AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The days seem to drag on endlessly, each one filled with thoughts of Quinn. It's as though she's taken up residence in my mind, and I can't escape her presence no matter how hard I try. At work, I find myself daydreaming about her when I should be focusing on important business matters. It feels like I'm going crazy.
Quinn is unlike anyone I've ever known, especially my ex-wife. She always tried to push Paige away from her tomboy ways, insisting that she conforms to society's expectations of what a little girl should be. But Quinn allows Paige to be herself, and I can't help but be drawn to the authenticity and freedom she brings to our lives.
The day of the dinner with my parents arrives, and a feeling of unease settles in my stomach. As I pull up to their opulent estate, I take a deep breath and brace myself for whatever it is they have planned.
Walking through the door, I'm immediately struck by the sight of an unfamiliar woman standing next to my mother. She's impeccably dressed, her posture perfect, and her smile practiced. My heart sinks as I realize this dinner isn't just about catching up with my parents—it's a setup.
"Ezra, darling, you remember Marianne, don't you?" my mother coos, gesturing towards the woman.
I rack my brain, trying to recall any previous encounter with her, but come up empty. Instead, I offer her a polite smile and nod.
As we sit down to dinner in the lavish dining room, I can feel the weight of my father's gaze on me. He watches my every move, analyzing my interactions with Marianne, no doubt calculating the potential advantages of a union between our families.
I glance around the table, taking in the carefully arranged silverware and the extravagant floral centerpiece. The chandelier above casts a warm glow over the scene, only heightening the tension and awkwardness I feel.
Throughout the meal, I attempt to engage in conversation with Marianne. She talks about her recent travels and her passion for art, her words flowing effortlessly. I can't help but compare her to Quinn—the way she challenges me, her fiery spirit, the undeniable connection we share. Marianne, though pleasant and well-mannered, simply doesn't ignite the same passion within me.
My father interrupts my thoughts with a pointed question. "So, Ezra, what do you think of Marianne's latest art acquisition? I hear it's a rare piece."
I force a smile and turn my attention back to Marianne. "It sounds fascinating," I reply, struggling to remember what she said about the piece. "I'd love to see it sometime."
Marianne's eyes light up at my words, and I feel a pang of guilt for leading her on. But the obligation to engage in polite conversation keeps me talking.
After dessert, my father pulls me to the side and out of earshot of the others. "Ezra, your mother has gone to great lengths to find the perfect woman for you. I expect you to court Marianne and consider the prospect of marriage seriously."
I feel my jaw clench involuntarily at his words. The audacity of my parents, to assume they know what's best for me, infuriates me. But I know better than to argue with my father, especially with Marianne so near, so I simply nod and force a smile.
"Of course," I reply, my voice strained with the effort it takes to hold back my true feelings.
As the evening comes to an end, I say my goodbyes and make my escape. The moment I'm in my car, I let out a heavy sigh, feeling the weight of my parents' expectations bearing down on me. I know that if I were to follow their wishes, I could have a comfortable life with Marianne—but I also know that it would be a life devoid of the passion and excitement that Quinn brings.
As I drive away from my parents' home, I wonder if I'll ever be able to break free from the chains of their expectations and find my own path toward happiness and love, a path that leads straight to Quinn.
The sun is shining brightly the next day, casting a warm glow on the world outside. I decide to leave work early, feeling the need to escape the confines of my office and clear my head. As I make my way to my car, my driver informs me that Quinn took Paige fishing at a local pond earlier in the day. He assures me it's a safe place filled with other children and their families.
A mixture of annoyance and curiosity bubbles up within me. Quinn didn't consult me before taking Paige, but I can't deny that seeing them together has become something I look forward to each day. With a sigh, I ask my driver to take me to the pond.
As we pull up, I spot them sitting by the water's edge, their fishing poles in hand. Paige is laughing, her face lit up with joy, while Quinn watches her with a tender smile. Any lingering irritation I had dissipates in an instant, replaced by a swell of gratitude for the happiness she brings to my daughter's life.
I approach them cautiously, not wanting to disrupt the moment. When Quinn notices me, her eyes widen in surprise, and she stands to greet me. "Ezra, I'm sorry I didn't ask you before taking Paige fishing. It was a spontaneous decision, and I thought she would enjoy it."
I glance at Paige, who is grinning from ear to ear as she excitedly tells me about the fish she caught. The tension between Quinn and me fades away, and I find myself smiling. "It's all right. I can see she's having a great time."
Unable to resist the opportunity, I join them, casting my own line into the water. As we fish side by side, I steal glances at Quinn, admiring her natural beauty and the easy way she interacts with Paige. She is nothing like Marianne and the stifling world of high society I grew up in.
As I watch Quinn and Paige by the water, I notice a group of children playing with a small puppy nearby. The puppy’s owner seems happy to let her pet play on its leash. Paige's attention is drawn to them, and she excitedly asks Quinn if she can go pet the puppy. Quinn smiles warmly and encourages her to go ahead.
With Paige occupied, I seize the opportunity to talk to Quinn, my heart pounding with anticipation. We haven’t spoken about the kiss, and my desire for her intensifies every time I see her.
"Quinn," I begin hesitantly, "I know this might be unexpected, but I was wondering if you'd like to join me for dinner this weekend?"
She raises an eyebrow, a playful smirk on her lips. "Dinner? Are you asking me out on a date, Mr. High Society?"
I chuckle. "Well, I wouldn't necessarily call it a date, but I thought we could enjoy each other's company."
"Doesn't your kind usually dine in fancy restaurants where the waiters wear tuxedos, and the menus don't have prices listed?" she teases, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
"Guilty as charged," I admit with a grin. "There's a seafood place I've been meaning to try, and I happen to know you're a fan of seafood."
