Banquet
Diana pursed her lips as she listened to Osmond rant on the phone. His voice was so loud, even Lucas heard it.
He held her hand tighter.
"We're just parking the car, father." Diana calmly answered.
"..Good." At this Osmond finally stopped. But upon realization at Diana's words, he immediately resumed. "We? Who's we? You brought your friend Heather?"
"No, I'm not with Heather. I brought my boyfriend. Alright father, I'll hang up now, we're going inside the hall." Diana hung up after they entered the hall where the voices were loud.
Hearing the dial tone, Osmond shoved his phone into his pocket. He gritted his teeth in anger.
What is she up to now? She said she's already moved on with Henry but why is she still causing a scene? Why would she keep having someone pretend to be her boyfriend?
He hurried up to look for Diana, trying to intercept them.
As soon as he came back to the banquet hall, they noticed that most of the people's attention was drawn to one side. And not to Chantal and Henry.
He made his way towards Diana. They have just greeted the elders and went to an empty table, the people's gazes following them.
"Young man. I hear you are my daughter's boyfriend?" Osmond queried, trying to keep calm. No matter what, he doesn't want to cause a scene. So for now, he'll go along with the sham.
Lucas rose from his seat and offered his hand to shake with Osmond which the other received. Osmond tried to intimidate Lucas by tightening his grip but the other was unfazed. He drew his aching hand away instead.
"Yes. Mr. Winchester. I'm Lucas Ingram, Diana's boyfriend." he introduced himself.
At this, the name doesn't ring any bell. He looked at Lucas up and down. He was wearing a grey suit that made him look like a noble.
"How long have you dated Diana?" Osmond interrogated.
"A while." Lucas said vaguely.
Osmond's eyes zeroed in on Lucas. The latter's eyes were cool and collected.
He nodded at Lucas. "Well then, enjoy the party."
Osmond left the two and went to his seat next to his wife.
On the side, the councilor's wife saw Lucas found him familiar. She has been following the news lately so she can discuss matters with her husband. Lately, they have been talking about making health care accessible for the people. It is part of her husband's platform which will hopefully make people vote for him on the next election.
She wondered if that person is really the President of the top Research Institute. She wanted to approach Lucas hoping that she'll be a bridge for her husband. But thought better of it. Since it was inappropriate to be discussing business with somebody else's party. Plus, she was not entirely certain if that person is the same one from the news. Now that she thought about it, she can't even recall the name.
Mrs. Wanda Reeves was here on Vanessa's invitation. She was Vanessa's senior back at University. Since being married to a politician, old and new acquaintances flock to her, Vanessa included. Vanessa was richer than her before. But with her status as a Councilor's wife, she has more influence now.
"Who are you looking at, mom?" Her daughter, Wendy asked when she noticed her mother staring at somebody for a long time.
Wanda snapped out from her thoughts. "Oh, it's nothing. I think I just recognize somebody."
"Oh? A friend? Where? Those two?" Wendy was already grabbing her mother's arm, leading her to Diana's table.
"Wendy, wait.. I'm not really sure if I got the right person." Wanda tried to stop her daughter, but they were already by the table.
"Hey there.. I'm Wendy. This is my mom, Mrs. Wanda Reeves." Wendy introduced.
Diana got up and shook their hands. "Mrs. Reeves. Ms. Reeves, how do you do?"
"Diana? My, you've grown up! I remember when you were still a little girl. Too bad I don't have a son to introduce you to."
Wanda smiled when she recognized the woman. She's only met Vanessa's family a few times. The last time she saw Diana
was when she was still 10 years old. Back then she already saw how beautiful and smart this girl was. If only she had a son, she would definitely be happy to have her as a daughter-in-law.
"Mrs. Reeves you jest. I have a boyfriend now." Diana gestured at Lucas who also got up to greet the two women.
"Lucas Ingram. Pleasure to meet you." Lucas introduced himself.
Now that she is up close with Lucas, Wanda found it impossible to have recognized the right person.
At the mention of him being Diana's boyfriend, she found it impossible for Diana to be acquainted with the President of the top Research Institute.
The Winchester Family may be wealthy, but they are not up to par with the top families.
Even so, since the two young people are courteous, they stayed at their table and chatted with them. Wanda reminisced about the times when she saw Diana when she was a little girl. Wendy listened in interest. She has a vague memory of having a big sister figure before. She had pieces of memory from her childhood. She recalled that she used to follow a big sister who was only 3 years older than her. That big sister loved to read books quietly in the garden. She used to sit next to her, reading her picture books, every now and then the big sister will teach her about science. But when her dad became busier, they weren't able to spend time with each other anymore. Her mom also became busier with charities and other programs in support of Councilor Bill Reeves.
"Big sister. Do you remember me? I used to read books with you before in your family's garden." Wendy quipped.
"Of course. You're in College now?" Diana queried, smiling.
"Yes! I'm studying Nursing. I'm planning to proceed to Medicine after that." Wendy shared.
"That's great! I know you'll be a great nurse or doctor." Diana softly smiled.
"Thank you." Wendy blushed, hearing praise from her idol. "Big brother, you have to take good care of big sister, alright?!
She's the best woman anyone could ever dream of ending up with."
"Of course." Lucas slightly smiled, his hand holding Diana's.
On the side, Chantal heard Wendy's words and her vein almost popped.
She hasn't met Wendy for years as well but she can still recall that she always disliked this nerd so much. She's always preferred to stay with Diana rather than follow her to play dress up. She would even hear Mrs. Reeves praised Diana for influencing Wendy with her love for books.
And now, she even heard those words from her. If only she's not a daughter of a Councilor, she would definitely ignore her.
"Diana. Care to introduce us with your guest?" Chantal raised an eyebrow, still hooking her arm with Henry's.
Diana smiled stiffly.
Here we go again.
Lucas patted her hand.
Diana chuckled, which made Chantal more annoyed.
"Lucas, this is my twin sister Chantal, and her fiance Mr. Henry Ward. Chantal, Mr. Henry Ward--my boyfriend, Lucas Ingram." Diana introduced mildly, not even getting up.
"I hear, Mr. Ingram, you're from an influential family?" Chantal started.