Chapter 002- Behind closed doors

Chapter 002- Behind closed doors

Taking a deep breath, Logan straightened his shoulders and confidently pushed the ornate doors open, stepping into the luxurious dinner hall of the mansion.

The sound of chatter and laughter filled the air, mingling with the soft strains of classical Canadian music playing in the background.

Logan scanned the hall, his eyes landing on his mother-in-law, Madame Ruthie. She looked radiant in her elegant gown.

A smile lit up her face as she greeted the group of notable individuals who graced her 66th birthday dinner party.

Amongst the guests, who caught his attention was Bradley Lexington, the CEO of Xington Pharmaceutical Industry, a medics company in Sweden.

Bradley, being Blake's childhood friend had always dreamt of marrying Zora and with the help of Blake, he had managed to shoot some shots but Zora kept refusing his advances because of the genuine love she has for Logan.

''Huh, this fool is one of the reasons Blake and Ings hate me so much,'' Logan sighed. ''Tonight, when they see the gift, I hope I can successfully change their perception towards me and finally accept me as one of theirs.'' Logan hoped vividly.

Logan shifted his focus back to Madame Ruthie, his heart swelled with affection as he watched her, grateful for the opportunity to celebrate her birthday with her. 

He knew how much she meant to Zora and the rest of the family, and he was determined to make this evening special for her.

Steeling himself, Logan wove his way through the crowd, offering polite smiles and greetings to those he passed.

As he approached Madame Ruthie, he felt a surge of nervous energy coursing through him, unsure of the right words he could say to wish her.

"Logan, darling!" Madame Ruthie exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with delight as she caught sight of him. "What a wonderful surprise! I thought you wouldn't make it here?" she said, looking a bit disappointed as she glanced at Logan's tattered clothes.

Logan notices her disappointment then forms a pretentious smile to cheer her up.

''I'm a bit disappointed in you, Logan. You should have told me you needed new clothes, what do you want our guests to think?'' She asked, her voice so low that it was almost impossible for a third party to hear.

''Ermm… I'm sorry ma'am, I didn't want to disturb you and I decided to wear the best T-shirt and pant I've got.'' Logan replied, feeling ashamed as he ran his fingers across his hair.

''Did you just say best? By the way, why didn't you tell Zora about it too?'' Madame Ruthie pressed further.

Taking a deep breath, Logan slowly lowered his head, his eyes fixed on the floor. ''Ma'am, even though I knew the fact that Zora would do always do anything to make me happy, I already vowed to myself never to be a burden to my wife and this family.'' He replied.

''It's okay,'' someone said from behind.

With uncalculated swiftness, Logan and Madame Ruthie simultaneously turned to look at the person.

Logan was dumbfounded at the sight of Zora, his legs shivered as he felt butterflies in his stomach.

Zora stood before them, radiating elegance and grace. Her gown flowed around her like a waterfall of silk, highlighting her slender figure and drawing attention to her delicate features.

Her hair was intricately arranged in a combination of curls and twists, adorned with a single shimmering hairpin that caught the light and sparkled like a star in the night sky.

Her warm mahogany eyes sparkled kindly as she gazed at Logan. Her soft smile exuded understanding and affection.

"Logan dearie, don't worry about those insignificant issues," Zora said firmly. "What's important is that you're here with us, celebrating my mother's birthday."

Logan's heart was filled with love and gratitude for the remarkable woman who had captured his heart, and he felt a sense of relief that he had found someone so special.

Zora extended her hand towards Logan's and said, "Would you like to join the festivities with me?" Her touch sent a pleasant tingling sensation through him.

Logan turned to look at Madame Ruthie and she nodded, giving him a go-ahead.

''Yeah…yeah, why not?'' Logan muttered few words as they walked side by side into the heart of the celebration.

Logan couldn't help but marvel at the elegance and poise with which Zora carried herself while the fragrance of her expensive perfume enveloped his senses.

After some minutes of chit-chatting, Mr. Bill Bennett, Logan's father-in-law announced that everyone should take their seats around the huge dining table, Logan and Zora found themselves sitting beside each other, their closeness a comfort amidst the grandeur of the occasion.

"Logan, dear, hope you managed to get a gift for mother?" Zora whispered, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Logan nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yes, although it's quite small. It's a $17 Flower vase, she doesn't even know about it yet.'' Logan replied.

Zora’s eyes widened on hearing the amount of the vase. ''17 dollars? Logan, how did you manage to get that amount of money?'' Zora whispered.

Zora was anxious about how Logan got the huge amount of money because she knew Logan couldn't raise that amount of money from doing laundry.

''Calm down babe, I swear I didn't get that money through ugly means. I worked for it! I saved my income for months because I wanted to buy my mother-in-law a special gift.'' Logan explained.

''Then, where's it, hope you didn't leave it with anyone that might tamper with it?'' Zora asked, looking a bit stressed.

Logan slightly chuckled then he replied ''Oops, don't work yourself out. Ings and I are now on good terms, he offered to keep it for me.''

''Really?'' With her brow furrowed, Zora smirked. ''I don't know why, but I don't feel good about this.''

Logan carefully touched Zora's jaw, then slowly turned her head backward, his eyes scanning hers.

''You should feel good, babe. You should.'' Logan said as he noticed Bradley Lexington settled in a chair opposite him.

Bradley's eyes locked onto his with a mischievous grin. "Logan, old friend, fancy seeing you here with those good looking clothes," Bradley remarked, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

Logan tensed slightly, but he forced a polite smile. "Likewise, Mr.Lexington. Enjoying the moment?''

"Oh, immensely," Bradley replied, his gaze never leaving Logan's. "But I must say, I'm curious about the gift you've brought for Madame Ruthie.''

Logan's heart skipped a beat. He didn't tell Bradley about the gift and he wondered what mind games the CEO might be trying to play.

''I'm very sure Ings and Blake are the ones behind this, those guys might be trying to play games with me, I need to be extra careful.'' Logan thought to himself.