Chapter 3
As soon as I said that, even Spencer gave my hand a little squeeze.
Zoe couldn't keep her composure anymore.
"What's that supposed to mean, Mariana?" Zoe shot back.
"Oh, I just said whatever popped into my head," I replied.
I blinked innocently.
"Don't overthink it, Ms. Doyle. I'm just blunt, I don't really have a filter," I added.
Zoe shot me a look that was equal parts curious, cautious, and a little bit excited.
It felt like she'd just found someone worth playing against.
"You're a real character, Mariana," Zoe said.
She flashed a smile again.
"Giovanni, you sure picked a lively one. This family's never going to be boring with her around," she added.
"Appreciate it, Ms. Doyle," I said.
I raised my glass.
"Let me toast you too. Hope you find your own happiness soon, and maybe stop keeping tabs on other people's," I added.
Our glasses clinked together with a crisp sound.
Zoe smiled beautifully, but her eyes were icy.
I knew it. The war had officially begun.
The wedding was finally over.
After seeing off the guests, Spencer and I headed back to our new place.
The Brooks family had set us up in a villa not far from where Giovanni and Joselyn lived.
As soon as we walked in, Spencer pulled me into a hug.
"You must be exhausted after today," he said.
"Not too bad," I replied.
I leaned into his arms.
"So, about Ms. Doyle..." I began.
"I know," Spencer replied.
He let out a sigh.
"She was Dad's first love and left him heartbroken back in the day. Now that she's suddenly back, Mom's been on edge," he explained.
"I could tell," I said.
I kicked off my heels and rubbed my aching feet.
"Don't worry. With me around, she won't be able to cause any waves," I said.
Spencer smiled and kissed my forehead.
"I know you're tough, but this is really between Mom and Dad. We shouldn't get too involved," he said.
"No way," I said, my tone serious.
"With your mom's personality, Zoe would eat her alive. Now that I'm part of this family, I'm not just going to stand by and watch," I said.
I paused for a moment.
"Besides, it's been ages since I've had a worthy opponent," I added.
Spencer didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
"You really see this as some kind of game?" he asked.
"Life's a stage. It's all about how well you play your part," I replied.
I stretched lazily.
"Alright, let's not ruin the mood. Tonight's too precious to waste on all this drama," I said.
The next morning, as tradition dictated, we headed over to Giovanni and Joselyn's place for breakfast.
I made sure to pick out a classy light blue suit and kept my makeup subtle.
I wanted to show respect for my in-laws, but not look too casual.
After all, there might be guests around today.
Sure enough, when we arrived, Zoe was already there.
She was dressed in a cozy knit top and a long skirt, helping out in the kitchen.
"Joselyn, make sure the eggs are soft. Giovanni likes them that way," Zoe said.
"Let me handle the coffee. Giovanni always says mine is the best," she added.
"Put that plate here, so Giovanni can reach it easily," she instructed.
She kept dropping Giovanni's name in every sentence, staking her claim with every word.
Joselyn was being bossed around like a puppet, her eyes dark and puffy. Clearly, she hadn't slept a wink.
Giovanni sat at the table reading the paper, but it was obvious his mind was elsewhere.
"Dad, Mom, we're here," Spencer called out.
"Mariana got you some gifts," he said.
I handed over the gift boxes I'd prepared.
Joselyn got a silk scarf, and Giovanni received a traditional calligraphy set.
"Mariana, you're so thoughtful," Joselyn said, forcing a smile.
Zoe walked out holding a mug of coffee.
"Good morning, Mariana! Did you sleep well last night?" she asked.
She carried herself like she was the lady of the house.
"Yeah, I slept well. Ms. Doyle, you're up bright and early, aren't you?" I replied, feigning surprise.
"I'm just here to help Joselyn out and didn't want her getting swamped all by herself," Zoe said brightly.
She placed the coffee in front of Giovanni with a warm smile.
"Try it, Giovanni. Just like I used to make," she said.
Giovanni took a sip, his eyes flickering with complicated emotions.
"Yeah, it's just like before," he said.
Joselyn's hand trembled, almost spilling the milk.
I walked over and took the milk carton from her.
"Joselyn, just sit down. Let me handle it," I said.
I gently guided Joselyn back to her seat and tied on an apron myself.
"Ms. Doyle, you should sit down too. You're our guest. No need for you to lift a finger," I said, making sure to stress the word "guest."
Zoe's smile stayed perfectly in place. "Honestly, I feel like I belong here already, so it's really no bother," she replied.
"No way," I said, cracking eggs into the pan.
"A guest is still a guest. We've got to know our place. Otherwise, people might start saying the Brooks family doesn't know how to treat their guests," I added with a smile.
Zoe couldn't keep up her smile anymore.
She quietly sat down at the table, her eyes glued to Giovanni, as if he was the only thing anchoring her in the room.
Breakfast was tense, the air thick with awkwardness.
Zoe just wouldn't stop reminiscing about the old days, dropping hints every chance she got.