Ken was left gaping.Wasn't that… a little too much?But since Ken felt awkward to turn Mr. Fowler down, he said, "I'll ask…"When Ken hung up, however, he quickly called Rea to tell her that her parents would take action if she still refused to find a man.And when that happened, she would be caught on the backfoot.Nonetheless, Rea didn't answer when Ken called since she was sleeping soundly, unbothered despite her phone vibrating violently.After trying three times, Ken gave up and decided to do it the next morning.-Be that as it may, Mrs. Fowler opened Rea's door just past 6am, calling out, "Wake up, Rea.""Urgh…"Rea tossed around in bed, opening her muddled eyes. "What?""Wake up already. Stan Hill is going back to Franconia today, isn't he? You should go see him."Rea was suddenly wide awake. "W-Wait, how did you know his name?"It turned out that Mr. Fowler had spent the night doing a background check on Stan Hill. And satisfied with what he had found, he was e
Thud, thud, thud!Mrs. Fowler's knocking became even more urgent, "Come on, Rea. Just listen for once, okay? Or it'd be too late, since your dad might follow him abroad if he leaves…"Rea opened the bathroom door and stared at her in shock. "Do you have to go that far? Are men going extinct or something?!""There are plenty of fish in the sea, but how many actually suit you?" Mrs. Fowler argued. "And you've scared off the few that looked right before, haven't you? We have no choice here—you brought this on yourself.""Fine, but on one condition," Rea said."What is it?" Mrs. Fowler asked. "You know dad's not going to be swayed this time. You best consider carefully what you want.""No one gets to meddle. If I'm to get married, it definitely has to be someone I like."Mrs. Fowler knew how good her daughter was at debating, and that she'd never win. Sighing, she said, "Your dad's not going to be so easily persuaded this time. We've been spoiling you for over two decades—we're ge
Stan continued, "Say something nice and I'll help, but I'm walking away if you're going to keep up that attitude.""Stop."Rea promptly caught him—she would be really embarrassed if she let him go, only for her dad to go looking for him."So what should I say?" She asked, batting her eyelashes. "Please?""Not nice enough," Stan smiled in slight amusement. "If you need to ask for a favor, you should at least look the part. Get it?"Rea had certainly not been harassed like this, and she was left heaving, almost exploding right then."Am I not being nice enough?" She asked, as she had bent herself backwards.Stan leaned in to whisper into her ear, "Which part of you, exactly?"Rea was nonplussed, but her cheeks flushed beet red in realization, since she was frustrated too. "You little…""Tut, tut," Stan clicked his tongue. "You're actually blushing? Are you that innocent? Never noticed that myself… but since you're blushing that hard, I'll help you out."Rea was going to snap at
Rea told him, "Just keep your mouth shut and try not to talk.""Be mute—got it," Stan nodded, but leaned forward, "Your parents wouldn't be interested if I'm mute, huh?"Rea snorted coolly, meeting his eyes up close. "What? Are you really trying to get my parents to like you?"Stan cleared his throat awkwardly. "Nope. Just asking."Rea rolled her eyes. "And you're the first man I've ever lost to."She suddenly jammed her foot on the pedal, and her car suddenly lurched forward, catching Stan off guard.As he was pressed into his seat from inertia, his eyes widened in shock as he looked at Rea, "Why are you driving so fast?"Rea completely ignored him, but she wasn't slowing down either.Stan had to catch the car grab handle, "And how did you lose to me? I never did anything to you. Are you trying to get me killed?"Rea huffed. "Shut up."Stan blinked. "I came to help, but I guess I was wrong—stop!!!"There was a SUV dead ahead, and Rea missed it by inches.Stan was so petrif
Stan pursed his lips, while Rea rolled her eyes. "Hey, am I your daughter, or is he?""Daughter? Son-in-laws are better," Mr. and Mrs. Fowler retorted almost at the same time.They knew that their daughter could not do anything aside from fool around, so they wanted a good son-in-law.After all, the family had to count on him in the future, so their daughter's wants had to wait—they must not let a good son-in-law escape.Stan actually felt unaccustomed to such enthusiastic hospitality, while Rea was left rubbing her brow."What's your favorite food?" Mrs. Fowler asked just then. "I'll ask the kitchen to cook—we can have lunch together."Stan turned toward Rea, as if to say she had never mentioned staying for lunch.On the other hand, Rea had enough of her parents' enthusiasm—they were acting like she could not get anyone!Getting up and pulling Stan away from them, she said, "Stan is my boyfriend. How are we going to grow closer if you keep him to yourself?"Both Mr. and Mrs.
