Emma blushed, her heart pounding with excitement and nerves. ‘I hope your mother likes me. I’m a little nervous about meeting her. I wish your sister were here. Did she really have to go to Italy?’
Stuart stood up and walked over to her, gently placing his hands on her shoulders. ‘Emma, my mum is kind and welcoming. She will love you as much as I do. And if Dad were here, he would be delighted to meet you too.’
His encouraging words helped Emma calm her nerves a little. She took a deep breath and nodded. ‘All right, let’s do it.’
Later that afternoon, they arrived at Stuart’s ancestral estate.
The stately house, with its ivy-covered walls and beautiful manicured gardens, towered above the land. Emma’s heart pounded as they walked up the stone path to the front door.
Stuart squeezed her hand. ‘Ready?’
‘Ready,’ Emma nodded, smiling nervously.
They crossed the threshold of the stately family estate, decorated with lavish decorations and beautiful works of art. Emma’s heart pounded as she gazed at the luxury surrounding her.
‘Welcome home, Stuart,’ a familiar voice greeted them.
Emma looked at the woman and turned pale.
Standing before her was Violetta, no longer the homeless woman she had met on the street, but an elegant and refined lady dressed in stylish attire.
Emma dropped her handbag in surprise.
Stuart bent down, picked up the bag, and handed it back to her. ‘Emma, are you all right? This is my mother, Violet,’ he said with a smile. ‘Mum, this is Emma.’
‘Yes, yes, I’m fine.’ Emma’s thoughts raced through her head as she tried to comprehend the revelation.
Stuart’s mother and sister were his only family since his father had died several years ago.
Emma knew that Stuart’s mother’s name was Violet, but she would never have guessed that she was the woman she had helped on the street.
‘It’s very nice to meet you, Emma,’ Violet stepped forward and gave her a warm hug.
Emma managed to return the hug, but her mind was still in turmoil. ‘I’m… very pleased,’ she managed to say.
When they entered the house, Violet whispered in Emma’s ear, ‘Please keep our first meeting a secret. I needed to know the true nature of the woman my son loves.’
Emma forced herself to smile, but deep down she was furious. How could Violet test her like that?
And when Stuart left for a moment, leaving Emma and Violet alone, Emma could no longer contain herself.
‘Why did you do that?’ she asked Violet furiously. ‘Testing me like that was cruel, Violet!’
‘I had to make sure you loved Stuart for who he is, not for his wealth, Emma. And you passed with flying colours, dear.’
‘I understand your intentions, but it was still deceitful. I genuinely care about Stuart, and I would have appreciated honesty from the start!’
Violet nodded remorsefully. ‘You’re right. I was wrong to deceive you. I apologise, Emma. I sincerely apologise.’
Emma took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. ‘Thank you. I accept your apology, but I will need time to fully trust you again.’
At that moment, Stuart returned. ‘Is everything all right?’ he asked.
Emma smiled awkwardly. ‘Yes, everything’s fine.’ She glanced at Violet, who nodded understandingly.
They moved to the dining room for lunch, and the luxurious surroundings made Emma even more nervous.
Stuart pulled out a chair for Emma. ‘Here, sit next to me.’
‘Thank you,’ Emma smiled as she sat down.
Violetta took a seat opposite Emma. “I hope you like Italian food, Emma. Our chef has prepared a special menu today.”
‘I love Italian food,’ Emma replied, feeling a little calmer. ‘It smells wonderful.’
Stuart chuckled. ‘Wait until you taste it. The chef here is amazing.’
As soon as the first course was served, Stuart began sharing stories. ‘Did I ever tell you about the time I tried to build a tree house? It was a disaster.’
Violet laughed. ‘Oh, yes. You had to call a carpenter to fix it.’
Emma giggled. ‘I’d love to see that tree house sometime.’
Violet leaned forward. ‘Emma, what do you like to do in your free time?’
‘I love to read and spend time outdoors. Stuart and I often go hiking on the weekends.’
Stuart nodded. ‘Emma is great at finding the best trails. She also enjoys volunteering.’
‘That’s wonderful,’ Violet said approvingly. ‘You clearly have a kind heart.’
Emma smiled sincerely, realising that Violet meant well for Stuart. Although her methods were questionable, Violet did not want to harm him.
As the evening drew to a close, Violet gave Emma a warm hug. ‘I’m glad you passed the test,’ she whispered playfully.
When her anger subsided, Emma giggled. ‘Me too.’
Returning to the car, Stuart took Emma’s hand. ‘Tonight was wonderful. Did you like Mum?’
‘Yes, I did. She’s lovely,’ said Emma, deciding to keep her first meeting with Violet a secret.