“De.. Dear.”
“What?”
“Dear, my heart is pounding so hard. Can’t we just sit here for a little while before getting out?”
Her voice trembled violently, barely escaping her quivering lips. Her face was pale as a sheet.
“Why are you shaking like that?”
“I’m worried his mother will be surprised when she sees me. And I’m anxious she won’t like me.”
Her anxious words, spoken with a flushed face, revealed her considerable nervousness. Dylan took Lola’s hand firmly. Her hand was ice-cold, showing how tense she was.
“Don’t you trust me?”
This sounded awfully familiar.
One shouldn’t blindly trust a man’s words, but something about Dylan’s words felt unshakably reassuring, finally allowing Lola to calm down.
“I told you to just trust me and follow me. My mother is kind and generous; she won’t make you uncomfortable. So don’t be so anxious.”
Dylan added, as Lola took a deep breath.
“And I’m right here with you. What’s there to worry about?”
“Yes, I feel better now.”
“Good.”
Soon, they got out of the car, Dylan holding Lola’s hand tightly until they reached the front door.
Having heard them, Mariana and Zach were already waiting at the entrance.
Since Dylan had said he would bring the woman he was going to marry to greet them, Mariana and Zach had been excitedly anticipating their arrival since morning.
They felt relieved that their son was finally getting married, but at the same time, they were curious about the woman who would become their daughter-in-law.
“No way, who is this? Isn’t this Lola?”
Seeing Lola entering with Dylan, Zach was utterly surprised. Mariana was equally shocked. At that moment, Mariana and Zach thought Lola had just dropped by for a visit. It was unusual for Lola to suddenly appear at their house when Gia wasn’t there, but they welcomed their daughter’s friend as warmly as before.
“Lola, it’s been ages. But what brings you here? Gia’s not home.”
“But how did you come in together with Dylan? Did you two meet up beforehand?”
As soon as Mariana finished speaking, Zach looked around, wondering where the woman Dylan had mentioned was.
Then Dylan briefly introduced Lola to them.
“Father, Mother. This is Lola Dax, the woman I’m going to marry.”
Mariana and Zach stared at each other in stunned silence.
“Dylan, is the woman you’ve been seeing, Lola?”
“Yes.”
Dylan confirmed Mariana’s question.
“Nice to meet you, sir, mother. How have you been?”
Lola bowed politely. As always, she addressed Zach as “sir” and Mariana as “mother.”
“Oh, my goodness! I never imagined Dylan was dating Lola.”
Even while receiving Lola’s greeting, Mariana was still dazed and confused.
I had a feeling Gia knew something.
Oh, that child! If she had given us a heads-up, I wouldn’t have been so surprised.
“Come and sit down instead of standing there.”
Quickly recovering from his surprise, Zach guided them to the comfortable sofa.
“Yes, thank you.”
Although somewhat surprised, Lola’s face relaxed as she saw their kind welcome, just as before.
Once seated, Mariana curiously began to question Lola.
“When did you two start dating? Goodness! Who would have thought Lola would become Dylan’s partner? It still feels like a dream.”
“How have you been, mother? Are you feeling alright? I’m sorry I haven’t visited often.”
“It’s okay, I know you’ve been busy. I haven’t seen Gia in a while either; she seems to be incredibly busy.”
Mariana and Lola continued their conversation, leaving Dylan little chance to interject.
Watching Lola converse comfortably and naturally with Mariana, in contrast to her shyness around him, Dylan felt a strange mix of emotions.
“Mother, you’re still so elegant.”
“Oh, honey! I’m old now, full of wrinkles.”
“No, you’re still beautiful.”
Mariana couldn’t help but smile at Lola’s words.
They had known each other for fourteen years.
She was a kind, well-mannered child with a good heart. It was truly unimaginable that she would become Dylan’s partner.
The more Mariana thought about it, the more amazed and moved she felt by this unexpected connection.
“How’s work at the hospital? Are you very busy? Isn’t Lola taking her specialist exam soon?” Zach asked again, handing Lola a cup of coffee. Lola answered demurely.
“Yes, it’s still some time before the exam. Work at the hospital is busy at times, but it’s enjoyable. Sir, do you still go fishing?”
“You remember that?”
“I remember going to the fishing spot with Gia.”
Memories flooded back, bringing smiles to the faces of Mariana, Zach, and Lola. It had been a long time since such cheerful laughter filled Mariana’s house, especially without Gia. Dylan was also happy, but as usual, he didn’t show it outwardly.
“Wow! Who knew fate would bring us together like this? It’s good to see you again.”
“But when did you two start dating?”
