Since the project’s completion, Andrew and Mary no longer saw each other at the office. Still, their dates remained steadfast, and their affection for one another deepened. Significantly, Andrew had been introduced to Mary’s family. Her parents, Mr. Frank, and Mrs. Frank, were incredibly fond of their potential son-in-law.
The house resonates with laughter and happiness. They, indeed, are a family that others envy. It can be said that Mary is enjoying a wonderful life, from her job to her love.
Although they weren’t married, their bond was as if they were family. Andrew would dine with Mary’s parents each weekend, making their impending nuptials a mere question of timing. Andrew was proving to be a warm-hearted, tolerant, and sincere man. From his appearance to his character, nothing could be criticized. Hence, from their first meeting, Mrs. Frank concluded that nobody else could be more suited to be her son-in-law.
Occasionally, their coworkers at the office would bring up Andrew, curious about the progression of their relationship. Johny initially had his eye on Mary and gave up his pursuits after her tactful refusals. He would be heartbroken to learn that Mary would soon be a bride. But what could be done? One can’t always please everyone.
Jessy and Lani couldn’t help but wonder what magic Mary possessed to melt the heart of the handsome artist. They asked when they could expect a wedding invitation and if they would be asked to be bridesmaids. Regardless of their probing, Mary kept quiet. She will hold this secret until the very last minute.
As Mr. Frank had predicted, the recent project was a resounding success, leading him to plan a second edition due to a significant increase in orders. In this reprint, they would change the book cover for a fresh look, and he had plans to translate it into English, broadening their market into Europe. This was an essential project in his career. Once everything was stable, he planned to transfer the management of the publishing house to Mary and dedicate his time to rest and family care.
That day, Mary had a special dinner preparation, cooking a unique quail egg soup for everyone. Mrs. Frank often encouraged her daughter to learn more recipes for her future married life. Agreeably, a woman doesn’t have to be an exquisite cook, but she should master a few signature dishes to showcase her culinary skills occasionally.
As Mary placed the bowl of soup on the expansive table, garnishing it with a sprinkling of green onions, Mr. Frank admired the steaming dish.
“Who’s the daughter who can cook so well?”
Mary playfully coddles, “Dad acts as if it’s only him and me in the house.”
Mr. Frank glanced across the table where Andrew portioned the noodles, shortening them for easier consumption. He winked at Mary and said, “Andrew is hardly an outsider anymore. In no time, he’ll officially become this family’s son-in-law.”
Upon hearing this, Mrs. Frank readily agreed, “Father and I are right. Our family members wouldn’t hesitate to do anything?”
Andrew placed the noodle plate beside the soup bowl, smiling radiantly, “For me, no one cooks as well as my wife. I believe she must have inherited these great genes from her parents.”
Mrs. Frank’s face lit up with a smile, “See, only my son-in-law could be this understanding.”
The whole family gathered around the table, and Ana Madam stepped inside to fetch a few different side dishes to complete the meal. She had lived in this house since Mary was just a few months old. She had witnessed the little girl learn to crawl, walk, grow up, and become mature, and never before had the family felt as wholesomely happy as they did today. With teardrops brimming, Ana Madam quickly wiped her eyes, hoping no one would see, secretly wishing this moment could last forever.
The sound of conversation and laughter filled the room, the atmosphere flush with warmth. Mr. Frank glanced at Mary and Andrew, then raised his voice.
“Our children’s wedding must be held wonderfully. Our family has many business connections. Thus, the guest list would be more extensive. Moreover, having only one daughter, we only have one chance to present ourselves with pride and joy to the world. It cannot be taken lightly. Having raised her for many years, we eagerly await this day when we can share our happiness with everyone. The two of you should discuss what needs to be prepared for the wedding, then report back to me so I can be at ease. Our family lacks nothing, so you don’t need to worry.”
Knowing her father was concerned about her wedding, Mary glanced at Andrew before responding.
“We have thought about it and plan to try on wedding dresses and prepare for the wedding photoshoot this weekend.”
Andrew, understanding her intentions, collaborated with her in answering.
“We plan to take outdoor wedding photos in Dalat city, but because Mary is busy with her work, we will need to make good use of our time to ensure she can return to work on time.”
Mrs. Frank turned to her husband and said.
“Why don’t you ask the company to give her a week off to prepare for the wedding? She will be exhausted with so much work piling up.”
Mr. Frank was about to speak up when Mary interrupted.
“It’s okay. I’m just an employee at the company. If I get preferential treatment all the time, it will create resentment and a bad precedent. I can manage everything myself.”
Hearing this, Mr. Frank found it reasonable and nodded in agreement.
After dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Frank watched television in the living room. Mary went upstairs but did not see Andrew. She went out to the balcony and found him on the phone. She did not know who was on the other end but heard his warm voice.
“When will you be back? Why didn’t you let me know so I could pick you up?”
This person seemed close to him as he smiled in a friendly manner.
“Don’t worry, everything has been arranged properly, and it will be successful.”
As Andrew ended the call and turned around, intending to go inside, he realized Mary was standing behind him. His expression changed slightly, but quickly, he regained his usual composure and looked at her tenderly.
Mary tenderly handed him a cup of warm milk, asking,
“Who’s been calling you, dear? Is everything going well with your work? I’ve been swamped, so I haven’t been able to tend to you as much. Don’t feel upset, alright?”
As Andrew took the cup from her hands, he gently placed it on the table beside them. His arm enveloped her, drawing her closer to him, her back to his chest. Together, they marveled at the shimmering lights illuminating the city from the towering buildings in the distance.
He pointed to the highest skyscraper piercing the night sky, his deep voice resonating in the silence.
“Do you see that building, love? One day, we will be its owners. You will be its queen, and we’ll have a little princess who’s as petulant and whimsical as you and a handsome prince as charming as me.”
With a playful pout on her lips, Mary tilted her head back to meet his gaze.
“So, I won’t be a princess anymore?”
Suppressing his laughter, Andrew reassured her,
“You will always be my princess.”
Joy swelled in the expansive space around them, filling every corner with jubilance and sweetness. That night, the thousand twinkling lights bore witness to their mutual promise. They shared a tender kiss, exchanging adoring glances and tightening their embrace. It was as if they were reaffirming their profound connection, their lasting bond.