However, Stan noticed Rea blushing and moved his lips closer to her ear to tease her. "It's fine—I agreed to help anyway, so I'll help deceive them. That said, this isn't a permanent solution, since you can fool them once, but not all the time.""Of course I know," Rea said, looking everywhere but Stan's face.Still, she had already thought about that on her way to Stan.She would first ask him to pretend to be her boyfriend to stop them from bugging her, and then tell them it was a long-distance relationship when Stan returned to Franconia.That would keep her parents satisfied for a while, and she could use the time to find someone who suited her.If she did, she could tell her parents she broke up with Stan and found a new lover.At the very least, they would not be breathing down her neck about marriage."Don't worry. I'm in your hands." "Hey, you said it, not me," Stan said, able to smell her nice perfume while his eyes stayed unwittingly fixed on her thin neck from up cl
Stan slowly turned to look at Rea's legs—they were long, slender, and fair.Her toenails, poking out of fluffy slippers, were sparkly and made her skin appear fairer.To be honest, she was not ugly—if anything, she was good-looking.Still, Stan turned away and smiled at Rea. "Are you a woman?""What, are you saying that I'm a man?" Rea snorted in annoyance—her skin and appearance were perfect, as befitting of an heiress!"Really?" Stan flashed a sly smile. "Then why don't you prove it?"Rea puffed her chest, only for Stan to purse his lips. "Aren't those fake?""I'm one hundred percent natural, and nothing about me is fake!" Rea huffed. "Stop looking like you don't believe me!"Despite the popularity of plastic surgery, Rea could proudly say that she never needed a scalpel—not even a tiny bit.All she did was professional skincare, and she was too young to need botox.She was a natural beauty and at the peak of her youth, so what use did she have for medical beautification?
Rea was left gaping at Stan—this man was such a bitch, complaining to her parents!And he was the one bullying her!Having had enough, she snapped, "You call yourself a man?!"He was pouting like a wounded wife but also afraid to speak.Mr. Fowler snapped at Rea right then, "What are you saying?! I've really spoiled you so much that you don't understand when it's too much. Apologize to Stan now!"Rea's cheeks were flushed. "He's bullying me.""How? The way I see it, you're the one throwing a fit," Mr. Fowler said. "Apologize to him!""No!" Rea refused stubbornly.She never apologized to anyone and was certainly not going to do it to a man who framed her!"Stan Hill!" she snapped, her chest heaving. "How despicable can you get?!"Stan promptly cringed dramatically. "No, no, you don't have to apologize. I'm used to it—don't get upset with her, Mr. and Mrs. Fowler."Mr. Fowler glared at Rea. "We'll speak later. Let's go downstairs, Stan."Stan nodded.As Stan left, Mr. Fowler
Soon after the wedding, Mr. Fowler proposed for Stan to work at his company to get used to the work over there.He was worried as he did not have much time left, and it would not do if he was gone before the proper arrangements were made.Still, Stan returned to Franconia with Isaac and his family, sorting out things at work and finishing every task he had on hand.While Isaac used to have a lot of free time with Stan around, he was just slightly busier after Stan left. After all, no company should operate in a way that losing a single person would stall all their operations.And after a week, Stan sorted out all the remaining tasks he had in Franconia and returned to Zidonia to start work at the Fowlers' family business.While Stan had property in Zidonia too, he moved into the Fowlers' mansion, but not as a live-in son-in-law. He was simply aware of Mr. Fowler's illness, and Rea wanted to spend more time with her parents.And as the son-in-law, he was obliged to do that much.
Despite feeling wistful, Mr. Fowler eventually passed Rea's hand to Stan. "I hope you will both cherish each other from now on."Rea told him, "We will."Thereafter, it was the usual proceedings of a wedding, with exchange of rings and vows, the wedding speech, and the luncheon!Though everything went smoothly, Mrs. Fowler could not help shedding tears.She was pleased that her daughter was finally getting married, especially since she was looking forward to this.But now that Rea really did marry, she was worried that her life might get difficult and unhappy.Such was the worrisome nature of mothers.-Later, Stan led Rea to Isaac's table.They were all acquainted, but Stan introduced everyone once again to reacquaint them with Rea.After all, she was no longer Zachary's friend's cousin now, but Stan's wife.Erin was grinning from ear to ear. "Congratulations.""Thank you." Rea smiled in return."Congrats," Baby said, imitating the adults.Rea reached out to stroke his c
Zachary said, "I heard you sealed the deal with Rea Fowler, and her family is preparing for your wedding."Stan smiled. "I'm the look of success—getting a girl couldn't be simpler. See? I'm getting married already.""Well, I guess we're all taken now," Erin said.Tommy poked his head up just then. "Congratulations, Uncle Stan.""Thank you." Stan chuckled, patting his head."Also, I heard that you're marrying into the Fowler family?" Zachary asked.Everyone turned to stare at Stan in shock, but it was understandable.Stan was not that modest that he would have to go that far—he had money and was successful enough to afford a wife.Still, Zachary—who knew the Fowlers—suggested, "To be fair, they do need someone to take care of the family business…"-Either way, it meant that Irene's family would be delaying their return trip to Franconia.After all, none of them had expected to attend Stan's wedding so soon after Zachary's.Stan himself did not expect that either, as he had
