Chapter 6 #2
Visionary Focus was in attendance and made sure to capture multiple pictures of us along with the whole event. When one of the photographers showed one of the pictures he got of us, even I could admit the change next to her looked great.
Now we were sitting at the table reserved for me along with my parents who sat on the other side.
“Did you ever think you would be here?” Xylina asked, setting her flute of champagne down and facing me. While here, she’d tried to spark conversations with my parents. Mom practically ignored her, but my dad tried to be cordial.
My eyes roamed the crowded room. There were tables scattered on the floor, all filled with people.
A stage was at the front of the room with a large screen behind it.
The food had been served and our table was nearing the end of our meals.
The founder of the foundation gave a speech before the food, explaining their mission statement and what tonight was for.
“No, I didn’t. My only goal was to take my love of tech to the next level.”
“Well, I did,” my mom interjected, a proud smile on her face. “After fourteen hours of labor, I knew there was no way you would put me through all that pain not to be destined for greatness.”
Chuckling, I nodded in her direction. “Thanks, Mama.”
“Well good thing for me I’m able to be at your side to witness the greatness.” Xylina’s smile grew. She wrapped her arm around mine and pushed against me. “You two did a great job raising this one. Who else can start a business and make millions within the first year?”
Xylina batted her long fake lashes up at me.
“It’s about more than the money he made. My son put in a lot of work to get to where he is,” my mom mentioned.
Xylina twisted her neck in my mother’s direction. “Of course, but let’s be real, most businesses fail within the first year, right? For him to not only succeed but be as profitable as he was is unheard of. I’m such a proud wife.”
The look on my mom’s face was unimpressed.
A photographer stepped to the table and asked, “Can I get a picture of the lovely couple?”
“Sure!” Xylina blurted before I could say anything.
She tightened her hold on my arm and faced the camera, cheesing brightly. Having no choice, I played along, plastering a smile on my face.
“Beautiful, now the whole table please.” She stepped back and reangled her camera.
Xylina never released my arm as the woman took a couple pictures of us before pulling the camera back and checking them out.
“Nice. I have to say you all look good. Beautiful family.” She moved to the next table.
“She’s right, you know,” Xylina commented. “We are beautiful together. Can you imagine how gorgeous our kids would be? They’ll be hated by everyone around for their looks alone.”
I choked on air when she mentioned kids and stared at her like she was crazy.
“Kids?” Mom called out.
“I wasn’t aware you two were thinking of kids?” Dad jumped in.
A sheepish expression formed on Xylina’s face. “I mean, isn’t that the next step in a marriage? Procreating and expanding our household.” Her expression changed. She stared at my parents as if they were dumb.
In the five years we’d been together, kids were never talked about.
While they were something I wanted and planned to have, creating one with Xylina never crossed my mind.
Not only had she never displayed any maternal instincts, this thing between us was only temporary and kids were anything but that.
“Kids are a big commitment, and frankly, Xylina, I don’t see you as a good choice for the mother of my grandkids,” Mom stated matter-of-factly.
“Excuse me!” Xylina exclaimed. An offended expression formed on her face.
“I’m just saying, kids should be created out of love and trust. Not a contracted obligation.”
A flash of fury blazed in Xylina’s eyes. I could tell she was ready to go to war with my mom.
While I agreed with my mom, this wasn’t the time for this conversation. Needing to put a pin in this, I grabbed Xylina’s hands, removing them from my forearms while giving my dad a look to help me out here.
“Not here, honey,” I heard my dad whisper to her.
Xylina was now glaring at me. “You’re not going to say anything?”
“Xylina.” I expressed lowly. “Not now.”
“Don’t Xylina me!” she said shrilly as her eyes flashed. Her deep brown cheeks were now tinted red.
My patience was running thin. Thankfully there was music playing overhead and chatter surrounding us to drown out her tantrum, but still, tonight was a night of celebration and I wasn’t going to argue with her. Not here and especially not in front of my parents.
