LOVE IN PARIS: Married To My Brother-in-law-Chapter 55: Blind Date

The black SUV turned and he followed behind it, muttering curses under his breath. H knew this happening all of a sudden was definitely someone’s fault and he knew going home could do nothing but spell trouble but there was nothing he could do now.

The car came to a slow halt in front of the grand family mansion. Blair stared out the window, feeling a weight of heaviness aettle in his chest.

It had been months since he was here, months since he’d last seen his mother and even other relatives. And as soon as the door clicked open, his mother; a middle-aged rushed down the front steps, her arms wide open and a wide smile lighting up her face.

"Blair! Finally, you’re home!". She exclaimed, throwing her arms around him before he could fully step out.

She pulled back, cupping his face in her hands and eyes scanning him like a worried mother. "I missed you so much! You’ve gotten thinner. Are you eating properly? It’s been so long... If not for Zeke I possibly wouldn’t have the chance to see you tonight. I think I should call him to thank him properly . . ."

Blair’s body tensed as he listened. He hadn’t planned on his mother knowing he’d be around or nearby here tonight. He just wanted to head over to his mansion peacefully and get a sleep .

But he should’ve known better. He just didn’t expect Zeke to be so petty like this, stirring trouble just for fun. Now that he was here already, his mother would definitely insist on making a big deal of everything.

"Wait... Zeke told you I was coming?". He asked, trying to keep the annoyance from creeping into his voice.

His mother blinked at him innocently. "Of course. He said you’ve been so busy with work and hadn’t had the time to visit home but luckily, he convinced you to come over this time and even asked me to pick you up because you’re tired. I would’ve never known otherwise."

Blair sighed heavily, cursing Zeke under his breath. So petty and annoying, just like a kid.

He was just about to call him and give him a piece of his mind but his mother was already bustling him inside, steering him towards the already prepared dining table.

"Enough of that. Come in, come in! I’ve made all your favorites dishes ranging from pork ribs, steak and baked potatoes and your favorite home made pizza. You have to eat. You’ve been away too long."

Blair let himself be ushered to the table by her , the scent of home-cooked food softening his annoyance.

The dishes were laid out beautifully, a nostalgic spread of his childhood favorites. Despite himself, his stomach growled and he dug in instantly savoring the delicious dishes. His mother sat across from him, watching with a smile as he devoured the meal.

"Are you sure you’ve been eating properly, Blair? You look so thin". She asked, her voice soft with concern.

"I am, Ma. Don’t worry so much about me besides I still have to keep fit to be able to work, you know ". He said between bites. "What about you? Are you taking your medicine like you’re supposed to? You know you can’t skip meals with your ulcer." 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

His mother waved her hand dismissively, laughing lightly. "Of course, of course. I’m fine. You don’t have to worry about me. Not at all. I never skip my medicine. Never.

He eyed her suspiciously, knowing full well she had a tendency to downplay her health. But for now he decided to let it go, savoring the familiar comfort of home-cooked food and his mother’s doting presence.

"You know, you don’t have to torture yourself all in the name of keeping fit to act movie. I’ve already told you,, the companies are always ready to welcome you whenever you’re ready. You don’t have to act forever".

"Okay. I know. You’re saying this for the nth time again".

"I’m just reminding you". She pouted as she rubbed his hair and he frowned.

"Mum, I no longer a kid. You stop doing that".

---

The next morning, Blair descended doy the grand staircase with his bag slung over his shoulder.

He was already ready to leave, eager to get back to his own routine. But as soon as he reached the bottom of the stairs, he noticed his mother and his aunt standing at the foot of the stairs, their eyes fixed on him as if they were specifically waiting for him.

The way they were looking at him made his gut twist uneasily. He knew they were up to something bad, something he just wouldn’t like, something that would annoy and upset him.

"Morning". He greeted cautiously, leaning down to peck his mother’s cheek. "I’m heading out. I’ll visit again soon, okay?"

Before he could take another step, his mother grabbed his arm pulling him back. "Not so fast! I’ve already made plans for you today."

Blair frowned. "What plans?"

"I’ve arranged a blind date for you". She said with a triumphant smile, her grip on his arm tightening as if she anticipated his escape attempt. "And you’re not allowed to refuse."

Blair blinked, stunned. "What? No, absolutely not."

His mother’s expression hardened. "Blair , you’re in your mid-twenties already and still no girlfriend? All my friends’ children are either married or getting engaged, and here you are, still single. What do you want me to say to them?. Do you even care how I feel".

"I don’t care what they think". Blair replied sharply. "I’m not going on some random blind date and besides love can’t be forced. I told you, when there’s someone I love , I’ll bring her home to you myself."

"But I’ve been waiting for years, Blair and still you’ve brought no one home. I’m getting old already". She complained. "I know love can’t be forced and you know, sometimes you find love in the place you least expect. Just like your late father and I, we never liked each other to begin with . It was an arranged marriage between us but look how so much in love we were before he died. You just need a chance".

His mother’s gaze turned pleading, though there was a dangerous edge to it. "If you won’t go, I won’t take my medicine anymore. I’ll stop altogether."

Blair’s eyes narrowed in frustration. "You are resorting to blackmailing me now?"

"If that’s what it takes". His mother said, crossing her arms defiantly. "I’m being serious Blair. If you don’t go, you’ll be responsible if anything happens to me."

Blair ran a hand through his carefully gelled hair in frustration, but before he could refuse again or even think of the proper words to use, his aunt who was standing behind them chimed in. "Blair, your mother just wants the best for you. You’re not getting any younger. You should give this girl a chance and also yourself. You aren’t going to marry your work nor are your fans going to marry you. Just take this chance and sees how it goes."

Then, as if on cue his grandfather slowly made his way down the stairs, his cane tapping against the floor as he joined the argument. "Your mother’s right, Blair. It’s about time you started thinking about the future. A good wife will help stabilize your life and future also."

Blair groaned internally. His whole family was ganging up on him now. There was no way out. He shouldn’t have agreed to come home she this is all thanks to Zeke’s "timely" help.

"Fine, fine! I’ll go". He relented, throwing his hands up in defeat. "But this is the last time. I’m not doing this again and nor would you force me to do anything of the such again."

His mother’s face broke into a satisfied smile as she handed him a piece of paper with the date’s details.

"Thank you, Blair. Just be patient with her, okay? She’s a good girl from a nice family and she’s my friend’s daughter, remember Joy from when you were young, you guys were playmate and she’s also of the same age as you and luckily she’s single also so you guys can get together. Don’t embarrass me in front of my friends. You know how important our family’s reputation is."

"Fine". Blair despondently took the paper, giving his mother a final look of exasperation. "I’ll go, but I’m not making any promises. Don’t expect miracles."

"Just try and be positive also . She’s a nice lady I love so much and I’ll be happy if you can make her my daughter-in-law ". She said, patting his cheek with a smile that made him feel like a child again.

"Good luck man. His grandfather waved him off happily. Bring home my granddaughter in-law with you " .

"Rooting for you". His aunt also added and he could only sigh helplessly.

With a sigh, he turned and walked out the door, feeling the heavy weight of familial obligation pressing down on him.