Derrick felt the weight of the man’s gaze, a silent scrutiny that made the bustling café fade into the background. He knew there was no turning back now; he was in it for the day.
Emily’s father, Mr. Lawson, was an imposing presence. A sharp businessman with a reputation for reading people, his authority filled the room. Derrick had encountered men like him before—men who prized control and power above all else. He understood he needed to play his role convincingly.
“Derrick, is it?” Mr. Lawson asked, his tone polite but edged with challenge. “Emily didn’t tell me much about you.”
Derrick offered a calm, polite smile. “Emily tends to be modest about our lives. Settling into our new home and jobs has kept us busy. It’s been quite a whirlwind.”
Emily sat beside him, eyes quietly pleading for him to keep the story going. Derrick could sense her fear—fear of her father’s reaction and of losing the fragile independence she had fought for.
“Whirlwind, indeed,” Mr. Lawson said, his gaze unwavering. “I suppose we’ll be seeing more of you at family events, then?”
“Of course,” Derrick replied smoothly, masking the uncertainty he felt inside. “Family is important to both of us.”
As the conversation unfolded, Derrick skillfully wove a mix of personal stories and carefully crafted details to impress Mr. Lawson. Emily added her own touches, small anecdotes that made their interactions appear convincingly affectionate.
