Lena stiffened momentarily, her mind in a daze. This was not the first time Chris had suggested going home to meet his parents and discuss marriage. Previously, when he had brought it up, she had found excuses to avoid the conversation. But this time, she did not know what excuse she could use.Chris' gaze dimmed slightly. "Lenny, don't you want to come home with me?"Lena bit her lip, her heart pounding. The more these moments came up, the less she could find the right words to say.Chris was getting anxious. "Don't you want to marry me?"Of course, Lena wanted to! She just was unable to say it.Sometimes, she really disliked her personality—introverted, keeping everything inside, as if she were deliberately resisting communication with the outside world.Chris took a deep breath and slowly let go of his hand around her waist. He turned away from her. When he turned back, he met her sparkling eyes. In those eyes, he glimpsed a moment of timidity, a side of Lena he had never seen
Lena lowered her head and remained silent, a faint blush creeping onto her face.Persephone had fallen asleep, so Zephyr and Cordelia invited Nicholas and Linda to hang out elsewhere.Zuko stretched, preparing to go to his study to deal with some work.Chris patted his shoulder and gave him a signal with his eyes."What's up?" "I need a favor." Chris grinned. "Let's talk in your study.""But..." Zuko's gaze turned to Lena.Lena chuckled. "I'll go chat with Pamym for a bit.""Something's… not quite right with you two." Zuko immediately noticed the issue. "Chris, is what you're going to talk to me about the same as what Lena will discuss with my wife?""Get over here!" Chris grabbed and dragged him into the study.Lena knocked on the door.Lina had just woken up and greeted her with exceptional joy."Sis, don't move!" Lena hurriedly pressed her down. "You have a surgical wound!""It's healed already!" Lina smiled wryly. "It's been a month. Can't I move a bit?""I've had wo
In the study, on the other side.Chris was also pouring his heart out to Zuko. "Lenny… She...""She's perfectly fine." Zuko chuckled. "Apart from her background, what doesn't match up with you? Besides, do we really need to consider family backgrounds when two people are together? You've always been unconventional! You even dared to change the name our great-grandfather gave you.""I don't care about it, but Lenny is too levelheaded!" Chris smiled wryly. "While others lose their wits when they're in love, I feel like Lenny's IQ keeps increasing the more she's in love!""Don't be ungrateful!""I'm quite content," Chris said, looking at him. "But just this meeting-the-parents thing, you have to help me!"Zuko looked at him disdainfully."Zuko, I don't care!" Chris started to act like a child. "If you don't agree today, I'll...""You'll what?""I'll come to cuddle your daughter every day!" Chris smirked. "I'll hold her to sleep and let her know how comfortable it is to be cuddled
Before going to meet Chris' parents, Lena had already heard Lina's introduction. Chris' father was Marco Hamerton—not particularly outstanding among the Hamerton descendants, but far from mediocre.Marco was knowledgeable and gentlemanly. He had little interest in business and had dedicated his life to archaeological research. He was also an honorary professor in the Ancient Literature Department at the University of Centrolis.His wife, Fleur Warnock, also had quite a background. The Warnocks were a prominent military family, with ancestors stationed on the border that continued to this day. Many members of the Warnocks held important positions in the military, especially in border areas. Fleur's family played a significant role in maintaining peace on the border.On their way to the meeting, Chris said, "Lenny, my mom's been pampered since childhood. Besides, my grandfather has several sons, but she's his only daughter. As such, she's been doted on. Her temper is a bit... Well, it
Fleur pursed her lips, adjusted her shawl, and shot him a proud look.The dinner that followed was something Lena found amusing but could not laugh.The dishes were plentiful, and the hotel's service was attentive. Marco was not that difficult to get along with, but Fleur..."Let me be clear!" Fleur put down her cutlery, fiddled with her massive Kashmir sapphire ring, and glanced around before fixing her gaze on Lena. "Ms. Harding, the Warnocks are not just any ordinary household. It's not a place for just anyone, and..."Marco coughed and weakly reminded her, "Dear, it's the Hamertons. The Hamertons...""Oh?" Fleur immediately raised her voice. "You old man, bad! When you were young, you pursued me and talked about marrying into my family! Into my family, understand?"Marco coughed even harder.Chris covered his face and shot an exasperated look at Lena through his fingers.-After their meal, Chris walked Lena back to the apartment and headed over to the Hamerton residence.
Chris encountered Marco entering with tea just as he was leaving the living room. He swiftly departed, vanishing before his father could utter a word.Marco sighed and topped up Fleur's tea. He approached her with a smile. "Why the serious face, my dear? I thought you'd already—""Already what?" She glared at him."Nothing, nothing," he stammered. "I mean, isn't it better to give him what he wants? He's like a block of wood. When have you seen him interested in a girl? It's a rare occurrence that he's finally opening up, so let's not argue with him!""What do you know?!" She punched him. "I have my own plan. Stop being nosy!""Hehe!" He chuckled. "Aren't you just worried she'll steal your spotlight once they're married? Don't fret, my dear. You'll always be the queen at home!""Go away!"She remained stubborn but had a smile in her eyes. Marco settled onto the couch, and she casually put her legs on him, coaxing him to give her a massage. He smiled, his eyes filled with allure
Fleur didn't seem to treat Lena as her future daughter-in-law. Instead, she appeared eager to separate Lena and Chris immediately. Lena wanted to laugh but refrained, fearing she might wake up the sleeping Persephone.Lina sighed softly and said, "How can I describe my aunt? She may seem arrogant, intimidating, and self-centered, much like Zuko's grandfather, but beneath it all, she's actually quite kind-hearted. She may have her flaws, but considering her upbringing, they make sense."Lena pursed her lips and smiled.She had heard that Zuko's grandfather was the pufferfish of Southeast Asia. She couldn't help but wonder what Fleur would look like when she was all puffed up.Fleur came from a family of heroic men, her father being a general. Given her unique status as the only daughter in her family, it was understandable that she was spoiled.Chris had mentioned she married Marco, an elegant scholar, right after graduation. Her in-laws continued to spoil her. Chris often said t
Fleur couldn't deny that Chris had a unique taste. She was about to explore this further when suddenly, a voice interrupted her thoughts."Madam Fleur?""Oh my, it's really Madam Fleur!""What brings you out today, Madam Fleur? Afternoon tea, perhaps?"Fleur nearly choked on her coffee.Lena was also surprised when she glanced up. She saw a group of wealthy women adorned with jewelry surrounding them, eager to flatter."Your shawl is lovely, Madam Fleur!""Your skin is flawless, Madam Fleur. Look at me; I look so tired compared to you!""Indeed. Just compare Madam Fleur's skincare regimen to yours! Hahaha!"They were having a good time, but Fleur's smile seemed forced. She was honest and had a touch of social anxiety, especially when taking photos with the affluent. They always insisted on her being in the center, requiring her to fake a smile.Fleur could endure many things, but pretending to smile was not one of them. She would rather avoid it at all costs."Madam Fleur!"