Soon, three luxury cars slowly drove into the Spencer family’s yard, grand yet understated. In the living room, everyone stood up politely to greet the arriving guests. The car doors opened, and Tom stepped out, followed by Williams and Jane, all dressed elegantly with an air of nobility. Another car door opened, and the elderly Mrs. Fritz was assisted out. Her exquisite dragon-headed cane touched the ground first as she stepped out energetically, her beige leather shoes looking very refined. She wore a dark handmade long dress and had a kind, beaming smile, her mood as bright as the day’s sunshine.
The Spencer’s yard was spacious, and their villa was magnificent, clearly a significant investment. The entire Fritz family had come, along with several servants. They took carefully selected gifts from the car and placed them on trays, standing in a line behind their hosts. Their uniform attire and solemn expressions showed the Fritz family’s respect for this first meeting between the families.
Mr. Campbell, Mrs. Campbell, Spencer, Summer, and Agnes all came out to greet them. After brief introductions in the yard where the young couple introduced their parents to each other, they moved into the living room. Everyone sat comfortably on the spacious sofa without feeling crowded. Servants brought meticulously cut fruit platters and freshly brewed tea.
“Excuse us, Mr. Campbell, Mrs. Campbell,” Williams began with a friendly smile and a humble demeanor. Despite managing a large corporation for years, he showed no hint of authority today. “Our children have been seeing each other for some time now, and we are visiting you for the first time today. We apologize for any perceived rudeness.”
“There’s no need to be so formal; we haven’t had the chance to visit you either,” Mr. Campbell replied warmly with a smile. “We only found out about their relationship yesterday.”
Mrs. Campbell also smiled but felt slightly complex emotions.
“Mr. Campbell and Mrs. Campbell,” Mrs. Fritz said with a broad smile, getting straight to the point, “we’re here today not just to visit but also to discuss our children’s marriage. Our entire family is very fond of Agnes; she has a wonderful relationship with Tom. So… we would like to propose that this lovely girl marries into our family.”
Tom and Agnes sat quietly on the sofa side by side, holding hands tightly as they waited for their elders to discuss matters without speaking.
The Fritz family elders spoke without any sense of superiority, emphasizing their respect and affection for Agnes and her family first and foremost. This reassured Mrs. Campbell; such a family seemed genuinely good-natured.
Their conversation lacked any hint of arrogance from any member of the Fritz family, which further reassured Mr. and Mrs. Campbell about their character.
“These are gifts that Tom carefully selected for everyone,” Jane said gracefully with a smile that exuded elegance. “We hope you like them.” She then turned slightly and took a light purple box from a tray held by a servant, personally handing it to Mrs. Campbell. “A necklace; I hope you like it.”
Mrs. Campbell quickly stood up and accepted it with both hands, saying repeatedly, “Thank you, thank you; you’re too kind.” Just by looking at the box, she could tell it was valuable.
“Gifts are customary for such meetings,” Jane replied gently.