David looked at Jasmine lightly, a smile on his lips "Are you angry?" He queried.
Jasmine let go of his hand, glared at him "Aren't you happy she is drooling over you?"
Jasmine felt her emotion all over the place. She had also praised herself for her composure but that gaze has rattled her up. She felt uncomfortable that Veena's has never left David for a second since they entered.
"Okay, don't be angry. I wouldn't let her look at me again", David mumbled. He didn't know why but he felt himself in a good mood seeing her angry because of Veena's gaze.
A slow footstep with the rattling of a walking cane made Jasmine open her eyes. Elder Allen with the support of the butler Alfred entered the living room.
His gray hair had turned as white as wool, his face wrinkled with age, his hand shaky on the walking stick, his usual cold and stern feature now frail. The sight of him triggered so many complicated thoughts and emotion in David's heart as gaze rested on him.
Though, the Allen family had disappointed him. His grandfather had always loved and cared about him.
He was angry with him, just couldn't accept him allowing Desmond take over everything he has labored for over the years, he was unreconciled with the result and his possible silence over everything that had happened but —that was all.
Looking at him now, he felt conflicted. Elder Allen walked step by step and stopped before him. His gaze on him was warm.
He has always imagined how he is coping with his new status but seeing the glowing young man before him, he felt relieved. His eyes flickered to the lady beside him and rested there.
Jasmine felt his gaze on her. She stood up, took a few steps toward him, and curtsied in greeting. Elder Allen patted her back lightly in appreciation.
Slowly Jasmine walked over and held his hand offering to lead him to his seat, Elder Allen was very happy and hurriedly asked Alfred to let go which he promptly did.
Desmond stared at Jasmine warily, with a slow steady step she led him to the couch while she subtly checked his pulse. Her brow furrowed lightly.
Elder Allen had already taken his seat at the head of the long mahogany table. The second branch of the Allen family sat to his left, and the first branch occupied his right—just as it had always been the custom.
Maids bustled around, carefully setting out the lavishly prepared dishes according to everyone's preference.
The table was a masterpiece—exquisite utensils and cutleries, fine crystal glasses, outstanding furnishings and a luxurious spread of delicacies. But beneath the grandeur, the people seated at the table were a tangled mess of schemes and ambitions, their hearts a complex spiral vortex waiting to drown each other.
Desmond sat beside Elder Allen, followed by Aaron, then Veena. David was next, positioned between Veena and Jasmine, with Ethan on Jasmine's other side. This arrangement left David sandwiched between two women.
The meal began in near silence. Jasmine focused on preparing David's plate with attention to its quality and suitability to his condition. Before she begins eating her own meal, David accepts everything based on her arrangements. The effortless exchange between them deepened the bitterness in Veena's heart.
As if to provoke further, David casually reached for a napkin and gently wiped a tiny smudge of oil from Jasmine's lips—his movement so natural, making it clear it wasn't the first time.
Veena tightened her grip on her cutlery, Aaron glared at her but she pretended to be oblivious of that. This left Aaron seething with rage.
Just then, several maids entered carrying trays of freshly prepared juices, each tailored to the individual preferences of the family members.
Veena cleared her throat lightly. "Sister-in-law, since this is your first time officially dining with the family, I thought it would be fitting to give you a toast of welcome."
A faint murmur passed around the table as each family member picked a glass of their choice drink in readiness for the proposed toast.
Verena, wearing a warm smile, picked up a glass of orange juice and handed it to Jasmine. She accepted it silently, her expression unreadable and calm—except for the brief, subtle glance she cast toward David's drink.
"I hope you don't mind if the drink isn't your favourite," Veena continued sweetly. "I wasn't sure of your exact taste, perhaps next time, I'll make a more informed choice." Her tone was light and her eyes beaming with affection.
Jasmine's lips curled into a soft smile. "I don't mind, sister-in-law. After all, a toast from you is an honor."
Then, just as she was about to lift the glass to her lips, she paused. Her gaze flickered toward Veena, sharp and knowing.
"Sister-in-law," Jasmine said slowly, her voice carrying a hint of amusement, "If you don't mind, let's exchange glasses. I'm not in a situation to drink orange juice right now but I can make do with your lemonade."
She extended her hand toward Veena, offering her the orange juice while reaching for Vera's own glass in return.
For a split second, a flicker of hesitation passed through Veena's eyes.She was reluctant. To cut off any eventualities she has prepared only a glass for each person.
But Jasmine's timing was impeccable.
Several family members, especially those from the second branch already had their glasses in hand waiting for her and their gazes on them.
If Veena refused outright, it would raise suspicion. But if she accepted, she would be drinking from the very glass she had prepared for Jasmine.
Veena's grip tightened around the glass, she felt conflicted. She had only prepared one tampered drink. There was no backup plan.
Reluctantly, she accepted the switch, her fingers stiff as she handed Jasmine the lemon juice in exchange.
Jasmine's smile widened. "Thank you." She muttered not missing the conflict in her eyes.
"To a better future and a united home", Pamela toasted.
"Cheers!" Everyone downed the drink while Veena was lost in thought as she stared at the glass in her hand.
"Sister-in-law", Jasmine called tentatively making Veena drop the cup but Jasmine quickly stretched her hand and caught the drink before it touched the table.
"Are you okay? You almost broke your glass while lost in thought." Jasmine smirked, her lips curled up.
"Am sorry", Veena muttered.
She hesitated for a fraction of a second before bringing the orange juice to her lips. Under the watchful eyes of the family, she had no choice but to drink.
The meal proceeded with light chatter emanating after the toast which seems to have appeased the raging storm on the dining table.
But Jasmine wasn't fooled. Her gaze rested on Veena, she didn't want to miss any sign of discomfort on her face.
Then, her gaze shifted—her eyes landing on Elder Allen at the head of the table.
"Excuse me," Veena suddenly said, pushing back her chair to leave the table.
Aaron grabbed her wrist before she could leave. His grip was firm, his gaze questioning. "What's wrong?"
Veena stiffened, her anger barely restrained. She wanted nothing more than to slap him away.
Placing down her cutlery "Sister-in-law, the meal isn't over. Why the rush?" Jasmine sneered.
Veena forced a smile, though her fingers twitched around her napkin. "Oh! I just need to use the restroom," she responded in her tone resolute.