Parents in the other room

The living room buzzed with conversation, a welcome shift from the earlier tension. Irina's family and Corian's were now engaged in casual banter about anything and everything under the sun.

Amidst the discussions, Irina's mom, a beacon of hospitality, rose from her seat and turned her attention to the universal language of connection: food. "So, what's everyone in the mood for tonight? I'm ready to whip up something delightful."

Corian's family exchanged hesitant glances, momentarily reluctant to impose. But under the irresistible charm of Irina's mother's smile, they eventually gave in. "Well, if you're offering, we'll have whatever you've got."

With that, they were led to the dining room, where an irresistible aroma wafted through the air. The table was set with care, and the dishes served bore witness to Irina's mother's culinary prowess.

Plates of succulent chicken and fragrant pasta were placed before them, and the first bite was like a revelation. Their taste buds tingled with delight as the flavors unfurled, and it wasn't long before they were digging in, thoroughly enjoying the meal.

Amid the clinking of cutlery and the delightful hum of conversation, Irina's father had something up his sleeve. He needed to lighten up the mood. Everyone looked as if they hated each other on the inside.

Irina's father, always eager to bring some levity to the atmosphere, leaned toward Corian's father and grinned. "So, have you ever tried Irina's mom's cooking before?"

Corian's father, savoring a bite of pasta, nodded with a warm smile. "This is my first time, actually. And I must say, it's absolutely fantastic."

Irina's mom, touched by the compliment, beamed with pride. "Oh, thank you! I'm delighted you enjoy it."

Irina herself, trying to bridge the gap, turned to Corian with a playful twinkle in her eye. "Well, I hope this meal makes up for our... unexpected first meeting."

Corian, who had been quietly savoring his food, glanced at Irina, his eyes softening. "It definitely helps," he admitted, offering a small smile that hinted at the possibility of a truce.

The conversation flowed naturally, the meal acting as a conduit for a newfound relationship.

Their reactions were candid and genuine, a mix of surprise and pleasure. They couldn't help but express their appreciation, complimenting Irina's mother for her culinary talents. It was clear that her love for hospitality shone through her cooking.

"You know, I've always wondered if food tastes better when you eat it standing on one foot." Vasily said out of the blue. The silence was too overbearing. Corian's dad let out a hearty laugh. "And what's your name little pumpkin " he asked

"You ask who am I ..." Vasily said standing up slowly. I am Vasily the greatest...the best of the best... worldwide handsome and smartest prince you ever met. I am the known amidst many kingdoms and great nations..... "Okay now, that's okay Vasily." Alex interrupted. We all know you are Vasily and you are the best. A big smile is on everyone's faces as they look at Vasily.

"But why did you stop him Mr Alex?" Corians dad asked jokingly. "Well, he was a bit too much" he replied

No I wasn't. I was just the perfect amount. You guys should learn to respect me around these areas.

They all laughed.

"Let's keep our cool and stop talking. We're disrespecting the food" Corian's mom insisted.

Yeah let's do that.

As they continued to enjoy their meal, the atmosphere at the dining table remained light and relaxed. However, in a sudden and rather unexpected turn of events, Corian began to choke on a piece of food. Panic gripped him, and his face turned a shade of crimson. Irina, alarmed by the sight, instinctively sprang to her feet. Her worry for Corian was genuine, her earlier irritation momentarily forgotten.

Guiding Corian to the kitchen, Irina hoped that he could find relief there. She grabbed a cup and impatiently waited for it to full from the water dispenser. When it was full , she finally gave him the water to drink . He drank it all in a big gulp. She fetched him another and he finished it again. When she brought the next one he was already feeling better and sipped only a little. She patted him gently on the back, offering support as he struggled to catch his breath. Moments felt like an eternity as they waited for the choking episode to pass.

Finally, Corian's breathing began to steady, and he managed to regain his composure. He turned to face the kitchen counter, his hand resting on his tummy as he burped to release the last remnants of discomfort. Irina, her concern giving way to a renewed irritation, couldn't help but react to this. She thought it was incredibly rude of him to belch without offering an apology.

But Corian, catching her disapproval, reminded her about their heated argument from the other day. "This didn't end well the other day remember baby". He warned her sternly against starting another one, especially with their parents present in the adjacent room, their voices carrying even though the dining room and kitchen were separate. Irina, her anger rising despite his warning, was on the verge of losing her temper once again.

However, before she could unleash her frustration, Corian decided to take matters into his own hands. In an attempt to prevent a scene from unfolding, he used a surprising burst of force, grabbing Irina and simultaneously clamping his hand over her mouth to silence her.

The suddenness of his actions shocked Irina, her eyes widening in surprise and anger. She struggled against his grip, attempting to free herself, but Corian's hold remained firm. Their eyes locked in a tense exchange, his gaze imploring her to calm down and avoid another argument, especially with their parents around.

Despite her struggles, Irina couldn't escape Corian's grasp. Her frustration bubbled over, and she tried to shout at him, her muffled protests trapped beneath his hand. It was a moment teetering on the brink of an explosive confrontation.

Then, in an ironic twist of fate, the cup Corian had been holding in his other hand had tumbled , its contents splashing onto both of them. The sudden drenching effectively quenched the flames of their brewing anger. Their expressions shifted from anger to astonishment, their faces now adorned with cold water.

For a brief moment, an awkward silence filled the kitchen, interrupted only by the sound of dripping water. The situation had taken an unexpected turn, and the soon to be couple stared at each other, soaked and stunned by the sudden turn of events.