Family Dinner

"Um…" Auralia replied in confusion. 

The sudden entrance of this woman and the excitement in her brown eyes as she grasped Auralia's hands were a little shocking to Auralia. She hadn't expected it.

The woman giggled, letting go of Auralia's hands. "I guess I should introduce myself. The name's Crystal Ezra. I'm the youngest child of the Ezra family and heir to Ezra's Holdings."

So, her name is Crystal Ezra. Auralia thought as she stared at the small woman. I hear the family had a daughter would was likely to take over from the Chairman but didn't expect that person to be such a happy go lucky person. Maybe I'm being prejudice thinking business people should be reversed.

"I see…Well, it's nice to meet you Crystal. I'm Auralia Davidson." Auralia smiled.

"It's nice to meet you too, Auralia." Crystal smiled widely. "I've heard much about you."

Auralia tilted her head in confusion. "Sorry?"

"Crystal…" Alexander murmured, shaking his head. "Stop digging for information."

"Hehe…Looks like you caught me." Crystal raised her hands in surrender before getting serious. "Well, I guess we can leave the talk for later. Father should be here by now."

As she said those words, a servant knocked on the open door. "Mrs. Ezra, the Chairman is home."

Maria nodded her head in understanding. "Alright. Let's move to the dining room, shall we?"

With those words, everyone headed for the doorway. As Auralia did so, however she felt someone lock arms with her. She looked to the side to see Crystal there. 

The woman still had a blank look on her face as she said, "Just remember to smile."

***

Auralia stared at the plate in front of her, trying to ignore the awkward silence around the room. At least it seemed awkward to her. Everyone else seemed to think it was normal, keeping to themselves and enjoying dinner.

Auralia turned her head towards the Chairman, who was sitting at the head of the table. He was a middle-aged man with a few wrinkles on his face and had brown hair with hints of gray in it.

His eyes were similar to Crystal's brown eyes, making Auralia think Crystal probably got her eyes from her father. 

She watched as the man pat a napkin around his mouth before placing it down and turning to look at Crystal who was sitting to his left. 

"I take it you've dealt with the issue in Y State." The Chairman murmured.

"Of course father. I wouldn't be back if I hadn't." Crystal answered quickly before taking a bite of her food. "The sales team should be getting contracts tomorrow."

"Good, good." The Chairman nodded in understanding.

"Darling, can we not talk business while at the table. It's awfully boring. Besides we have a guest with us." Maria suddenly interrupted. "There are far more important things to discuss, like your son's engagement."

The Chairman huffed at Maria's word but turned to look at Auralia anyway. "You must be the girl…Auralia Davidson was it?"

"Yes sir." Auralia answered nervously, finally giving up on eating.

The atmosphere was too awkward making Auralia's stomach turn everywhere someone spoke. It was almost as if everyone was playing a mental game of chess while having dinner together.

"You seem like a good enough kid. From a good family too." The Chairman murmured before turning to Maria. "You have a date set?"

"Of course, darling. My children's futures are important to me." Maria smiled, signaling the servants to clear the table. "All that's left is inviting guests. I take it you have some people you want to have invited."

The Chairman nodded and Auralia decided to zone out of the conversation. She turned to look at Alexander who was sitting next to her, enjoying the cake the servants had placed on the table.

He seemed unbothered by everything that was happening, making Auralia wonder if this was a normal thing for the family.

Seeming to sense Auralia gaze, he smiled and whispered, "Just ignore them. The Chairman isn't great with people."

"Are you okay with this?" Auralia asked, whispering back.

"Yeah. It's not like I can do anything. Might as well go with the flow." Alexander shrugged. "Besides the Chairman isn't really on good terms with his sons. The only reason the family is together because mother is holding everyone like glue."

Auralia raised a brow. "Should you really be telling me this?"

"Of course." Alexander smiled. "You are going to be joining the family soon. You might as well know the drama."

Auralia had a sinking feeling she didn't really want to know the drama. Besides she was going to be part of the Ezra family for a year. Was it really necessary to know everything?

Auralia sighed. Maybe it's for the best…

An hour later, Alexander and Auralia were walking over to Alexander's car, Auralia emotionally drained. 

The family had spoken about the engagement for the last hour, Crystal leaving halfway through using the excuse of work. Soon, Alexander had used Auralia needing to get home to get the two to escape Maria's clutches.

The woman had been a demon, going through all the planning and finishing up the guest list, most people on it being those Auralia didn't know and would need to do research on.

"By the way, that tournament for your students, when is that happening?" Alexander suddenly asked, opening the car door for Auralia.

"What?" Auralia said as she got in the car.

"When I went to the office I overheard your students talking about some tournament. I'd like to go." Alexander explained, leaning on the car door.

"Oh that…um…it's next week Saturday." Auralia answered, still confused.

"Good, I have the whole weekend free." Alexander grinned madly.

"What are you planning?" Auralia asked, getting a suspicious feeling inside her.

"Nothing, just want to show some brats how serious I am."

Auralia felt a sense of worry flow through her as she heard the words. She hoped her students had done nothing bad while she had gone to help Emily get her things.