“Not now!” This time my tone came out hard and slightly elevated, leaving no room for debate. She flinched slightly at my words.
Poking her bottom lip out, she shot a hateful glare toward my mom before huffing, snatching her glass up, and pushing away from the table. Standing, she sashayed away from the table toward the bar. Even pissed off, she walked with grace. It was like she was meant to wear heels.
Taking my eyes from her, I turned to my parents. “Did you have to say that now?” I questioned.
Mom looked confused. “What? I was just telling her the truth. That girl in no way is meant to be a mother to my grandkids. You can do better.”
“Even if that’s true, honey, now wasn’t the time to bring it up,” Dad interjected.
Mom pressed her lips together and her eyes roamed the room. As if she remembered where we were, she gave me a remorseful look.
“You’re right. I’m sorry, Siah.”
Sighing, I smiled softly. “It’s cool, Mama. Just tone it down please. This night is important to me.”
She nodded and grabbed her flute. “I will.”
Dad looked at her proudly before leaning over and kissing her cheek.
Xylina returned with a full glass, but didn’t bother saying anything to anyone at the table. She was pouting and upset; that was clear. My mom’s delivery and timing was wrong, but Xylina only had herself to blame for that.
As the night continued, the founder got back on stage. There were different awards and recognitions given out before my name was finally called. The mood at our table was still slightly stiff, but everyone plastered a smile on their faces and clapped when it was time for me to go on stage.
I didn’t care to be in front of large crowds or give speeches, so I was going to keep my acceptance short and sweet.
Before we were about to leave the event, I had to do an interview with the founder and pose for what seemed like a million pictures. I was more than happy to get it over with so I could leave.
Xylina didn’t say much else after the kids conversation, but I appreciated her keeping up appearances the rest of the evening.
When we got home I expected to be able to end the night in peace, but that was wishful thinking.
While in the kitchen grabbing something to drink before heading to my den to decompress, Xylina came storming in with Princess on her heels.
She snatched open the fridge, pulling out the large jar of pickles and slamming them on the island.
“You know you could have stuck up for me when your mom was criticizing me!” she complained.
Pulling a pickle out, she brought it between her teeth and bit down roughly.
Loosening my bowtie and unbuttoning my jacket, I leaned on the counter and crossed my arms, watching her. It had been a long week and the last thing I wanted to do was argue.
“And it’s pretty fucked up for your mom to even say something like that to me.
She doesn’t know me. I would make a great mom.
I mean, just look at Princess! She’s my baby and she’s well taken care of.
If she could talk, I’m sure she’d have no complaints!
” Again she crunched on the pickle before collecting another one.
“I mean, we’re a married couple, if we choose to have kids, that’s our business, not hers! Who is she to comment on anything!”
Xylina glared at me with an annoyed face. “Well, don’t you have something to say?”
“While I can admit her timing was wrong, what she said wasn’t completely off base.”
“What!” She slapped a hand on the countertop, causing Princess to jump. “How can you say that?”
Cocking my head to the side, I lifted a brow and eyed her to see if she was serious.
“For one, bringing a child into a loveless marriage was never the plan. You’ve never expressed wanting kids nor have I even seen you around kids.
You’re self-absorbed and live in a reality that’s only meant to fit your narrative.
What about any of that makes you think I would make you the mother of my children? ”
Her mouth parted and her brows shot up. “I can’t believe you would say that to me!” Her voice squeaked as it heightened.
This wasn’t the conversation I wanted to have once we got home. I even had intentions of asking her about her crying the other day, but that would obviously have to wait.
Standing up straight, I moved past her to get into the fridge to grab an energy drink. “I’m just speaking the truth. No need to sugarcoat it.”
Grabbing the can, I went to leave the kitchen.
“You both are wrong about me and I’m going to prove it,” she called out from behind me.
With a low chuckle, I ignored her and stopped in front of the elevator so I could go to my room and change before locking myself in my den with a stiff drink and a cigar from my collection.