LOVE IN PARIS: Married To My Brother-in-law-Chapter 56: Red Flag

When Blair arrived at the restaurant in the address, he had this sinking feeling in his gut. Well it’s always been like that since he been going on blind dates, he knew from the begining that this was going to be just like the previous one’s. Doomed with no chance.

He wondered why they just can’t leave him alone to live his life as he pleases. His Uncle Nicolai wasn’t married yet they were forcing him to get married besides they never bother his uncle for once about getting married. They just transfer their helplessness onto him , forcing him on blind dates and that was one of the many reasons he rarely visits home.

He flagged a waiter down as soon as he arrived at the restaurant and with the waiter’s help he was able to spot the reserved table immediately and there she was, the blind date his mother had set up for him.

There she sat poised and proper, donning a floor length floral chiffon gown with her long hair cascading down her shoulders adorned with several hair clip and other accessories that made her look just like a child and she also had a warm smile already plastered on her face.

This was exactly what he was expecting as he dared not get his hopes high, his mother’s taste was indeed something else that he dared not imagine which lady she would set up with him again.

Blair squared his shoulders and approached the table. As soon as she saw him, she stood up and extended her hand.

"Hi, I’m Joy and you must be Blair". She greeted, her voice cheerful.

"Yeah". Blair replied, shaking her hand politely after which he took his seat opposite her. And he braced himself for what was sure to be a long evening.

"I remember seeing you when we were kids". She began almost immediately stuffing a piece of bread in her mouth as she chewed loudly and Blair cringed at her actions.

A big red flag with no quality material.

"At that family friend dinner a few years ago. You probably don’t remember, but our parents were good friends back then. You were such a troublesome kid and honeyed tongue too , always making trouble. There was even this time you soiled Uncle McKenna newly custom made suit for his birthday. He was so angry but I’m the end, he couldn’t bear to raise his voice at you. You conquered him with your tongue". She laughed.

Blair gazed at her and forced a smile. "Yeah, that sounds like me." He added with an icy edge to his tone . Damn family and friends, damn integrity and reputation. If she was just anybody, he would have thrown her out of the window by now but all for his mothers sake he had to endure this stupidness.

She continued to talk animatedly, recounting old family gatherings and telling stories that he barely remembered and neither cared to. As the morning wore on, she shifted the conversation to his career.

"So, you’re an actor now! What’s that like?". She asked, leaning in with wide eyes. "Having thousands of fans all to yourself is indeed awesome, how do you feel having fans faint whenever you appear on stage . . It’s so cute".

"It’s... fine". He replied, his voice flat. "A lot of hard work but I enjoy it."

"Wow, I’ve never met a real actor before!". She gushed, her hand lightly touching his arm. "But now I’m going to marry one . You must meet so many interesting people. Have you worked with anyone famous?"

Blair frowned and bit back a sigh. He was already tired of the conversation. The only reason he was still sitting there was for the sake of his family’s reputation.

He answered her questions mechanically, offering short responses that didn’t encourage further discussion, but Joy was oblivious to his disinterest.

She kept talking, her hand lingering on his arm, her laughter too loud and her attention too close for comfort.

After what felt like an eternity, Blair finally decided he’d had enough. He needed an escape and that he would just do. He’ll deal with his mother’s temper later.

"Excuse me for a moment". He said abruptly, standing up. "I need to use the restroom."

Joy smiled sweetly oblivious. "Sure, take your time!"

Once inside the restroom, Blair immediately pulled out his phone and after deep contemplation, he dialed Zeke’s number. At least Zeke was the only person who could deal with his mother easily and she also surprisingly obey him so at this point , Zeke was his only hope.

Zeke picked up the call on the second ring.

"My dear little cousin, what’s it now?". Zeke’s voice came through lazily.

"I need your help". Blair whispered helplessly, pacing in the small bathroom. "I’m stuck on this blind date, and this girl won’t stop talking. She’s won’t stop clinging on to me, and I can’t just walk out. I need you to get me out of here without further facing my mother’s temper."

