Mio was sent away before Rebecca’s mother finally spoke. “Rebecca, are you really sure about this?”
“Mom, I’m not a child anymore. I know the kind of person I want. Mio is really good to me.” Rebecca understood her parents were likely worried Mio might have ulterior motives.
“You’ve always been a smart girl. I trust your judgment. As long as he treats you well and you’re happy, your father and I won’t interfere with your relationship.”
Seeing her daughter head-over-heels in love, Rebecca’s mother couldn’t help but recall her own youth. She understood that feeling.
Rebecca had always been selective. At twenty-seven and still single, her parents had grown concerned she might remain unmarried. Now that she had fallen in love so decisively, it was a relief-though they couldn’t entirely ignore the rumors about Mio’s past with Aurora.
“Aunt Clara, I believe Mio has changed. You should give him a chance,” Aurora said, stepping in to speak on his behalf.
“Aurora, you agree with this?”
“Yes. I can tell he genuinely cares for Rebecca. If two people love each other, I don’t think anything else matters.”
“Well… if even you say so, we’ll give him a chance.”
“Thank you, Mom!” Rebecca leaned over and kissed her mother on the cheek.
“How old are you now, still acting like a child?” her mother teased.
“No matter how old I get, I’ll always be your little girl,” Rebecca replied proudly.
“My, you’re getting sweeter with your words these days.”
“Of course! Mio treats me so well-he’s changed me a lot. He even cooks better than the chef at home, makes amazing coffee, arranges flowers beautifully, and drives like a pro…”
“Rebecca, you sound like you’re in one of those sales commercials,” Lila quipped.
“How dare you make fun of me, you little brat!” Rebecca chased after her sister, laughing.
Watching them, Rebecca’s mother sighed. “She really likes him. It’s fate, I suppose. So many men pursued her before, and she didn’t even give them a glance. Now, all her heart belongs to Mio.”
“Fate is a strange thing,” her father agreed.
Mio had successfully passed the Barnet family’s test. That evening, Rebecca insisted on going home with him. Mio could hardly meet her parents’ eyes, feeling they might think he was stealing their daughter away.
For Rebecca, though, it was simple-her happiness came first. Mio hadn’t done anything to provoke suspicion, but he knew her parents might not see it that way. