Forbidden Mate- A Step-brother Romance - Chapter 57: Chapter 57

~APOLLO~
"You look handsome," my mother says as soon as she spots me by the car, waiting for her arrival. I have been standing here for about ten minutes now, thinking of ways to get out of this dinner. So far, I have been unsuccessful.
I knew after seeing Toya's state from earlier that I was not about to change my mind or do anything else that would make my mother upset. It would be too much for my sister to deal with while I'm not here to help her.
"You look lovely mother," I reply, opening the car door for her. Today, she insisted on my driving instead of having a butler accompany us. She believes it will appear more fitting when we stop by Jada's home with me behind the wheel.
I'm going along with her wishes, but that doesn't mean I'm thrilled about the situation. After her earlier emotional breakdown, I know I need to keep her mood stable.
As I settle into the driver's seat, I can feel her gaze on me.
"What's wrong?" I ask, pulling out of the driveway.
She stays quiet for a moment before finally asking, "Who was that woman?"
My grip tightens on the steering wheel, fully aware of the woman she's referring to. "Which one?"
"The one that made you you hang up on me when I called you," she reminds me.
My jaw clenches. "Mother, I'm here with you for dinner with Jada just like you've been asking me to do for some time now. Can we please not discuss that?"
She knows the woman from the call wasn't just some casual fling. If that were the case, I would have stayed on the line with her. My mother is perceptive, and it's clear she wants to press me for answers, but she's holding back, likely for the sake of keeping a good mood for the dinner.
"Turn in here," she instructs as we approach a long driveway. I can see the white mansion through the gates.
"Isn't it beautiful?" she asks, smiling brightly. "Jada's family has promised me that this will all be yours once you agree to marry their daughter."
I don't need this mansion or any of the perks that come with marrying Jada. I could have all of this and still feel empty without Lana in my life.
"I own my own business; I don't need any of this," I remind her. "They can keep it. I have no interest in anything that they own."
She looks at me as if I've lost my mind. "Are you crazy? Don't say that sort of nonsense in front of Jada's family."
I don't even try to persuade her otherwise; it wouldn't make any sense.
As we pull up to the grand mansion, I find myself distracted by the fountain, where water cascades gracefully from its carved stone feature.
I'm just trying to divert my thoughts from the dinner ahead; I'm not looking forward to it at all.
"She's coming!" my mother exclaims. "Your future bride looks so beautiful. I did such a great job picking her for you."
I have no interest in looking at her.
"Apollo!" my mother scolds. "Look!"
My jaw tightens.
My gaze finally shifts to the entrance as Jada descends the broad, marble steps. With each graceful step, her flowing red dress sways gently, showcasing her poise and confidence.
It's not that I have anything against Jada specifically; I'd feel this way about any woman who isn't my mate. I simply wanted to get this over with as quickly as possible.
The sooner this dinner ended, the sooner I would be able to return home to my mate who would most likely be pissed when she learns of my whereabouts.
"Good evening," she greets me as I open the car door for her.
I nod and assist her into the vehicle. Despite my reluctance, I know my mother is watching my behavior closely. To keep her off my back, I must comply with her wishes.
"Darling, you look absolutely breathtaking," she praises Jada the moment I return to the car.
"Thank you so much," Jada replies shyly. "I'm just happy Apollo is here."
"Awww, you're so sweet," my mother laughs. "My son was more than happy to make up for missing your dinner invitation the other night. That's why he came all this way at the last minute."
My grip on the steering wheel tightens; I hate hearing my mother lie like that.
"That makes me thrilled," Jada responds. "I was so excited when you called and told me we'd be going to dinner with Apollo."
They converse as if I'm not even in the car with them.
"Apollo, you're too quiet," my mother suddenly says. "You need to engage in conversation with Jada."
Great.
I'm at a loss for what to say; I barely know the girl.
"It's okay," Jada says quickly. "Apollo and I will have plenty of time to talk during dinner."
The rest of the drive goes by in silence until I pull up to the five-star restaurant. A parking valet rushes to our side, takes my keys, and guides us through the front door.
"This is lovely," Jada says. "You chose my favorite restaurant!"
I frown; I had nothing to do with that.
"Yes!" my mother exclaims, patting my shoulder. "Apollo knows this is your favorite and insisted on bringing you here tonight."
Right. That's how it went down.
I keep checking my phone, hoping Lana won't try to call since I'm not responding to her messages. I'm also waiting for updates from Jake, but so far, there's nothing.
I inhale deeply, as the head waitress, clad in a polished black uniform, guides us to our table. It's a romantic setting, with flickering candlelight casting a warm glow across the crisp white tablecloth, which is elegantly draped in rich, velvety red fabric.
Again, this was not organized by me. Though, Jada seems to think that way by the grateful look she sends my way.
My mother gestures toward a chair, making sure I pull it out for her to sit down.
After we place our order, my mother pours Jada another glass of wine.
"While we wait for our meal, why don't we chat a bit about the upcoming engagement?" she suggests.
I tense up. I had hoped this conversation wouldn't come up tonight, but I should have seen it coming. That was the whole point of this dinner, after all.
"Oh," Jada murmurs, her cheeks flushing. "I didn't think we'd be discussing this so soon."
My mother beams, "Of course we would. Apollo is thrilled to marry you."
Fuck.
I was anything but thrilled. I wanted to cut this conversation short, but I knew I was cornered with no way to escape.