The girl looked up at him, her expression a mix of surprise and confusion. This question-she hadn’t even considered it. They were finally together, and he was already talking about engagement?
But since he’d brought it up, she had to think about it. “Then… wouldn’t Grandma find out?” Agnes asked, her voice tinged with worry. Her grandmother’s health was always on her mind.
Tom nodded. “She’ll have to know eventually. We did hire extras for that fake engagement, after all.”
Agnes twirled her noodles around her fork, glancing at him. “But what if she doesn’t take it well?”
“Whether she knows now or later, it doesn’t change the fact that we’re together,” Tom said, his tone steady. “She’ll come around. The real challenge is explaining it to your parents.”
Agnes groaned, already feeling a headache forming. “That’s going to be a nightmare.”
“But…” She smiled softly, her eyes meeting his. “You’ll be there with me, right?”
“Of course,” Tom replied without hesitation. “We’ll face it together.”
“Good.” Agnes’s smile widened, her worries momentarily pushed aside. She hadn’t even returned to Arkpool City yet, and the thought of dealing with her parents felt like a distant problem. For now, she was just happy to be with him.
It made sense, though. At 23, she was still young-practically a kid in the eyes of many families.
“We’ll figure it out when we get back,” Agnes said, determined to enjoy the present. “No need to stress about it now.”
“Agreed,” Tom said. “Once I start working at the company, it’ll be a stable job. That should help convince your parents.”
Agnes raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk forming. “Professor Fritz, are you doubting your own charm? Or are you just overthinking things?”
Tom chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “What if I don’t change jobs, and your parents see the news about the lab explosion next door? What if they decide they’re completely against us? What would you do then?”
“I’d choose you,” Agnes said without a second thought.
Tom shook his head, amused by her unwavering confidence. She was so young, so sure of herself. But he wouldn’t make her choose. Respecting her parents’ feelings was part of why he’d decided to leave his project behind and focus on his grandmother-and on building a future with Agnes.
Even though his mentor had offered him a hefty salary to stay, Tom had made up his mind. He’d donated some lab equipment to the school and left without looking back. It wasn’t just about Agnes, though she was a big part of it. He was ready to take on the responsibilities of being a partner-and eventually, a husband.
Agnes’s influence was undeniable. Even his grandmother and parents couldn’t sway him once he’d set his heart on her.
After they finished their noodles, Tom led Agnes back to the bedroom. The moon lamp on the carpet cast a warm, golden glow across the room.
“Do you think Mrs. Brown will come back tonight?” Agnes asked, her voice soft. “She hasn’t had any cake yet.”
“She was already thrilled to see us together,” Tom said, wrapping his arms around her waist. He pressed his forehead gently against hers. “I doubt she’ll be back tonight.”
So it was just the two of them. Agnes felt a wave of warmth spread through her chest. She smiled and hugged him tightly, burying her face in his chest.
“You’ve thought so far ahead,” she murmured, her voice muffled. “Are you planning on this being forever? Are you aiming for marriage already?”
Tom pulled back slightly, gripping her shoulders and looking into her eyes. His expression was serious. “I’m 35, Agnes. Do you really think I’m playing around?”
Agnes laughed, her teasing tone returning. “Alright, alright, no playing around. Let’s go register for marriage tomorrow!”