C23 23. The friends arrival

ENDLESS NIGHTS

Chapter 23

Alessia

On the call

"My love, my sweetheart, my Queen, standwa sami, the mother of my unborn child, just so you know, my mom is on her way. I really think you should meet your future mother-in-law."

"Ethan, honestly, I should just block you so you can realize that it's over between us."

"Come on, don't be difficult, babe. I've apologized for everything, and I'm ready to be a better guy for you."

"It's too late for that. Bye, I'm hanging up now. Don't call me again," I said as I ended the call. I pulled the phone away from my ear and tossed it onto the bed as I headed over to Mandy's room. She was busy sorting through her mom's clothes...

"Hey, Mandy? You alright? I thought you were done showering. David and his daughter are coming over tonight. We need to be ready."

"That's all you care about, right? David? What about my mom, Alessia? She's gone."

"Mandy, come on. We all know she's gone, but we can't bring her back. Her time was up. We need to keep living. David and Ariel are on their way; go take a shower and change," I shouted, then quickly stepped out of her room. Back in my bedroom, I rummaged through my wardrobe for something to wear. I spotted the pink dress Aunt Gini had given me, claiming it used to belong to my mom.

After a quick shower, I slipped into the snug pink dress and brushed my hair, letting it cascade over my shoulders. Time flew by, and we were just waiting for Dav, Ariel, and that special someone he mentioned...

At the mansion

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the sprawling gardens of the mansion, David, Bruno, Ariel, and Nomsa were busy putting the final touches on their preparations. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation, creating a lively backdrop as they geared up for an evening that promised to be special.

"Bruno!" David called out with a friendly yet authoritative tone. "Could you please fetch some wine from the refrigerator? We'll need some to take with us to Alessia's house."

Ariel, standing nearby in a stunning long purple dress that flowed gracefully around her, was the picture of elegance. Her silver crown glimmered in the dim light, adding a regal touch to her appearance. In her petite hands, she cradled a delightful assortment of chocolates, destined for Mandy and Alessia. With a sparkle in her eye, she turned to her father, her voice both curious and a little anxious. "Dad, do you really think they'll like these chocolates?"

"Absolutely, my little princess," David assured her with a warm smile that radiated comfort and love. "They'll be thrilled to receive such a thoughtful gift."

"Okay, Dad. I'm so happy we're going to stay there and offer them some comfort," she said, her enthusiasm evident as she bounced slightly on her toes.

"I'm happy too, sweetheart," David replied, his heart swelling with pride for his daughter.

But as Ariel continued to hold her chocolates, her brow furrowed slightly as she pondered a question that had been on her mind for some time. "Oh, I see. But, Dad, can I ask you something? Are you in love with Alessia? I mean, do you truly love her? If your heart is that devoted to her, why don't you marry her so she can be my second mother?"

David paused, considering his response with care. "Well, listen, princess. I do love her with all my heart, but we have many things to work out before we can talk about marriage."

"Okay," Ariel replied, accepting his answer but still looking a bit contemplative.

"That's my good girl," David said, gently ruffling Ariel's hair. "And I must say, you look absolutely beautiful tonight."

"Thank you, Dad," she beamed, pride radiating from her smile.

As they descended the grand staircase, hand in hand, they were soon joined by Nomsa. She emerged from the shadows of the hallway, draped in a classic white short dress paired with chic pink heels that accentuated her grace. Her blonde bob framed her face perfectly, highlighting her features as she exuded an effortless beauty.

"Oh my goodness! Aunt Nomsa, you look incredible!" Ariel exclaimed, her eyes wide with admiration.

"Really? Thank you, my sweet angel! And you, too, are looking just perfect. Oh, and what are those you're holding?" Nomsa inquired, gesturing to the chocolates.

"For Mandy and Alessia," Ariel replied proudly.

"What a lovely gesture!" Nomsa praised, turning her attention to David. "And dear brother, you're looking quite dapper yourself."

As the warmth of the moment enveloped them, David's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Oh, really...?" he asked, a hint of self-doubt creeping in.

"Even Bruno notices," David chimed in, grinning at his sister's beauty.

Nomsa then turned to see Bruno standing behind her, a shy smile spreading across her face as she felt her cheeks heat with bashfulness. She fought the urge to ask for his opinion on her appearance, biting her lips in anticipation.

"You look so hot," Bruno said casually, catching her off guard.

