Chapter 72: The dinner at Theron’s place (Part – 1)

Sunday arrived.

Theron could hardly contain his excitement. He had personally overseen every detail of tonight’s dinner preparation. He wanted everything to be perfect.

Standing beside the dining table, he adjusted the linen, arranged the plates, and positioned the glasses until everything was exactly where it belonged.

He then stepped back to inspect the fresh lilies in the vase, their fragrance blending with the scented beeswax placed in the decorative dishes around the room.

The house felt warm and inviting. Soft lighting bathed the dining room in a golden glow, creating an intimate atmosphere.

He put the bottle of vintage wine on the table and stepped back, taking in the arrangements.

Everything looked perfect.

His lips curled into a satisfied smile.

Elowen was coming to his home for the first time. He wanted her to feel comfortable here, to enjoy every moment, and to leave with a good impression of his family.

More than anything, he wanted her to see how naturally she could fit into his world.

’I wonder if you’ll like it, my dream girl.’

"Theron, relax," Charlotte noted with an amused smile. "You have been running around all day."

She shook her head helplessly, recalling how her son had personally selected the curtains himself, choosing a warm, inviting shade for the dining room.

Even the table runner and dinnerware had been chosen carefully. To her astonishment, Theron had insisted on preparing the food himself, refusing to let the housekeeper help.

Charlotte had never seen him so particular about a dinner before. It wasn’t difficult to understand why.

She could see how excited Theron was about Elowen’s visit.

"I can’t relax, Mother," said Theron, his face bright with anticipation. "She will be here soon. And I’m not sure if everything is perfect."

He adjusted his tie for the third time. "Do I look good? Tell me honestly."

"Oh, sweetheart." Charlotte reached up and caressed his cheek. "You always look handsome. And that brown suit suits you perfectly."

Theron smiled, his heart beating. But that excitement quickly gave way to nervousness.

"Mother," he hesitated for a moment. "Do you think she will like everything? I mean the decoration, the food."

Charlotte’s eyes softened. Although her son had never openly admitted that he was in love with Elowen, his feelings were obvious to her.

The unusual excitement, the hours spent preparing, and the constant need for assurance told her more than any words ever could.

"You’ve prepared everything with care," she murmured. "Of course, she will love it."

Theron let out a quiet breath, though his nervousness didn’t entirely disappear.

"What are you two talking about?" A male voice rang in the hall.

They both turned and saw Alaric walk out of the study.

"What is it?" His eyes darted between his wife and son. Then he inhaled deeply. The sweet scent of the beeswax filled his senses.

"The room smells wonderful. You brought new beeswax blocks."

"Yes, Father."

Alaric smiled. "They smell lovely."

Just then, the ringing of the doorbell filled the room.

Theron’s heart leaped. "She is here."

His eyes lit up. In just three strides, he crossed the hall before pulling the door open.

Elowen’s face came into view.

"Elowen." He grinned.

But that smile soon vanished when a tall figure emerged from the other side of the dimly lit porch like a ghost.

Soren

The light in Theron’s eyes dimmed. The excitement in his chest died instantly, replaced by shock and disbelief.

Soren, on the other end, stood there calmly, watching the change in Theron’s expression with quiet amusement.

"Surprised?" he drawled. "I thought I’d come and see Uncle and Aunt."

Without waiting for Theron to invite him in, Soren stepped across the threshold, his shoulder brushing Theron’s as he passed.

"Uncle. Aunt..." Soren grinned as he approached the elderly couple. "Long time, no see."

Alaric and Charlotte exchanged a puzzled glance. They had been waiting to meet Theron’s savior. Soren was the last person they had expected to see that evening.

Soren and Theron used to be good friends. In the past, Soren had frequently visited their house to study with Theron, and the two had spent countless nights together. They had once been practically inseparable.

Then something had happened between them. Their friendship had fallen apart, and they had stopped talking entirely. Neither Theron nor Soren had explained to them what had exactly happened that had broken their once-seemed unbreakable bond.

Alaric cleared his throat, trying to ease the tension. He smiled. "Soren. It’s been a long time."

"Indeed, Uncle." Soren glanced at the door. "Elowen, my wife, worked for Theron. When she told me Theron invited her to dinner, I couldn’t stop myself from coming here and meeting with you. I hope you don’t mind."

Alaric laughed softly. "Don’t be so formal, Soren. You are always welcome here."

"Yes," Charlotte added. "We are happy that you came."

Soren handed Alaric a gift box he had brought. "This is for you and Aunt."

Alaric accepted it. "Thank you. Why are you still standing there? Sit."

He gestured to the sofa.

At the doorstep, Theron was still there in a stunned silence.

Elowen tightened her hold slightly on Seraphina’s hand. "Sorry... Soren insisted on coming. He said he wanted to see your parents."

Theron knew the purpose of Soren’s visit. The man hadn’t come to exchange pleasantries with his parents. He had come to make a statement. However, he smiled.

"It’s fine. You came. That’s what matters. Please, come in."

He stepped aside, letting them enter.

"Sera, sweetheart, come here." Soren held his hand out.

Seraphina ran to her father.

Soren held her hand. "Say hello to Mr. and Mrs. Knox."

"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Knox," Seraphina greeted them. "Daddy said we are having dinner at his friend’s place. Are you his friend’s parents?"

Alaric and Charlotte couldn’t help but smile at her innocent question.

"Yes, we are his friend’s parents," Alaric replied.

Charlotte crouched to meet the little girl’s eyes. "You are such a sweet child."

Her gaze shifted toward Elowen. "You must be Elowen." She rose to her full height.

Elowen stepped forward with a polite smile. "Hello, Mrs. Knox."

Charlotte reached out and held her hand. "You are beautiful, dear. Your daughter is just like you."

Her eyes lingered on Elowen’s face with genuine affection.

"Theron has told us quite a lot about you."

A slow sigh left her mouth.

She had never expected that the woman Theron was so attached to would turn out to be married with a child. She had assumed Elowen was single.

But this...

The reality was entirely different.

Charlotte didn’t know what to make of it.

Elowen lowered her chin, feeling a little awkward under Charlotte’s attention.

It was strange enough to hear another man’s mother speak so fondly of her. Having her husband right beside her made the situation even more uncomfortable.

"Really?" Soren chimed in, his voice carrying a note of exaggerated surprise. "I had no idea my wife was so popular." His gaze moved pointedly toward Theron.

"She saved me," Theron said, his tone sharp and rough. "She is special to me."

"Special," Soren repeated slowly, as though considering the word. "That sounds rather intimate."

Elowen’s heart sank. She could sense the tension between the two men. She was afraid a fight would erupt before they had even sat down to dinner.