"William, we are so glad to have you here for dinner," Mrs. Martins said excitedly. Her voice and body movements showed just how happy she was to have him honor her invitation.
"I was so thrilled when Tina told me you accepted to come have dinner with us today. I knew God would make a way for you to find time for us, and here we are!"
But her happiness was cut short when she noticed Tina's behavior. Tina had turned her face away from them both, her body language clearly showing that she wasn't as enthusiastic as her mother.
Her words only confirmed to William that Tina hadn't been too eager to have him at her house. She had never even actually invited him herself.
"Mum, me too," William replied, trying to lighten the mood. "I'm happy to be here today. The office was so busy this week."
Mrs. Martins blinked her eyes, glancing at Tina. Her behavior wasn't matching William's words, but she swallowed her concern, hoping her instinct was wrong.
They continued their meal, smiling, and Mrs. Martins couldn't help but praise Tina. "Tina is a very good cook, but she's also very proud. She hardly ever cooks. I was shocked when she told me she'd be cooking! I don't know how you convinced her, but I'm so happy for this surprise. I'm sure she's surprised about herself too."
"Mum, please stop," Tina said, blushing deeply. "Sir, William is hearing you!"
"Hahaha," William burst out laughing, catching Tina off guard. She had never seen him laugh so genuinely before.
"Yeah, I know he's hearing me," Mrs. Martins chuckled. "And I'm happy to eat your meal again. When was the last time you cooked?"
William smiled as he took a bite of his food. The stew was perfectly made—so good, one would think it came from a five-star restaurant. The beef was tender and flavorful, exactly how he liked it.
"Honestly, Mum, the food is so delicious," William said, his mouth full. "I'm fully supportive of everything you just said. I would love to ask for the recipe, but unfortunately, I can't cook."
Mrs. Martins dramatically placed her hand on her head in support of William's words. "You see? I tell her all the time! I even have to beg her to cook, but she always plays me around."
"It's been so long since I've had something this delicious," William said, enjoying his meal. Just as he was about to take another bite, his phone interrupted the moment, buzzing loudly on the table.
He hesitated for a moment, staring at the screen, but ultimately decided to ignore the call. However, the phone kept ringing insistently.
"You could pick that up; it might be important," Mrs. Martins said, noticing the phone ringing multiple times.
"It's my mum. We had an argument earlier. I think she's calling about it," William said, his tone a little heavy. Mrs. Martins made a heartwarming expression.
"Well, that should be important," she said kindly. "If you two had an argument, that's even more reason to pick up. I don't mind at all."
William paused before taking the call. "My mum is different. I know her," he explained, answering the call, hoping it would be brief.
"Hello..." he began, but she cut him off, her frustration clear. William's face fell as he realized the conversation would be anything but short.
"I was talking about something that could improve your life, and you hang up on me? Do you want to grow old, single, without a partner?" she fired at him.
"Mum, please stop," William interjected, taking a sip of water to calm his nerves. "I'll talk to you later, please."
"No, I won't let you hang up on me now," his mum retorted stubbornly.
"Mum, I'll get a wife when I meet the right one," William said, now feeling uncomfortable. "I don't need you reminding me how to live my life. Thank you." He ended the call quickly, feeling embarrassed for having to say something so personal in front of them.
"I'm sorry about that," he said, turning to Mrs. Martins. "That was my mum. She's quite dramatic, which is why we often disagree on certain things."
"It's fine, son," Mrs. Martins reassured him with a small smile. "I trust you have everything under control."
"Thank you very much for the dinner," William said sincerely, his gaze drifting over to Tina, who smiled back. "I really appreciate it."
"It's small compared to what you've done for my family, William," Mrs. Martins said warmly. "You saved my daughter's life. I'm smiling here today because of your kindness. You're just friends with my daughter, but you did more than a friend would. For that, I'm forever grateful to you."
"You're welcome," William replied, touched. "It's a pleasure to put a smile on your face." After a long pause, Mrs. Martins' voice came up again, breaking the silence.
"That reminds me," she began, looking at him curiously. "Where do you work? Are you a banker? I always see you in suits, except for today." William glanced at Tina, who nervously turned her face away, her unease obvious.
"No, Mum," Tina quickly intervened, her voice a little shaky. "I work at William's company."
Mrs. Martins paused, her eyes widening slightly. "Hmm... William's company?" she echoed, her tone now filled with surprise. Tina, already shivering, refused to meet her mother's gaze. William didn't elaborate on his position in the company, and the tension was palpable as Tina avoided eye contact with both of them. "I think the CEO of that company lacks manners," Mrs. Martins said softly, her voice heavy with emotion. "You know, my daughter used to work there, and I think it was the worst experience of her life. He called my little Tina a prostitute when all she did was try to be ambitious, to be like him. But if you ask me, he was Tina's first crush."
Tina closed her eyes, feeling exhausted, and took a deep breath. Her mother's voice, calm and measured, explained how her daughter had been wronged by the CEO. It pained Tina to hear this, but she knew it was the truth.
"Mum, please stop," Tina said quietly. "You shouldn't say that again."
"Why?" her mother asked, genuinely puzzled.
"Mum, you shouldn't say something like that in front of him. He works at that company."
Mrs. Martins paused, frowning. "It's the truth. Why do you hate it when someone brings up that company?" She asked with a teasing smile
William, sitting on the other side, felt a pang of regret. His heart sank. Did I really hurt her that much? Did she run to her mother crying because of me?
"Mum, he works at William's company, but he didn't tell you his position there. Since you like him so much and see him as your son, maybe I should inform you that he is the CEO of Williams Group. The one whose picture is all over the newspapers in the sitting room. It's him you're reporting me to."
Her words hit Mrs. Martins like a thunderclap. She stared at Tina in shock, unable to comprehend what she had just heard. She had felt so comfortable with the young man in her house that she hadn't even thought to ask about his position or his name. William had been so calm, so polite, that she never suspected he was the same man who had made her daughter come home crying for nights.
The newspapers on the table had pictures of him, but he looked so different in person. He was more handsome, more respectful, far from the arrogant man portrayed in the tabloids. He didn't carry himself like the image she had seen in the media. Instead, he was gracious, humble, and kind.
This was the first time William had seen Tina so upset. She hadn't raised her voice at her mother, but he could hear the quiet anger in her words. It made him wonder if she would ever give him a chance to make things right.
She has a big presence, he thought to himself, and I didn't mean to hurt her. Did I really say that? Did I call her a prostitute, or did I forget what I said?
Mrs. Martins was speechless as she looked between her daughter and William, her mind racing. Williams Group? The CEO? she thought to herself, still processing it. She had been so caught up in the moment, so charmed by William's kindness, that she hadn't connected the dots until now.
Tina lowered her gaze, her heart aching. She hadn't intended to cause her mother distress, but she had to set the record straight. William's identity and role in her life were far more complicated than anyone realized.
"I'm sorry," William said, his voice low and sincere. He looked at Tina, his regret palpable. "I didn't know... I never meant to hurt you."