Zeke chuckled, clearly enjoying Blair’s predicament. "And what’s in it for me?"

Blair groaned and eventually said with gritted teeths after pausing for a while. "I’ll stop bothering Yvette."

"Not even an inch closer". Zeke added.

"As your lordship pleases". He replied frustratedly.

Zeke’s tone immediately shifted, now more interested. "Fine. Send me the location."

"Bastard". Blair muttered under his breath as he quickly texted the address.

"Okay I’ll send my assistant to deal with it". Zeke said and ended the call.

Blair tucked his phone back into his pocket and took a deep breath before stepping out of the bathroom. No sooner had he returned back into the private room then Zeke’s personal assistant Knox arrived sharply decked in an immaculate suit.

He walked straight past Blair without exchanging pleasantries and headed for the table where Joy was still sitting.

Without so much as a polite smile, he addressed her. "Miss Roger, I’m afraid Mr. Blair has urgent business to attend to and needs to leave immediately. You’ll have to see yourself out."

Blair watched from a few steps away, stunned at the bluntness. Joy’s face flushed red with embarrassment, and she stammered something incoherent.

Knox, however didn’t flinch, his expression as neutral as always as he turned on his heel and led Blair toward the exit.

As they walked out of the restaurant, Blair shock turned into irritation.

"You didn’t have to be so harsh". He muttered, glancing back at the door which Knox held open.

Knox opened the car door for him, and as he slid into the backseat he found Zeke waiting for him with a smirk.

"Why didn’t you consider her reputation at all?. Women needs their dignity and you just had your assistant ripped her’s off". He asked as soon as he sat down. "You didn’t have to be so brutal. What if she tells people about this or even complain to my mother, what do I do then?"

Zeke shrugged casually. "I only care about one person’s dignity, and that’s my wife’s." He turned to Blair, his smirk fading into a serious expression.

"You promised to stop bothering Yvette and I’ll hold you to that. If I see you anywhere near her, not even an inch too close else I’ll call Auntie and tell her everything. But for now, I’ve dealt with this girl for you and will also handle Auntie."

Blair leaned back, crossing his arms. "Fine, I’ll stay away from Yvette. But if you mistreat her, don’t expect me to accept it."

Zeke smirk returned. "You’re so dramatic Blair. She my wife, if I don’t treat her well then who am I supposed to treat well. Now, why don’t you relax? Come have dinner at my place tonight. Let’s all hang out. I’ll send you the address."

Before Blair could respond, Zeke gestured to the driver, and the car pulled away from the restaurant, heading toward Blair’s next obligation, the movie promotion event.

---

When Blair arrived at the movie event, the energy in the room was palpable. Photographers and reporters crowded the red carpet, flashing cameras in his face as he entered the venue. He ignored most of it, his mind still on the earlier events.

As he stepped into the main hall, he spotted Yvette across the room. She was speaking with her manager, looking elegant as always in a sleek gown.

Normally, he would’ve walked right over to greet her, but this time he kept his distance, deliberately avoiding her gaze.

He moved in the opposite direction, making a point not to step within arm’s reach of her, even as the other attendees watched, puzzled.

Well , it was not solely because of Zeke but he needed to compose himself and he didn’t know if she’ll still be comfortable with him after he’d confessed his feelings the previous day.

It was well-known that Blair and Yvette were practically inseparable especially at public events, so his cold shoulder didn’t go unnoticed.

"Why isn’t Blair talking to Yvette?" One of the crew members murmured, eyebrows raised.

"In fact, he intentionally went off the opposite direction. What’s happening?"

"Strange... they’ve always been so close".

Even Leila noticed the distance. "Why do I feel like Blair is intentionally avoiding you tonight?" she asked Yvette quietly.

Yvette smiled softly, her expression calm despite the sudden shift in dynamics. "Maybe it’s for the best". She said, her voice resigned.