As they sat down to eat, Julian's uncle and aunt began to discuss his personal life. "Julian, when are you going to settle down and find a nice woman?" his aunt asked, her voice dripping with concern.
Julian's uncle chimed in, his tone mocking. "Yes, Julian, you're getting older. It's time to start a family and produce an heir."
Julian's expression remained neutral, but Lily could sense his annoyance. Just then, she walked into the dining room, unaware of the conversation that was taking place.
"Good afternoon," Lily said, trying to be polite.
Julian's uncle and aunt turned to her, their faces surprised. "And who might you be?" his aunt asked, her tone curious.
Julian stood up, his eyes locked on Lily. "This is Lily, my... guest," he said, his tone neutral.
Lily's eyes narrowed slightly at the hesitation in Julian's voice. She wondered what he had been about to say.
Richard's eyes lit up with interest as he looked at Lily. "Ah, a guest, you say? Well, she's certainly a lovely guest."
Lily felt uncomfortable under Richard's gaze, but she tried to smile politely. "Thank you," she said, trying to sound gracious.
As they sat down to eat, Julian's uncle and aunt began to ask Lily questions about herself. Lily tried to answer politely, but she could sense the underlying tension in the room.
Lily's eyes widened in shock as Julian's announcement caught her off guard. "Lily is my fiancée," he said, his voice calm and confident.
Before she could react, Julian stood up and walked over to her. He took her hand, his grip firm but gentle, and pulled her towards him. Lily felt a rush of confusion and surprise as he sat down and pulled her onto his lap.
The room fell silent, with his uncle and aunt exchanging surprised glances. Lily's heart was racing as she tried to process what was happening.
Julian's voice was low and husky as he whispered in her ear, "Play along, Lily. Trust me."
Then, he looked up at her with a smile and asked, "Would you feed me, my love?"
Lily's face flushed as she felt a cold blood rush through her veins. She tried to process the situation, but her mind was a jumble of emotions.
As she hesitated, Julian's hand closed over hers, guiding the spoon towards his mouth. Lily felt a spark of electricity as their skin touched, and she couldn't help but wonder what was going on.
Lily played along, feeding Julian as he smiled at her. His uncle and aunt looked on, their expressions a mix of shock and surprise.
As Lily fed Julian, she couldn't help but feel a sense of intimacy with him. It was as if they were really a couple, and the thought sent a flutter through her chest.
Richard's eyes narrowed, his expression calculating. "I never thought I'd see the day," he said, his voice dripping with skepticism. "Julian, you're not exactly known for your... emotional attachments."
Julian's smile never wavered, but Lily sensed a hint of tension beneath his calm exterior. "People can change, Uncle Richard," he said, his voice smooth as silk.
Lily continued to feed Julian, playing the role of the doting fiancée. As she looked into his eyes, she felt a spark of connection that she couldn't quite explain.
After lunch, Julian turned to Lily and said, "I think it's time for you to retire to your room, my dear. You must be tired from all the excitement."
Lily nodded, playing along with the charade. "Yes, I'm feeling a bit fatigued," she said, smiling sweetly at Julian's uncle and aunt.
As she stood up to leave, Julian's uncle, Richard, spoke up. "Ah, Julian, before you two disappear, tell me, when can we expect a wedding? And perhaps an heir to carry on the family legacy?"
Julian's smile never wavered, but Lily sensed a hint of tension beneath his calm exterior. "Oh, Uncle Richard, you're always so eager to see me settled down," Julian said, his voice dripping with amusement. "As for the wedding, let's just say it's already being planned. And as for an heir... well, we'll just have to see about that, won't we, my love?"
Lily's face flushed at Julian's suggestive tone, and she quickly excused herself, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the whole situation.
As she made her way to her room, Lily couldn't help but wonder what Julian's true intentions were. Was he really planning to use her as a pawn in his game against his uncle, or was there more to it?