CHAPTER 54 — THE FAMILY DINNER
Morning — Auri Alone at the Mansion
Auri woke with a dull ache in her stomach, nausea hitting her immediately. She groaned and buried her face into the pillow. The thought of meeting Dante's parents tonight made her chest tighten. She wanted to be strong, but the weight of her pregnancy and emotions was too much.
"Miss Auri… are you awake?" A soft voice called from the door. It was one of the maids, carrying a tray with tea and some light breakfast.
"I… I'm awake," Auri mumbled, keeping her face hidden.
"Good morning. I've brought something to eat. Just a little, okay?" the maid said gently.
Auri shook her head. "I… I can't. I feel… horrible. My stomach… it hurts. And what if I… I mess up tonight? What if… they don't like me?"
The maid knelt beside her. "It's okay to feel nervous, Miss Auri. It's a big day, but you're not alone. Sir Dante will be back soon. He'll take care of you."
Auri's voice wavered. "I… I don't want to be a burden… I just… I feel awful… and everything feels wrong…"
Pregnancy Sickness Escalates
No sooner had she said that than her stomach tightened violently. Auri bolted upright, clutching her abdomen. She barely made it to the floor before vomiting.
"Oh my God, Miss Auri!" the maid gasped, rushing to her side. "Are you alright? Please lean on me, don't move too much!"
Auri shivered. "I… I can't… I feel like I'm falling apart…"
The maid supported her carefully. "No, you're not falling apart. Your body is just working hard… making a little human. That's why it's so tough. Breathe with me. In… and out…"
Auri tried to follow her breathing, but tears streamed down her face. "I… I feel like crying… I don't know why… everything hurts…"
The maid gently stroked her hair. "It's okay. Cry if you need to. You don't have to hold it all in. You're not alone."
Auri's sobs grew louder. "I'm so emotional… I get mad for nothing… sad for no reason… nervous about everything…"
Dante Rushed Home
Meanwhile, the maid quickly contacted Dante.
"Sir Dante… Miss Auri is very sick. She's crying and… she's on the floor. Please come immediately."
Dante's heart stopped. He didn't hesitate. "I'm on my way."
He left the office immediately, his mind racing with worry. I can't lose her. I can't let her suffer alone.
When he arrived, he found Auri trembling, her eyes red from crying, and her body weak. He didn't waste a second. He scooped her up in his arms.
"Auri! Hey… it's okay. I'm here. Look at me," he whispered.
Auri buried her face in his chest. "I… I feel awful… I can't… I'm scared…"
"You're not facing this alone," Dante said, pressing gentle kisses to her hair. "Not ever again. I've got you."
She pulled back slightly, wiping her tears. "I… I cry for nothing… I get mad for nothing… I feel sad for nothing…"
Dante smiled softly. "That's because you're carrying our baby. Your emotions are valid, Auri. And I'll be here for all of it—crying, laughing, or getting mad. Every moment."
Her tears fell again, but this time, she leaned into him, finally letting herself feel safe.
Mood Swings Throughout the Day
The entire day was a rollercoaster.
Crying: Auri cried while talking to Dante about her fears. "What if your parents don't like me? What if they think I'm not enough?"
Mad: Moments later, she snapped at the maid for bringing her tea. "I said I don't want it! Why are you forcing me?"
Sad: She slumped in Dante's arms, whispering, "I feel so useless… I can't even handle a simple dinner…"
Nervous: Checking her reflection repeatedly, she said, "What if I look ridiculous in this dress?"
Dante remained patient. "It's okay. You're perfect. Your mood swings don't change that. I love you in every moment. You and our baby are all that matter."
By afternoon, her nausea came and went, her tears mixing with laughter as Dante teased her gently about overthinking everything.
"You're impossible sometimes, you know that?" he whispered with a grin.
"I… I can't help it! Everything is so… intense!" she cried again, only to giggle seconds later.
Dante shook his head, kissing her forehead. "You're perfect. Absolutely perfect."
Evening — Dante's Parents Arrive
By evening, Auri had managed to change into a simple yet elegant dress Dante had chosen for her. Her stomach was still uneasy, but Dante stayed by her side.
The doorbell rang. Auri's heart raced.
"Mom… Dad," Dante greeted. "This is Auri… my fiancée and soon the mother of our child."
Dante's mother immediately stepped forward, embracing Auri warmly. "Auri! You're glowing! Carrying my grandchild!"
Auri blushed and wiped her tears. "Th-thank you… I'm honored to meet you."
Dante's father studied her for a moment before nodding. "I see why Dante is obsessed with you. Welcome to the family, Auri."
Dinner was a blend of laughter, gentle teasing, and serious conversation.
Auri's hands trembled as she picked at her food, but Dante held her hand beneath the table. "Relax. You're perfect."
She giggled, then frowned suddenly. "What if I say something stupid? What if I cry again?"
"Then cry," Dante whispered. "They'll love you all the more. Just be yourself. That's all anyone needs."
She wiped a tear and managed a shaky smile. "I… I hope so…"
During dinner, Dante's mother leaned forward excitedly. "Auri, we have to go shopping for baby clothes! Imagine, picking outfits for my grandchild!"
Auri laughed, overwhelmed. "I… I didn't expect this… thank you…"
"You don't need to thank anyone," Dante said, brushing her hair behind her ear. "Just feel it. You're already part of this family."
Dante's father nodded. "Dante made a good choice. You'll be a wonderful mother and a wonderful part of our family."
Auri finally allowed herself to smile fully. The nervous tears faded into genuine joy.
Ending on a Heartwarming Note
As dinner concluded, Dante's mother hugged her again. "We're so excited for the baby, and for you! You're already like a daughter to us."
Dante's father smiled warmly. "We're proud of you, Auri. And proud of Dante for choosing you."
Auri looked at Dante, his eyes full of love and pride. "I… I think I'm going to like this family," she whispered.
Dante kissed her temple. "I knew you would. And more importantly, they love you as much as I do."
Finally, Auri felt safe, cherished, and truly happy. Despite her morning sickness, tears, mood swings, and nerves, the day had ended with love, warmth, and hope for their future as a family.