Chapter5 Family Gathering

Aurelia couldn’t even recall how she managed to wake up and get ready for the day. All she knew was that she had somehow dressed herself in clothes suitable for her current status. She also applied a bit of makeup to conceal the fatigue that clung stubbornly to her face, though it seemed like it wouldn’t go away in just one night. Upon leaving her room, Aurelia finally saw her husband for the first time that day. He loomed over her, impeccably dressed in a suit that only their pretentious family would consider wearing so early in the morning. “I hope you can maintain that stalwart attitude when facing the clan,” Dante said with a feigned concern as he leaned closer and slid an arm around her waist. Aurelia visibly recoiled, but Dante didn’t let go. Instead, he pulled her closer to his side. “Good lord do you give me the creeps, Maximus,” Aurelia groaned. Dante chuckled. “Not a morning person, are you?” Aurelia forcefully shook him away from her. She was successful as Dante deemed it unworthy to test her patience once more. "Mind your own business. Let's get going." The family meeting took place in the grand dining hall. It was the first time Aurelia had the chance to meet the Castellans, who filled every chair around the ridiculously long table. Julius Lucian Castellan, the patriarch, occupied the head of the table, and Evangeline, the matriarch, sat to his right. Aurelia suspected that every single member of the clan was probably there. Aurelia wasn’t sure how seating arrangements were decided, but she found herself sitting directly across from Dante, who occupied a seat next to his mother. To the left of the patriarch was Dante’s older brother, Marcus Henderson Castellan. For some reason, she was seated next to him, while Marcus’ son, Claudio, occupied the chair on her other side. Claudio occasionally attempted to sneakily touch her and shot secretive glances in her direction. What the hell, this situation was incredibly bizarre and awkward. Evangeline stood up with a graceful smile and tapped her wine glass with a spoon. The high-pitched ring of the glass resonated through the high-ceilinged room, instantly capturing the attention of everyone present. “We have gathered here to welcome my son’s wife and a new member of our clan,” she said with a pleasant voice, turning her gaze toward Aurelia. She continued, “Aurelia Di Angelis-Castellan. Although the ceremony had been quite a catastrophe, we should still be grateful for this joyous union.” Julius silently raised his glass in Aurelia’s direction, his dark eyes reminding her that he was indeed Dante’s father. She offered a polite smile and bowed her head, while the other family members raised their glasses towards her direction as well. "Madam Di Angelis-Castellan is just as beautiful as they say,” complimented Claudio’s mother, Genevieve Yarrow-Castellan. She smiled at Aurelia, but there was a hint of suspicion in Aurelia’s mind about the sincerity of the gesture. “I’ve chosen her not only for her elegance and beauty but also because of her pedigree,” Evangeline continued. “She’s the eldest daughter of the Di Angelis clan. Although their once illustrious family name has faded from its former glory, they still are a family with ancient roots that date back to the foundation of Esparia. Not only that, but Aurelia is well-versed in her family’s traditions.” “Indeed, quite the fit for Dante,” Marcus chimed in. “However, none of that matters when the maids have not confirmed the consummation of your marriage.” Silence descended upon the room at the patriarch’s sudden statement. Despite his old age, there was an inexplicable authority in his voice, a lingering vestige of his past role as the head of the family - and as someone who still held prestige in the family. Evangeline’s dignified expression faltered, twisting into a grimace as she lowered her head. Aurelia, on the other hand, could only stare at her fingers in a meek display of being pliant. She dared not look up to gauge Dante's reaction. “Dante,” Julius spoke once more, his voice carrying a heavy weight of authority. “Are you displeased with your mother’s choice of a wife?” “No, Father,” Dante replied with a controlled tone, masking any hint of his true feelings. “Then, why have you not spent the night as husband and wife?” Julius’ voice turned more severe with every word he uttered, and his piercing gaze bore into Dante. “Aurelia Di Angelis,” Julius called out this time to the wife in question. “is there anything displeasing about my son?” The patriarch's sudden focus on her sent a shiver down her spine. The damned old man, he didn’t even let Dante do the talking first before picking on her. Aurelia lifted her head and tried her best to maintain a neutral expression. “There’s nothing about Dante that I could ever