The Subconscious Trials

~9 years ago ~

*Luke's POV*

"Luke, you've been dating this girl for over a year, and we know nothing about her. I want you to take her to dinner with us tonight," my mother's stern voice came through the speaker of my phone.

I sighed, "Fine, Mother. I'll see you tonight at 6."

"Bye, honey! Make sure to dress nicely. You never know when the press will show up," she warned before hanging up abruptly.

I already dreaded tonight, and now she wanted to meet Kendra.

I let out a groan of annoyance and allowed my head to fall back on the couch.

I knew this meeting was long overdue, especially since Kendra was significant to me. I had planned to spend the rest of my life with her. She was the woman of my dreams. She had often asked about my family but would drop the subject once she saw how uneasy I got.

My family was like royalty; untouchable, with many important connections. Wealth and fame followed them, and unfortunately, I was raised in that environment.

This is not to say that I was a spoiled brat. However, I am thankful for the time I spent with my Nana Greta during my childhood. My parents were always busy with galas and dinner parties with their important friends, and they didn't have much time for me.

I never resented them. Despite their flaws, I had a happy childhood and was grateful for Greta.

I also enjoyed the benefits of their connections and wealth, getting the best education money could buy.

Although their connections helped me get into the most prestigious college in the nation, I studied twice as hard to prove to myself and others that I had earned my spot.

I was taken aback to discover that Kendra had no idea about my family's reputation. I was determined to shield her from my mother's critical gaze and outdated beliefs.

While I cherished my mother, I was adamant about not letting her influence Kendra negatively. I was aware that my mother sometimes took pleasure in putting others down.

Kendra was amazing just the way she was, but I worried that her perception of me might change once she met my family. She had already met Nana Greta, who was like a second mother to me, and they had formed a close bond, even having brunch together occasionally.

However, Nana Greta was nothing like my mother, a fact Kendra would soon discover.

Upon reflection, I realized I had underestimated Kendra, which disappointed me. Her strong will and vast knowledge made me believe she could handle my mother's criticism, with me by her side for support.

I quickly texted Kendra, inviting her to dinner with my family that evening.

She responded almost immediately with an enthusiastic 'Finally!'

I chuckled at her response and quickly replied, 'I love you.'

*Kendra's POV*

I was eagerly anticipating dinner tonight, so much so that I found myself dressed and ready an hour ahead of schedule. In the meantime, I was texting Nana Greta, expressing my nerves about the upcoming dinner.

Nana Greta was incredibly sweet and caring, reminding me of my late mother, which is why I had grown so fond of her.

Nana Greta's only advice to me was to remember my worth. Although I was a bit curious about her words, I decided not to inquire further.

Instead, I stood up and adjusted my white long-sleeve dress. The dress was simple yet elegant, reaching down to my knees with a flowy skirt. The sweetheart neckline, adorned with delicate lace patterns, added a touch of sophistication.

After smoothing down any stray hairs and applying some product to maintain my straightened locks, I grabbed a pair of silver heels and sat on the edge of the bed to put them on.

"Let me help you with that baby," Luke offered, approaching me while buttoning up his crisp white dress shirt.

He was a sight to behold, his muscular frame evident beneath the shirt. Luke knelt before me, taking my left leg carefully sliding on the heel, and kissing the side of my ankle before placing my foot back down, his touch sending a shiver down my spine.

He repeated the process with my other leg, and I could only watch in admiration as he attended to me with such care.

"You look beautiful baby," Luke complimented, extending his hand to help me up.

"I'm so nervous," I confessed.

"You have nothing to worry about. You are perfect," he reassured me.

Luke always knew the right words to make me feel like the most special girl in the world.

———

Luke pulled up to the front of the luxurious restaurant and graciously opened the car door for me, extending his hand to help me out. As we made our way towards the entrance, he handed the keys of his limited series Bentley Bacalar to the valet, who stood in awe of the impressive vehicle.

Despite Luke's obvious wealth, I never focused on his financial status nor did I care to ask. I admired him for who he was, not for his bank account. However, his extravagant car, apartment, and Patek Philippe watch made it clear that he lived a lavish lifestyle.

Feeling somewhat out of place among the elegantly dressed diners, I couldn't help but notice Luke's tension as we approached a table at the center of the restaurant. I worried that any misstep on my part would be on display for all to see.

As I glanced around, my eyes met those of a woman seated at the table we were headed to, she seemed to be scrutinizing me. When Luke greeted his parents, the woman's expression changed from scrutiny to delight as she addressed her son.

"Good evening, Mother, and Father," Luke said as we reached the table.

His mother finally tore her gaze away from me and greeted him warmly, expressing her joy at seeing her son after over a year.

Luke's father intervened, scolding his wife for her pointed remarks about Luke's absence. During his scolding, I noticed he called her Rene.

Despite the tension, I tried to remain composed as Luke pulled out a chair for me to sit down and then took a seat beside me.

"Let's just enjoy dinner, Mother," Luke said calmly.

