Being Mrs Saint Clair
As they drove to Julian's parents' estate, Anne was somewhat anxious. She had never visited Julian's parents' home and was not sure what to expect.
Julian caught on to her uneasiness and covered her hand with his. "Don't worry, Anne," he told her. "My parents are lovely people. They'll adore you."
Anne smiled and thanked Julian. "Thank you, Julian," she answered. "I will do my best."
Anne's first glimpse of the estate surprised her with its magnitude. The house itself was vast, sitting amidst extensive gardens and a serene lake that existed for private usage only.
Mrs. Saint Clair and Julian's father, a dashing gent named Mr. Saint Clair, greeted them cheerfully. Mr. and Mrs. Saint Clair were polite, polished people whose manner Anne simply could not admire enough.
As they had dinner, Anne relaxed. She had been anxious that Julian's parents would be formal and stiff, but they were pleasant and straightforward.
The more the evening wore on, the more relaxed Anne became. She was surprised by how comfortable it was to chat with Julian's parents, and she laughed and smiled increasingly.
But just when all was going smoothly, Julian's mother dropped a bombshell. "So, Anne, tell me all about your wedding," she said with her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "I want to hear everything."
Anne's heart skipped a beat. She had not expected Julian's mother to ask her that question, and she did not know how to respond.
But Julian stepped in, preventing embarrassment. "As a matter of fact, Mother, Anne and I made the decision that we were going to have the wedding small and intimate," he explained. "Just a few close friends."
Julian's mother nodded, accepting the explanation it seemed. "That sounds lovely, dear," she said. "I'm sure it was a beautiful wedding."
Anne took a deep breath of relief, thanking Julian for saving her from humiliation. She knew she must be careful, however - a single mistake would spoil the whole performance.
Anne was tired to death by the end of the evening. She had been faking being Julian's wife for what felt like forever, and it was exhausting.
But as they ascended to their bedroom, Julian turned and grinned. "You were wonderful tonight, Anne," he said. "I'm so proud of you."
Anne grinned back at him, experiencing a surge of gratitude towards Julian. "Thanks," she replied. "I couldn't have done it without you."
Julian looked at her, she seemed uncomfortable sharing the same bed together,Julian grinned at her. "You take the bed, Anne," he said. "I'll sleep on the couch."
Anne shook her head in gratitude to Julian. "No, Julian, you don't have to do that," she said to him.
But Julian was not to be dissuaded. "I want to, Anne," he replied. "You must rest. And besides, I'm used to sleeping on couches. I've done it many times before."
Anne smiled gratefully to Julian. "Thanks, Julian," she replied. "You're a real gentleman."
As Julian reclined on the couch, Anne got into bed, relief spilling through her veins. She recognized that she would have to maintain the cover for the duration of the remainder of the weekend, but now, with Julian beside her, she knew she could handle whatever was coming next.
Thanks to Julian, Anne drifted off to sleep. He was making everything so much more straightforward than she had expected, and she thanked him for his kindness and thoughtfulness.
She had no idea that the remainder of the weekend had many more challenges and surprises in store for her, though. For now, she just slept and luxuriated in the feel of the bed, safe in the knowledge that Julian was just a few feet away, sleeping on the couch.
The following morning, Anne was refreshed and rejuvenated. She woke up, got out of bed, and started preparing for the day, looking forward to seeing what Julian's family had planned for them.
Brushing her teeth, Julian came out of the living room, dashing and wide awake even though he had slept on the couch.
"Good morning, Anne," he said with a smile. "Did you sleep well?"
Anne smiled, thankully. "Yes, I did," she answered. "Thanks for letting me have the bed."
Julian wiped his hand over his mouth. "It was nothing," he said. "I simply wanted you to be rested."
Going downstairs for breakfast, Anne was met by Julian's family, They were already preparing for breakfast.
Throughout the day, Anne became more and more comfortable around Julian's family. They were so friendly and hospitable, and they all appeared to love her.
As the night drew to a close, Julian's mother approached and smiled at her. "Anne, dear, we're so glad that you were able to spend this weekend with us," she said. "You're a wonderful addition to our family."
Anne's emotions poured out at the words of the older woman. She had never been welcomed and accepted the way she was before.
"Thank you, Mrs. Saint Clair," she replied, smiling. "I'm glad I could come, you guys are wonderful."
They were in the living room when Julian's sister Emma, walked in and sat down next to them.
"Hey, Julian, what's Anne's favorite food?" Emma asked, looking at Anne curiously.
Julian paused, and Anne saw the panic rise in his eyes. "Uh. um. I think it's. uh. pizza?" he replied uncertainly.
Emma raised an eyebrow. "Really? I'm certain it was sushi."
Anne attempted to interject, but Emma talked over her. "No, no, I know it's sushi. Julian, you're so spaced sometimes."
Julian's mother entered the room, hearing what was said. "What's this I hear?" she asked, eyeing Julian and Anne with a raised eyebrow.
Emma brought her up to speed on the badgering that had been occurring, and Julian's mother eyed them with a sly glint in her eye. "Julian, sweetie, why is it that you and Anne continue to use your names for one another? Don't you think it's time you began using more. affectionate nicknames?"
Julian and Anne shared a desperate look. They had worked so hard at keeping up appearances for their fictional marriage, and now they found themselves trapped by their own deceit.
"Uh. well. we just. uh. prefer things formal, Mother," Julian responded.
But Julian's mother wasn't fooling around. She stared at them with a burning look, and Anne could watch her mind work.
"I believe I understand what is happening here," she said, a touch of laughter behind her voice. "You two are not married, are you?"