8. Meet family members

A few weeks later, Anna and Alex's family meeting became an important part of their fake engagement life. The meeting was arranged in the Alex family's luxurious villa in an elegant and stately location, the entire villa nestled in a picturesque suburb surrounded by manicured gardens. Anna's emotions were mixed and nervous, as this was not only an important stage in her pseudo-marital life with Alex, but also her first official integration into his family.

The interior of the villa was lavishly decorated, the floor was smooth white marble, the walls were hung with exquisite artworks, and in the centre of the living room was a large crystal chandelier, the light reflected in every corner of the interior, giving people a noble and warm feeling. Anna stood in the doorway, feeling the noble scent that filled the air, her inner uneasiness and nervousness surged to her heart together.

She was dressed appropriately, but still looked a little formal. She had chosen an elegant blue gown with simple jewellery to show as much courtesy and respect as she could. However, her heart couldn't help but beat faster in the face of the upcoming family meeting. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself.

The door slowly opened and Alex's family members stepped into the hall. The first to come into view was Alex's mother, Lady Irene, elegantly dressed in a deep purple gown with a gentle smile on her face. Next was Alex's father, Mr Wilton, dressed in a dark suit with a serious and scrutinising expression. He was followed by several of Alex's siblings, their eyes filled with curiosity and suspicion.

Mrs Irene's eyes fell on Anna, her smile stiffening slightly but quickly returning to its naturalness. She stepped forward and extended her hand to shake Anna's, "Anna, welcome to our home. You look beautiful."

"Thank you, Mrs Irene." Anna responded politely, trying to keep a smile on her face, but her palms were slightly sweaty, and her mind was constantly reassuring itself.

Mr Wilton, on the other hand, simply nodded, his eyes glancing over Anna's body without much change in the expression on his face. He obviously didn't have much enthusiasm for this family meeting, but he did his best to show politeness and respect.

Dinner began with everyone sitting around the long dining table. Anna sat next to Alex, surrounded by his family. The food on the table was plentiful and exquisite, and the waiters were constantly refilling and pouring wine and water for the guests. However, despite the tantalising food on the table, Anna's attention was fully focused on the expressions and conversations of those around her.

Conversation at the table was not easy and the atmosphere was slightly tense. Mrs Irene tried to regulate the atmosphere by asking Anna about some light topics, "Anna, what do you like to do in your spare time? Any special hobbies?"

Anna tried to keep her composure and replied, "I like to read and paint, those are my ways of relaxing."

The conversation turned to more personal and profound questions. Alex's sister, Emily, eyed Anna sharply and asked, "Anna, what do you think about this sham engagement? We have rarely heard of such an arrangement."

Anna was a little uncomfortable, but still tried to be as honest as possible, "I think it's a very unique arrangement, and I'm hoping to get used to the relationship soon."

Over the course of dinner, Mr Wilton interjected occasionally, his words scrutinising and dispassionate. He inquired with interest about Anna's occupation and background, while also showing some concern for Alex's relationship with her. Although there was no obvious hostility in his words, Anna could sense the implied scrutiny and pressure.

Alex interjects words from time to time to ease the tension. His actions and words show his support for Anna, as well as his role and position in the family.

After dinner, the family leaves the table and Anna and Alex stand in the garden of the villa. As night fell, the lights in the garden twinkled, reflecting their silhouettes. Anna's mood was still unsettled, her eyes wandering in the darkness, her mind filled with all sorts of anxieties and doubts about the future.

Alex approached her and whispered, "This meeting wasn't easy, but I'm sure you did well. Family reactions can be complicated at times, but as long as we face them together, we can certainly overcome these challenges."

Anna barely managed a smile, but she couldn't hide the weariness and worry in her eyes, "Thank you, Alex. I know this meeting means a lot to me, but I still feel a little uneasy."

Despite the stressful and challenging process of meeting the family, Anna did her best to adapt to this new environment. She learnt that fitting in with Alex's family would not be easy, but she also began to gradually accept this new role. She knew that this fake engagement life would bring her many trials, but she also hoped that through her efforts, she would be able to find a solution to these problems.

On the way out of the villa, Anna's heart was still filled with complicated emotions. She knew that this family meeting was just the beginning, and that there would be more challenges and trials in her future life. But she also hoped that she would be able to find her place in this journey and gradually integrate into Alex's world.