I noticed an extra chair at the table, prompting Luke to inquire about the unexpected guest.

"We are expecting an old friend of yours," Rene replied excitedly.

Curious, Luke furrowed his eyebrows and asked, "And who might this be?"

"Someone you'll be delighted to see," she said, mischief dancing in her eyes.

"So, Karen, tell me about yourself," Rene quickly changed the subject.

"Kendra, mother, I've told you her name enough times for you to remember it properly," Luke snapped.

Trying to prevent an argument, I placed my hand on Luke's hand resting on the table.

"Honest mistake, it's no problem. What would you like to know about me?" I asked with a small smile.

"Tell me about your family," she said excitedly, though I suspected she was more interested in gathering information to criticize me. I pushed the thought aside, giving her the benefit of the doubt.

"Well, it's just me and my dad now."

"And what does he do for a living?" she continued probing.

"He's a lawyer," I answered with a smile.

"Anyone I might know?" she asked, her interest piqued.

"I highly doubt it. He works for a small firm in my hometown," I answered truthfully.

"Mmmmm," she hummed, seeming unimpressed.

"He's a very good lawyer, the reason I wanted to study law," I continued.

"Kendra was also a student at Harvard. That's where we met," Luke informed her.

His father smiled at the mention of the school.

"Was? Did you already graduate?" Rene questioned.

"Unfortunately, when my mother got sick, I had to go back home and help out. I fell behind in my classes, and they took away my full-ride scholarship. Paying Harvard's tuition is out of my budget, but I'm working on getting my scholarship back," I explained, noticing the disgust on Rene's face.

"So, what are you doing now?" Luke's father finally spoke.

"I'm in an internship at a law firm, trying to absorb as much education as I can. Luke actually helped me get it," I said, smiling at Luke as he gave my hand a reasurring squeeze.

Rene's expression shifted from stoic to one of excitement as he looked behind me.

"I'm sorry I'm late, Rene dear, but when you mentioned this dinner, I had to go buy a dress. I couldn't just show up in rags," a female voice chimed in from behind me. Luke's face soured as he glared at his mother.

"Rebecca, darling, you could wear a potato sack and still look like a model," Rene complimented her with admiration in her voice.

A stunning blonde girl approached the table and took the empty seat to Luke's left. She had bright blue eyes, a petite body, and legs that seemed to go on for miles.

Rebecca turned to Luke with a smile, but he refused to acknowledge her.

"Luke, honey, don't be rude. Rebecca was very excited to see you again," Rene scolded him.

"Hello, Rebecca. Nice to see you," Luke said through clenched teeth.

"It's good to see you as well, Luke. And who might this be?" Rebecca asked, turning her attention to me.

"This is Luke's girlfriend, Karen," Rene responded, deliberately messing up my name.

"Kendra," I corrected, smiling back at Rebecca.

"Girlfriend?" Rebecca asked incredulously.

I was growing annoyed at being belittled by these people.

"You sound surprised," I replied, raising an eyebrow.

"Seeing as Luke and I are to be married someday, I am surprised to hear he has a girlfriend," Rebecca said, narrowing her eyes at me.

"I don't recall asking you to marry me," Luke retorted.

"Luke, you know Rebecca's parents are dear friends of ours, and we always envisioned the two of you getting married," Rene interjected.

"Mother, I refuse to revisit this topic. I'm asking you to respect Kendra, who will likely be your daughter-in-law in a couple of years," Luke defended.

"Rebecca, I'm not sure what foolish ideas my mom has drilled into your head, but I will never marry you," Luke stated firmly, directing his stern tone toward Rebecca.

"That's not what it seemed like when you made your way into my bed," Rebecca retorted, her words dripping with venom.

I was heartbroken by her confession. Luke had slept with her, fully aware that she intended to marry him one day. I couldn't understand why I was still allowing myself to be treated like a doormat.

"You can't expect us to support your decision to marry Kendra, Luke. She has no prospects. You heard it yourself. She was thrown out of Harvard and now she's living off of you for free. Her family doesn't come from wealth. They're likely just using you for your money and connections. How did she even get that internship? Oh, right, through you. Meanwhile, Rebecca-"

Rene's tirade was cut short by my fist slamming onto the table.

"That's enough. I refuse to endure another word from your toxic tongue. While I may not come from a wealthy background, I do possess standards and manners far superior to yours. Your belief that your family's wealth is the most appealing aspect of your son disgusts me. He is intelligent, kind, and the most compassionate person I have ever had the pleasure to encounter. It's truly remarkable considering you are his mother." I paused, then turned to Luke.

"As for you, Luke, I am disappointed to hear you would stoop as low as sleeping with someone who has dreamed of marrying you for so long. It makes me question how well I truly know you. If this is indicative of what our future together would be like, then I must reconsider my life with you."

I redirected my focus to everyone seated at the table. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I believe it's time for me to leave," I declared as I rose from my seat and walked away, seething with anger.