"What's the problem? We've already slept together," Rea said as she put her clothes on.She frowned as Stan was still on the bed and not moving. "What, are you going to stay in my bed forever?""What am I supposed to wear?" Stan shrugged. "You haven't brought my clothes here.""I'll get it for you."Rea remembered his suitcase then and hurried downstairs to bring it up."Wear whatever you like. I'll be waiting downstairs," she said and hurried away.Stan got out of bed and put on a suit—it was only right to dress formally when it came to discussing marriage.After cleaning up and heading downstairs, he found Rea sandwiched by her parents.Stan had no idea if she had already mentioned it, but both Mr. and Mrs. Fowler were both staring at him, leaving him further tense.Clearing his throat, Stan began, "Excuse me, but—""Yes, we agree to you marrying our daughter.""You mean marrying into our family," Rea corrected them.Everyone else was staring at her before asking all at o
If Rea asked her parents now, they would only get sad, and life would become difficult for everyoneWhat should she do to make them happy?Right, she could get married! Her parents would definitely be pleased. As for the choice of bridegroom, did she not have one readily available here?If Stan could pretend to be her boyfriend, he could definitely be her husband too.They could fake their marriage if they had to!Putting the medical file back where she found it, she wobbled up to her feet and left the room.Stan had yet to step out of the bathroom when she returned, so she sat on the bed and waited.After a while, Stan stepped out with a towel around his waist and paused when he saw Rea sitting there. "Where are my clothes?" He asked, presuming that Rea had forgotten since there was nothing on the bed or the table. "My suitcase is still in your car trunk."Rea turned toward him. "Let's get married."Stan was left speechless for a moment and soon chuckled, "Did you forge
Mrs. Fowler smacked her daughter, but while Rea thought she was angry, she said instead, "Just do your best."Rea's mind was blown—were her parents bewitched? They were completely different from before! A long time ago, her parents had used to tell her that she did not have to marry as long as she was happy.But later on, they had persistently sent her on blind dates… and now, they were telling her to seduce a man?Touching her mother's forehead, Rea asked, "Are you sick?"Mrs. Fowler slapped her hand off. "Your dad and I are leaving now.""Yeah." Mr. Fowler nodded. "The chauffeur is waiting."Rea walked them to the door and watched as their car left before returning inside.She did not go upstairs since Stan was asleep, and she would be bored—she was the type who just could not sit still.However, it was inappropriate if she left since that would leave nobody home.In her boredom, she thought of pranking Stan. She headed upstairs to find him asleep, and soundly at that.Ca
Unable to argue against her parents, Rea said, "Fine, fine. Whatever you say."Mrs. Fowler smiled. "Then help Stan upstairs to get some rest.""Which room?" Rea asked.Mrs. Fowler realized with a start and quickly said, "Oh, there's no bedding in the guest room… So let him stay in your room."Rea was left staring at her in shock. "When did you get so open-minded? Letting a man stay in your daughter's room?"Mrs. Fowler shrugged. "What can he do when he's drunk?""Haven't you heard of drunken fumbles?" Rea asked.Both Mr. and Mrs. Fowler shook their heads at the same time. "Nope."Rea was left totally speechless—this was just outrageous!She would think that Stan was actually their son, if it was not for the fact that they were not acquainted before.They were not like this before either—even if they were urging her to get married, they were not throwing her at a man like this!Mr. Fowler then said, "If anything happens, we'll demand that he takes responsibility and marries y
"I get it," Stan replied quietly. "I wouldn't have been upset even if you didn't explain yourself. But since you did, I forgive you."Rea's brow creased as she pursed her lips. "See? I knew it. We really shouldn't be too nice to you."While Stan was speechless, Mrs. Fowler was enthusiastically putting food on Stan's plate. "This is our family's favorite dish. Try it."Stan nodded after a bite. "It's good."Mrs. Fowler smiled, while Mr. Fowler poured him a glass of wine. "Can you hold your liquor?"Stan smiled. "More or less.""You're being humble now." Mr. Fowler smiled at him. "You're definitely a good drinker.""A little."Rea had enough right then. "Dad, Stan has work to do, and he has to return to Franconia tomorrow. You're going to make things difficult for him."Mr. Fowler smiled awkwardly. "Right…" "You think?" Rea huffed, snatching his wine away. "Everyone only gets to have one glass."Mr. Fowler glared at Rea. "Party pooper."Rea shrugged. "I'm doing this for your
Rea turned her head aside. "Then what's your hobby?"Stan did a double take and remembered his life… which was work and more work.It had been years since he took leave, and he would not get to goof off the last few days if it had not been for Zachary's wedding.Hobby? He certainly did not have anything like that.Now that he thought about it, his life was boring and monotonous, and he did not have anyone very close.That was why he wanted a kind, understanding wife to care and offer him company while he took care of her needs.When he looked up at Rea, he clearly felt that she was not for him—he needed someone to take care of him, but with her, he would be busy taking care of her instead."You're looking at me weirdly," Rea suddenly said."How so?" Stan asked.Rea moved closer, looking him in the eyes and asking solemnly, "Don't tell me—you've fallen for me?""You don't just suffer from a flawed personality—you're narcissistic too."Stan pursed his lips and checked the tim