Chapter 10- The family’s breakfast.

Emily woke up to the sound of her phone ringing. She groggily reached over to the nightstand and picked it up, answering the call without checking who it was. It was way too early for calls. "Hello?" she mumbled, her voice husky with sleep. "Emily, dear, it's your stepmother," a cheerful voice replied. Emily's eyes fluttered open, and she sat up in bed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Alex stirred beside her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "Stepmother, what do I owe this pleasure?" Emily asked, trying to sound more alert than she felt. Her stepmother laughed. "I was thinking, why don't you and Alex join us for breakfast this morning? It's been too long since we've all had a chance to catch up." Emily's instincts began to tingle. It was weird for her stepmother to suddenly invite them to breakfast. They usually only saw each other at family gatherings or special occasions. "That sounds...nice," Emily said, trying to sound enthusiastic. "What time were you thinking?" "How about 8 am?" her stepmother suggested. Emily glanced at the clock on her nightstand. It was already 7 am. "Okay, that sounds good. We'll be there," Emily said, trying to sound convincing. As soon as she hung up the phone, Alex looked at her with a questioning expression. "Who was that?" he asked. Emily filled him in on the conversation, and Alex raised an eyebrow. "That does sound weird," he agreed. Emily nodded, her mind racing with possibilities. What was her stepmother up to? And why did Emily get the feeling that something was off? "Well, we have to get ready now...we have an hour left," Alex said, getting up from the bed and walking over to Emily's side. He offered her his hand, which she took, and he led her to the bathroom. They took a shower together, laughing and playing in the water. Alex washed Emily's hair, massaging her scalp and making her feel relaxed. Emily smiled, feeling happy and content. After their shower, they got dressed and ready for breakfast at the Johnson's. Alex wore a crisp white shirt and dark jeans, while Emily wore a yellow sundress with white flowers. As they arrived at the Johnsons, Emily could smell the delicious aroma of bacon and eggs wafting from the kitchen. Her stomach growled in anticipation. Inside, the family was already seated at the table. Emily's stepmother, Victoria, smiled warmly at her and Alex. Emily's father, John, nodded at them, while Emily's stepsister, Emilia, rolled her eyes. "Good morning, everyone," Alex said, pulling out a chair for Emily. "Good morning," Victoria replied, passing a platter of bacon to Alex. "I'm so glad you could join us today." The table fell silent as everyone began to eat. Emily looked around at her family, feeling a sense of happiness. There was nothing like home. "So, Alex, how's business?" Mr Johnson asked, breaking the silence. Alex launched into a discussion about his company, and Emily listened intently. Her husband was such a man. As they finished breakfast, Victoria smiled at Emily. "I'm glad we could have this little family gathering. We should do it more often." Emily forced a smile, feeling like something was lurking beneath the surface. What was her stepmother's real motive for inviting them to breakfast? Well, she would sooner or later. As they finished breakfast, Victoria turned to Alex with a curious expression. "Alex, I was wondering, why did you ask Emily to step down from her position at the company?" she asked. Finally, the main reason for them being was about to be said. Alex held Emily's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I did it for Emily's comfort, Mrs Johnson. I know she was feeling overwhelmed and stressed out, and I wanted to support her." Victoria's eyes narrowed slightly. "I see. And Emily, are you angry about your sister's progress at the company? Emilia has been doing very well, and I know you were initially supposed to take over." Emily shook her head, smiling calmly. "No, mother, I'm not angry. Emilia deserves her success, and if she wants to acquire more knowledge and skills, I know some friends who could help her." Victoria raised an eyebrow. "Really? You're not feeling threatened by Emilia's rise to power?" she pressed. Emily laughed. "Not at all, mum. I'm happy for Emilia, and I know that Alex and I will always support her." Alex nodded in agreement, giving Emily's hand another squeeze. "We're a team, Mrs Johnson. We support each other, no matter what." The table fell silent for a moment before Emilia spoke up. "Thanks, Emily. That means a lot coming from you." She said with a sly smile. Finally, she was going to have her position back. Emily smiled at her sister. "Anytime, Emilia. We're family, and that's what matters most. I'll reach out to my good friends who are good in business, too." Emily said. And this made Emilia furious. "I know Alexander, I'm comfortable with him." Emilia protested. "Comfortable with your step husband?" It was Mr Johnson who finally spoke. "If you want to learn about business and not the acting you're currently involved in. Your sister, Emily is there." Mr. Johnson turned to Emilia, a stern expression on his face. "But, Dad..." Emilia started to protest. However, Mr. Johnson cut her off. "Emily built her company from the ground up with just a little help from me. If you need someone with experience, your sister is right there." Emilia looked taken aback, but Mr. Johnson continued. "I'm proud of Emily for her accomplishments, and I know she's more than happy to help you, Emilia." Emily smiled, feeling grateful for her dad's support. "Thanks, Dad," she said. Mr. Johnson turned to Emilia again. "And another thing, Emilia. When are you going to bring your man home to meet us? You're always talking about him, but we've never met him." Emilia shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "I...I don't know, Dad. He's just really busy, that's all." Mr. Johnson raised an eyebrow. "Busy? That's what he's always busy doing? Sending you millions of dollars' worth of necklaces?" Emilia looked embarrassed. "Dad, please..." Mr. Johnson leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "And why is it that this man is too shy to come to meet his girlfriend's family? What's he hiding?" The room fell silent, with all eyes on Emilia. Who was this mysterious man? Emilia looked down at her plate, her voice barely above a whisper. "I...I don't know, Dad. I'll try to convince him to come meet you soon." Mr. Johnson nodded, his expression softening. "Good. I want to meet this man and see what he's all about." Immediately he was done speaking, Emilia's eyes suddenly locked onto Alexander's, a knowing glint in her gaze. Alexander, sensing her stare was intense, quickly averted his eyes, looking down at his plate instead. The last thing he wanted was for Emily to ask questions again. Emily, oblivious to the exchange, smiled at her father. "Thanks, Dad, for always having my back." Mr. Johnson smiled back, patting Emily's hand. "Anytime, sweetie. That's what dads are for." Meanwhile, Emilia's gaze lingered on Alexander for a moment longer, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. It was as if she knew a secret, one that no one else was privy to. And actually, she knew a secret no one knew except Alexander and her. Alexander, still avoiding eye contact, cleared his throat, trying to break the tension. "So, Mr. Johnson, how's business been?" he asked, attempting to steer the conversation in a safer direction. Emilia's smile grew wider, but she said nothing, simply continuing to stare at Alexander with an unnerving intensity.