"Hot? Thank you so much!" Nomsa replied, her heart racing as she reached out for a hug, comforted by his compliment.

Just then, Mrs. Katie, their mother, stepped into the room, her presence commanding and attention-drawing.

"David, are you really wearing a suit? And Nomsa, that classic white dress for dinner? Ariel in a purple dress? And Bruno... why are you dressed up like that? Is that even your suit? Is it David's? Holy crap! Are you all going somewhere fancy?"

An uneasy silence fell over the room as her questions hung in the air, unsettling the group.

"I'm not talking to myself here! Where are you all going without me?" she exclaimed, looking at each of them in succession.

"Mom, please!" David interjected. "Do you think you could tone it down a bit? We're just spending some time away for the night. We'll be back."

"Spending the night?" Pinky piped up from the back. "Are you serious, David? They're lying; they're going on a date! And I'm coming with you!"

"Absolutely not! You're not going anywhere with us," Nomsa stated firmly. "This is a family matter, and unfortunately, you're not part of this family outing, remember?"

"What? I'm not part of the Maynard family? Nomsa, you're part of the Maynard family! What about Bruno, huh?" Pinky retorted, clearly frustrated.

"PINKY! I don't engage in fights with ladies, but I'm beginning to lose my patience," David warned, his voice firm.

With that, they all began to head toward the car, leaving Mrs. Katie and Pinky shouting behind them, the sound gradually fading into the background.

"I think we ought to swing by the grocery store before heading out," David suggested thoughtfully, wanting to ensure they had enough supplies for the night.

"You're right, boss! Let's stop at the shops to gather some groceries, gifts, and maybe some flowers," Bruno agreed, his enthusiasm infectious.

With their plans set, the group piled into the car, their laughter and chatter filling the air with excitement as they headed off to make the most of their evening together.

**Alessia**

"Are you ready yet? Why haven't they shown up?" Mandy inquired, looking adorable in her purple outfit. I couldn't help but smile a little and said,

"You look great."

"Thanks! You too... I think I see a car at the gate; they must be here," she added. I got up and strolled over to the gate, opening it to let them in. At home, we didn't have anyone to do that job for us. Mandy was right behind me. Dav and Bruno were the first to hop out of the car. I quickly went up to Dav and gave him a hug. He looked fantastic; it was my first time seeing him all dressed up.

"You look amazing, Dav. You too, Bruno!"

"Hey Alessia, I brought you some chocolates," Ariel said as she wrapped me in a hug. I returned the hug and gave her a kiss on the forehead, saying,

"I love chocolates; they're my favorite! Thanks a bunch... By the way, you look stunning."

"Thanks, you too," she shot back before darting over to Mandy. I turned to David and asked,

"So, where's that special guest you mentioned?" Just as I asked, a lovely lady stepped out of the car, looking gorgeous in her white dress and those 7.8-inch high heels. She was definitely eye-catching. I leaned over to Dav and whispered,

"Who is she? David, she looks really classy. Do you think she'll like our humble home?"

"Hi, you must be Alessia, my brother's girlfriend! I've heard so many nice things about you-your beauty and kindness," the elegant lady chimed in. I really wanted to give her a hug, but it felt a bit awkward. I just smiled at David and said,

"You never mentioned you had a sister!"

"I wanted you to meet her yourself, that's all."

"Why aren't you hugging me too, Alessia? You hugged Ariel and Dee and even shook hands with Bruno. What about me? Don't I deserve a hug?" she asked. I moved closer and hugged her, despite feeling a bit anxious.

"You seem so fancy and rich. Honestly, I don't think I...," she interrupted me.

"You have a lovely voice. I'm Nomsa, David's sister. Anyway, I really like you. Can we head inside now?" she said.

"Of course..."

"Oh wait, let's help my boyfriend with stuff from the car."

"Boyfriend?" I was a bit taken aback.

"Oh, chill out, Alessia, Bruno is my boyfriend."

"Bruno is your boyfriend? A Maynard heiress dating Bruno... This can't be real," I exclaimed. David took my hands and whispered,

"Alessia, Nomsa is just like you. She's sweet and down-to-earth. Just because she's wealthy doesn't mean she won't date people like him"

**Pinkie**

📱... Hi Dr. Martin, I think we should come clean to David. I've been thinking the same. Can we meet somewhere before heading to David so you can return my money? Because I really need it. Just let me know where."

"Charles, 22 Road."

To be continued....