Chapter 8 Preparation

• Luis stared at my reaction for a moment before walking away, muttering under his breath. I remained pensive; this was not just any dinner. I was certain they were coming to verify whether our marriage was a genuine relationship. They surely suspected something and wanted to observe my actions. Notably, they hadn't invited my grandparents—that was good, very good. I needed to think this through, to have an explanation for everything.
• I wouldn't be caught off guard so easily; I would prepare thoroughly and shadow Luis's lead. I had noticed how gregarious he became when we socialised with his friends on the yacht parties; he managed those interactions with aplomb, and I simply had to play along. Yes, that would be perfect. Since I had never engaged in the conversations before, it wouldn't raise eyebrows if I remained quiet this time. Nevertheless, I had procured a tourist guide to the most renowned places in Paris from the hotel and committed it to memory, just in case they inquired about any specifics of the locale. I knew my parents, especially my mother, would be inquisitive.
• Then I dashed into my room to assess my wardrobe. I needed to embody the role of a married woman convincingly. My mother, with her keen eye, would undoubtedly be scrutinising me, and my mother-in-law would likely be just as observant. After rummaging through, I settled on a black dress with a high neckline that was rather demure. Slipping into it, I saw in the mirror that I indeed resembled a married lady.