wish to change.” She knew she was being overly generous with her words, but the situation demanded it. Julius narrowed his eyes, his scrutiny unrelenting. “Then, do you understand your duty as a wife?” “I do, Patriarch,” Aurelia responded, her voice unwavering even as the weight of their expectations pressed down upon her. “Your wedding has already been a nightmare, I cannot allow your marriage to be equally as horrendous,” Julius coldly said before pointedly looking at his own wife. Evangeline straightened her back and spoke, “You heard the patriarch. Aurelia, as a Castellan, it is expected that you bear Dante’s children to continue our family line. Have you given this matter any thought?” Aurelia fixed a cool, unwavering gaze on Evangeline. “Matriarch, Patriarch, I believe it's only right that I speak honestly with you.” Evangeline’s eyebrows furrowed, a sense of foreboding settling over her. “Speak your mind, dear,” she said, her voice tinged with apprehension. A heavy sigh escaped Aurelia's lips as she finally turned her attention to Dante, locking eyes with him. Despite the threat she saw in his sharp gaze, it only fueled her determination to speak her mind. “I regret to inform both of you, esteemed Matriarch and Patriarch, that I must disappoint your expectations. You see, in Dante's heart, there's another woman whom he has always held dear. I firmly believe he is more than capable of fathering his own children without any assistance from me. As his devoted wife, I can take care of their child if it’s what will make him happy.” Gasps rippled the room as the Castellans couldn’t believe someone like her could ever speak such audacious words. While the Castellans were far from saints, they held their bloodline in the highest regard. Becoming a Castellan through marriage was never a straightforward affair. It was easier to just win the lottery than ever be engaged to a Castellan. “How can Dante continue on without an heir?” Genevieve stoked the flames, her words a spark in the room. “The Castellan clan's future could become precarious if he fails to secure an heir and uphold our traditions” Murmurs began to circulate among the assembled family members, a chorus of concern and uncertainty. “But it’s inconceivable for just some random illegitimate woman to be with him when he’s the head of the family…” “That would be embarrassing for the Castellans. His wedding day has already tarnished the clan’s reputation.” “At this rate, maybe it would be impossible for him to fulfill his duty…” Dante finally couldn’t contain his anger. He grabbed a glass from the table and hurled it in her direction. With graceful ease, she leaned to the side to avoid it, while Claudio jumped to his feet, his eyes wide with panic. The glass shattered against the wall, but Aurelia remained surprisingly composed. She even chuckled with delight. “Ah, Maximus, it’s so amusing how the truth seems to offend you,” she taunted, watching Dante heave, as if trying to rein in his desire to kill her right then and there. “What’s the matter? What are you afraid of? A man of your stature shouldn’t be so flustered. Perhaps you should seize this opportunity to tarnish my name and beg the patriarch for a divorce. Then, you could be with Annalise.” Julius abruptly stood up, slamming his hand on the table. “There will be no divorce!” “Dante, are you out of your mind?! Annalise is nothing more than an illegitimate child! There is no way we can accept her into the clan!” Evangeline shouted indignantly. “I never said I loved anyone else! I merely expressed my boundaries given this marriage is for the sake of me being married!” Dante roared, his voice reverberating through the expansive room. “Aurelia, you watch your mouth!” “Then why did you not consummate the marriage, Dante?!” Julius demanded. “A devious woman like her is a thorn!” Dante exclaimed in irritation. “Now would you please stop weaponizing last night against me?! Draw up the in vitro papers if it will put an end to this discussion!” The tension in the room became almost suffocating as family members exchanged uneasy glances, unsure of how to proceed. Finally, Julius raised his hand to quell the unrest. The room fell silent, and everyone settled back into their seats as if the fiery exchange had never occurred. “We have reached a decision. Dante will have only Aurelia Di Angelis. She will be the sole woman entrusted with providing him an heir. Whether a son or daughter, the child must be the product of their union.” Aurelia looked at Dante, giving him a conniving smile. The look of pure exasperation he returned almost made her cackle on the spot. Things have diverged from their original course in her past life. In this lifetime, Aurelia could actually witness such satisfying drama unfold all because of her doing. What an exceptional show!