Chapter 102. Family Dinner

Vanessa's POV

If I could’ve vanished into thin air when Andre said we were going to his family dinner, I would’ve. He didn’t ask. He told.

“We’re going to my father’s house tonight,” he said that morning, as casually as someone asking for coffee. “Be ready by six. Wear something decent.”

That was it. No explanation, no warning, no chance to back out.

He had insisted—no, forced me—to come with him. Something about introducing me to the family. Something about them needing to know that his decision to be with me would never change. I should’ve said no when I had the chance.

But I didn’t.

Because a part of me wanted to be acknowledged. I wanted to assurance that he was serious about me.

I dressed carefully. Not fancy, not cheap. A simple navy dress that hugged my shape and didn’t scream for attention. My fingers trembled a little while putting on makeup—not too much, just enough to not look tired. I kept reminding myself to bre