47: WHO HOLD ME FIRST

WHO HOLD ME FIRST

UPON hearing the voice behind her, Ingrid jumped off. It is as if some insect crawled beneath her skin that she felt goosebumps all over her.2

"Goodness gracious, Cliff, are you giving us a heart attack?" his mother, Helen, scolded her son because she was also surprised when her son spoke out of nowhere. She also forgot that he was with them as she was so excited to visit her future daughter-in-law.

Clifford ignored her mother and just stood there, still wearing his indifferent air. He looked at Ingrid from head to toe, examining her outfit if it fits his taste. By trying to hide his smile after his scrutiny to Ingrid, he silently snorted.

"Where to?" Clifford then showed one of the world's most expensive wines, The Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon 1992.

"Wow!"

She could not stop exclaiming upon seeing the wine, which she could only covet from afar, acknowledging that its price could buy her a new villa in an exclusive subdivision for the rich and the famous. She involuntarily touched the bottle carefully.

"As I've promised Ingrid, your dad's favorite."

"This is absolutely right for the foods I've prepared. Let me," Ingrid then gestured to take the bottle from Clifford's hands, but the man is not willing to release it and instead placed his hand on top of her.

"No, let me. Just lead me to your wine bar." She glared at him in frustration since she was eager to hold it and experience to have such an expensive wine.

"Clint, Helen, welcome..." John and Rose then arrived in front of them to welcome them, "..we'll lead you to the garden. The food is ready to be served, this will be an enjoyable dinner." Rose announces, her voice with a glint of excitement.

Because of Ingrid's overwhelming emotion between her thrill and frustration about the wine, she did not notice Cliff is still holding her hands. Even their parents were gazing at the two: Ingrid pouting her lips as if being mistreated and Clifford's indifferent gaze to Ingrid. But a peek of interest flickered in his eyes in a flash.

"Mom, Dad, kindly bring them to the garden, I'll go prepare the wine." Still, her hands were on Clifford's, unnoticed, while they went to the wine bar beside the kitchen. Their parents felt awkward and wide-eyed with their gestures.

Although, they have this absolute satisfaction with what they saw. Looking at each other with knowing eyes and the two old couple smiled.

"I agree, tonight will be a long night for all of us." The couples then beamed separately without saying something about the scene they have witnessed but deep inside them was still in disbelief.

But Mrs. Briggs was rejoicing within. 'Yayy! A wedding on the way..' she cried out inwardly.

On the other hand, the stiff and strict Clifford is enjoying holding the woman's hand as it fit perfectly in his hands. His inward urge to protect her deepen. Before he could think more, Ingrid looked at the bottle again and bolt out from the hold that caught him off-guard.

"Hey! Why are you holding my hand! Who gave you the permission to do so?" she hides her embarrassment by berated him.

"Oh, I thought you find me holding your hand irresistible. Besides, it's you who hold me first." He teased.

"hmmp..." she could not argue back because the evidence of his statement is obvious.

From the stairs, Lance saw everything that transpired between Ingrid and Clifford. He was somewhat frustrated once more because his rival is again ruining his momentum and his chance to impress Ingrid.

He sighed deeply without the intention to make it known to them. But his sighing was heard by Ingrid. That it became the diversion tactic for Ingrid to avoid another awkward moment with her new boss.

"Lance!" she called when he noticed that he was on top of the stairs.

He then slowly descends as if every step he makes brings him to some of the future loss.

"You look good on those clothes..." she praised genuinely. Looking so fresh and fragrant in the clothes Lance' chose to wear.

"Ahh, y-yeah, I was amazed, too, because it fitted perfectly on me. Thanks for lending this to me."

'Why's this punk here? And what does he mean Ingrid lending him clothes? A man's clothes to be exact!?' Clifford's mood started to mess up.

"Wow! the Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon 1992." Lance's gaze went to the wine.

"I know right! You like it, too, Lance?" Ingrid grinned, seeing Lance's eyes glimmered with delight.

"Like? No, I love it!"

However, his remark suddenly makes Clifford's blood boil. His face reddened.

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