forum “I can’t love you...” Reposting this here (O/O|Romance|Closed|)

Started August 10, 2019 by @Toxic_Persephone group

tune

She bit her lip and closed her eyes. “Oh… alright. So it’s more of a magic than anything?” She glanced at the road, feeling a sense of dread come over her as she realized they were close to the house.

"Sort of, yeah. Like i said, it's difficult to explain." He replied with a slight shrug. They were nearly there, and he wished he could just drive a little slower.

“Mm I understand that.” She leaned back and sighed, closing her eyes. “I don’t think I’m ready for this dinner..”

He gave a soft chuckle. "Neither am i, honestly. But we have to." He pulled into his parents driveway after identifying himself at the gate, and parked the vehicle. His feet crunched on the gravel as he got out, and he opened Arabella's door and helped her out, holding her hand and kissing her cheek lightly. "We perform every moment we're here." He said softly.

She fell silent until they arrived. Arabella waited patiently for him to open the door for her, her eyes lifting to his face as he kissed her cheek. A soft blush coated her cheeks. “A-Alright… preform…” she intertwined their fingers, wondering momentarily what she would be feeling if they had actually married for love.

He started walking, holding her hand gently. "Come on." the door was opened by a servant, and they were led to the dining room. Asher let of of her hand and pulled out her chair for her, looking at her with a small smile. His parents about about five other people were in the room already.

Arabella thanked him as her chair was pulled out. She sighed softly, looking around as she was seated. She flashed a kind smile, reaching for Asher’s hand.

He kissed her cheek as he sat down beside her, taking her hand and returning her smile. Perform. You can't ever let your mask drop. He reminded himself.
"It's lovely to see you two again." His mother cooed, looking at them with a gentle smile. "We are just waiting on a few more people, and then dinner can get started."
Asher gave his mother a light smile. "And it is good to see you again too, mother."

She had reminded herself something along those lines as well. She purred softly as she looked up at him, but her eyes were dull and sad. “Oh it’s wonderful to see you again, I’m very glad I was able to meet you.”

His mother gave them a sickly sweet smile. "Of course, dear. Any heirs on the way yet?"
Asher blinked. "Mother!" He exclaimed. "No, there is not. And please, dont ask my wife questions like that in public." He squeezed Arabella's hand gently, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles lightly.

Arabella froze up, blushing lightly. Heirs?! This woman… she bit her tongue to keep from retorting some not so kind response and forced her face into a smile. “Not yet… it’s too soon in the marriage for that,”

His mother laughed softly. "Ah. I understand. My apologies for being so…blunt." she said.
Asher nodded. "Apology accepted, mother. Please don't do it again."

Arabella smiled weakly, her hand tightening around Asher’s. She really didn’t like the man’s mother. Oh well. “So, how has the company been?” She asked kindly, looking up at Asher and giggling softly.

Asher kissed her cheek. "Well, if you ask me, I would say it isn't nearly as good as your company." He replied flirtatiously.
His mother smiled. "The company has been doing well."

She faked a happy giggle, kissing his cheek and turning to look at his mother. “Oh that’s wonderful news. I’m impressed by it. It’s a very successful company. I wish I would have been able to get to know it under different circumstances.”

His mother nodded. "Good." She turned to one of the other guests, and started speaking.
Asher was quiet for a moment, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles.

She blushed involuntarily, looking up at him with curious eyes. She leaned in close, pretending to kiss his cheek. “Are you alright?” She murmured softly, her eyes flashing dangerously in the direction of his mother.

Asher nodded, returning the gesture and murmuring, "I am fine. What about you?" He asked, pulling away and still rubbing her knuckles gently.

“I’m doing fine…” she replied, her eyes lowering to their hands. She couldn’t tell if this was part of the show or not. Either way she liked it. Maybe she was a little touch deprived… “It feels weird, doesn’t it?” She whispered to him, shivering.

Asher nodded. "It does." He replied softly. Two more people arrived, and joined in with the group laughing and chatting. I am not sure why my father hadn't made his way over here yet. He thought, looking over at where his father was, then at Arabella again.

Arabella looked around the room, her eyes watching those walking in with careful calculation. They all seemed so happy. She longed for that emotion. Arabella subconsciously leaned into Asher’s side, seeking comfort.

Asher glanced at her, then put an arm around her shoulders gently. "Doing okay?" He asked, kissing her cheek. Don't think of the last time you brought Peri to one of these. Don't. He thought.

She tensed at the movement, her eyes wide, but soon relaxed back against him, smiling up at him gently. “Yes I’m doing fine… just a little bit overwhelmed. I’ve never met any of these people except for your mother… and maybe your father a few times.”

Asher nodded. "Yeah, but you'll be fine." He kissed her cheek again. "Don't worry. No one should be too nosy, although they might blatantly stare." He chuckled softly, keeping his arm around her.

“Stare? Why?” She asked him with curious eyes, actually intrigued by the response. “I’m not that interesting. Maybe you, but not me.” She stated firmly, biting her lip as she stared at him.