Rosalind and Malcolm strolled side by side towards the entrance of the V1 ward. The two bodyguards stationed on either side hesitated upon seeing them, unsure whether they should intervene. Malcolm’s unfamiliar face added to their uncertainty.
“This is my boyfriend,” Rosalind declared, fully aware that her mother could hear her from inside, leaving her no choice but to introduce him in that manner.
Malcolm stood beside her, a smile playing at his lips as he whispered, “Your introduction doesn’t quite sound like we’re a couple. It feels more like we’re about to negotiate a contract.”
Rosalind suddenly realized the unintended impression her words had made and chuckled at herself.
As Eva’s gaze fell upon them, the first thing she noticed was their shared smile.
“Mom!”
Rosalind swiftly wiped away her smile and walked over to her mother’s bedside, consciously maintaining some distance between Malcolm and her mother. She feared that Eva might fly into a rage and slap him!
“Madam, I apologize. Work has kept me incredibly busy lately, and I haven’t had the chance to visit you. It’s entirely my fault,” Malcolm swiftly adapted to his role as the boyfriend, a hint of nervousness and genuine remorse evident on his handsome face, as if meeting his partner’s parents for the first time.
However, Eva wasn’t easily fooled.
She scrutinized the pair, her gaze eventually fixating on Malcolm’s face. “Have you two really registered?”
“Yes…” Malcolm’s voice softened as he lowered his head, speaking sincerely, “Although I realize it was improper, I truly love Rosa and wish to spend my life with her.”
Eva turned her attention to her daughter. “And what about you?”
Startled, Rosalind couldn’t muster the same naturalness as Malcolm. “I… I am sincere too. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have impulsively registered.”
“What about your parents’ stance on my daughter? They can’t be oblivious to this, can they?”
“They know!” Malcolm promptly replied. “And they hold her in high regard. They consider me fortunate to marry such a beautiful girl.”
“Hmph.” Eva emitted a cold laugh. “If that’s the case, why haven’t they come today?”
Rosalind realized her mother was about to make things difficult and swiftly interjected, “Mom! We agreed that I would bring him alone today, didn’t we?”
“But if his family truly accepts you, why would they let him come alone? Who marries off their daughter without even meeting the in-laws? Nobody would believe it!”
Rosalind fell silent, aware that her mother had already devised numerous tests awaiting them.
Getting through this wouldn’t be easy.
Just as the situation grew increasingly awkward and seemingly unsolvable, Malcolm’s voice rang out, filled with surprise. “Madam, are you suggesting that you’d like to meet my parents?”
Eva arched an eyebrow, clearly caught off guard by his comment.
“They were aware I was coming today and repeatedly expressed their desire to accompany me, to demonstrate our family’s sincerity and recognition of Rosa as their daughter-in-law. However, Rosa mentioned to me that you prefer tranquility and dislike disturbances, so I refrained from bringing them along.”
In her mind, Rosalind silently applauded Malcolm’s quick thinking. He truly was resourceful.
But in the next moment, Eva declared, “If that’s the case, trouble them to come now! Otherwise, your parents might think I’m difficult to get along with!”
Now?!
“Mom! Please don’t-”
“Madam, since you don’t mind the inconvenience, I’ll call them right away. My parents would be delighted to come and meet you!”