips twisted into a crooked sneer. "Sneaky frosty."

Liam strolled in without asking, dropped into a chair at the table, and tipped his chin toward Aurora who was stiff on his left. "Is she sleeping here today too?" he asked dryly, one brow arched.

Evelyn blinked, startled. "You... know her?"

"My staff," Liam answered curtly, as if that explained everything. He didn’t elaborate, just snapped his fingers at a nearby maid and gestured lazily for a drink.

"Ah, so you work at our company?" Evelyn’s smile brightened, her tone lighter than before. The happiness in her eyes was undeniable, especially after just receiving Theo’s approval moments ago.

"Finish your food, and take this catalogue with you," she added, sliding it across the table. "Discuss it with Theo."

Her mind was already racing ahead, ticking through the endless preparations they needed to begin.

Meanwhile, Daisy sat frozen in her seat, her gaze fixed on the half eaten dessert in front of her. "What is happening?" she mumbled under her breath. Snapping her head up, she caught a glimpse of Theo’s back as he disappeared up the stairs.

Her brows knit together. ’Is this his way to trap me?’