Chapter 70: Chapter 70

''The love of a family is life's greatest blessing.'' - notsooldladies.com

Azura's POV

His behavior had me confused and extremely nervous. I didn't know what to wear to such get-togethers and neither did I possess anything proper to wear. A thousand questions crossed my mind. What was I to Adrian? How would I introduce myself to his family? How could I say, 'Hello, I'm his cook'?

I returned from my duty at the hotel and was brought home by Adrian's chauffeur Bob Webster, a kind, middle-aged man with a friendly smile plastered on his face.

Since I didn't need to cook dinner, I thought of having a long soaking bath, something which was a luxury to me. So I used the bath and beauty products that Adrian had kept stored in my ensuite and took the best bath of my life. Wearing a pair of denim shorts and a floral top, I sat down and dried my hair.

There was a soft knock at the door and Adrian came in with two boxes in his hands.

"Wear this Azura. Be ready in 20 minutes," he said as he took in my appearance before abruptly leaving my room. I locked my door and opened the box, gasping at the beautiful azure blue sheath dress with a surplice neckline, cap sleeves, and a sexy gathered and draped skirt. I opened the other box and loved the black stilettos that lay there, just my size. How did Adrian know my dress and shoe size?

I didn't know how to apply any makeup, since all my life, I didn't need to. I didn't go anywhere other than work or Texas. I only had a lip gloss and moisturizer, so I applied those and left my hair untied. I wore the only good earrings I possessed, a pearl stud with little stones around it. It was a gift from my dad, he gifted it to me on the day my ears were pierced.

Adrian knocked on my door and stood mesmerized when I opened the door shyly. His hot gaze swept up and down, all over me turning me into a bundle of hot nerves. He looked more gorgeous than ever in a pair of jeans and a black buttoned-up shirt paired with a grey blazer. His cologne tingled my nerves and made me want to kiss him, inhale his intoxicating male scent, and be held in his arms. I shyly looked down in case he read my feelings for him.

"Mesmerizing," he said as he held my hand and kissed my knuckles. "Shall we go?" he asked and I nodded.

He opened the door of his black Mercedes and helped me inside, then went around and climbed in. He drove us towards Southampton to his parent's house while I sat in the car, nervously fidgeting with my fingers. I nearly jumped up with surprise when Adrian placed his warm hand on my thigh. I felt goosebumps all over me as I tried to move away from him.

"Relax, Azura. They'll love you," he said stroking my thigh with his hot fingers, causing my heartbeats to speed up. How could I relax when I was so acutely aware of his touch? It took us nearly two hours to reach, with the heavy New York weekday traffic.

He told me more about his family as I relaxed listening and learning more about them. He drove us through the automatic secured main gates as they opened to let us pass inside onto the wide gravel drive with the main three-story residence rising majestically from its front parking court. Overlooking the ocean, with a huge granite swimming pool and gorgeous hedged lawns, the house offered beautiful views of the beach and ocean.

A maid opened the gates and ushered us into the gathering room at the second level, where the whole family was present. The luxurious house resembled a five-star hotel with its opulent interiors and high-class decor. Everything was perfect and impeccably decorated with expensive furniture and accessories everywhere. I felt so out of place and dreaded the introduction part. I knew how billionaires were and were afraid that they would judge me. After all, I was just an employee in one of their many hotels.

The moment I walked in with Adrian, I could feel everyone's eyes upon me. Was I looking so out of place? Was it obvious that I hadn't been to a house as luxurious as this before?

"Introduce your date Addy," said an old lady with a grand air about her, like a queen, her twinkling blue eyes dancing with mischief.

Strangely he turned pink, "Everyone, meet Azura Hayes," he said. Then looking at me, he said softly, "Azura, meet my family." I blushed at being the center of attention.

"Hello, glad to meet you all," I said shyly, looking at all their eager and curious faces. They all looked so beautiful, just as rich people did and I felt all the more conscious of myself.

Adrian introduced me to everyone personally and I was amazed that they all spoke to me so kindly. Adrian's mom whisked me away after the introduction to the deck outside where his father was sitting having a drink with Adrian's eldest brother, Stefan. Adrian also followed us inquisitively.

"Honey, meet Adrian's girl Azura Hayes," said mom as his dad stretched forward and shook hands with me.

"Oh dear, are you still in school?" he asked me and I looked horrified. Did I really look like a school girl?

"No Mr. Henderson, I'm 18. I've finished school." He looked curious.

"That's good to hear. So what are you studying in college?" he asked me.

I felt a little ashamed of myself since I didn't actually go to any college. "I'm doing an undergraduate program in Culinary Arts. I received a 75% scholarship for the online course," I said hesitantly.

"That's wonderful dear. Why aren't you doing regular classes?" he asked.

"Azura takes full responsibility for her siblings and grandmother. She's the sole breadwinner of her family, dad. She's working at Parkland Manor as a barista full time," said Adrian as I felt embarrassed at my work profile. What he must think of me now?

"That's really applaudable, dear. At such a tender age, you've done so much. I love her Addy," said his mom as I blushed.

"Thank you, Mrs. Henderson, " I said as she smiled at me.

"You can call us mom and dad if you want. They all do," she said with a kind smile that warmed my heart. I liked her instantly.

Adrian's older brother introduced himself, "I'm Stefan, Addy's eldest brother. Addy, you must bring her to our wedding," he said as he hugged me.

"Yeah bro, I will," he said.

"She's the youngest one here." Adrian's mom said looking at Stefan as she smiled indulgently at me, "I will have to fatten you up, darling. You're too tiny," said mom to me. I liked her so much that I wanted to call her mom so badly.

"No, please mom, she's perfect," groaned Adrian as dad chuckled and led me away from their argument.

"They will continue till they are exhausted. Let's see what all you can cook," said dad and I grinned at him, already loving him. He reminded me of my own dad, who too was a food lover just like I am.

"You sound like my dad," I told him and his eyebrows shot up with curiosity.

"Then I should meet him soon," he chuckled.

"He died when I was 8 years of age," I said as he looked at me.

"You can call me dad," he said and I gave him a happy grin, nodding a little shyly. I felt overwhelmed by their humbleness. We went to the kitchen to check out what was there for dinner. It was dad's idea, not mine.

Mom came to announce that we were to be seated for dinner. I sat beside Adrian and Amelia as dad spoke to all of us, trying to lighten the atmosphere. I loved the food and soon it was time to go home.

Adrian's grandmother kissed my forehead.

"I'm glad that my Addy chose you, dear. Take good care of yourself as well as him. He had been neglecting himself lately. We'll have a long chat next time we meet. Okay?"

"Yes gran," I said kissing her cheek.

I bade goodbye to all and we went to our car. It took us one and a half hours to reach home.

We were too exhausted, so we went to bed straight away in our respective rooms.