Beyond The White Charade

s rich, sprawling lawns, a bit of a fountain trickling in the distance, and Pillars surrounded the place, making it look as

his relatives to catch up. A casual affair, he said. I wasn't so sure about that now. The grand

pping about every corner on the property. I had to remind myself that I was here to play a role: Ryan's

the house. He gave me a very quick but reassuring glance before he walked towa

s family was such a big step, and I was not sure I was ready

ace we happened to encounter was an older woman, probably in

f affection, and at the same time, I could feel the spike in my nervou

tened, widened. "And this must be Emily," she said, extending her h

palm. "It's a pleasure to meet you too

t my formality. "Oh, no need to

, where several other members of his family were gathered. I caught sight of a large dining t

leather-bound novel and raised an eyebrow. "So, this is the famous

hem" about me. I was thinking, what has he said? Did he give th

extending my hand. "I've hea

held my hand with warmth; somehow, though, there was something almo

atuated," he said with a win

hter. "Thank you. I am stil

ard the dining table. "Dinner is ready, all!

couple who identified themselves as his aunt and uncle, respectively, started bombarding me with questions ab

ned yet sharp voice, "what grows up in the city

ller place, not so grand as this," I tried to sound upbeat. "But

y hair, leaned forward as if interested. "What is it e

that I could talk about something familiar. "I help o

hing sounds so interesting. It must take a lot

re keeps me busy. But it's a lot of fun. There's somethi

y, spoke. "Emily's really good at it. She made one of

o proud in the way he had said it made me feel as if I was playing

lowing between each of the people water into their Willing

ressure of keeping up the pretense. I was Emily, the woman who was dating Ryan Miler, the identity under which

e more I smiled and agreed, the more I felt like I was playing a part rather than living it. The hard

ass, addressing everyone with his deep voice. "To family," he said, and

enjoy the warmth within. Until I saw something in Ryan's eyes flashing into some

hat this meeting tonight would not be only to persuade his family t

nd his hand brushed against mine. I loo

ther the compliment was meant to soothe me or him. "Yeah,"

not reach his eye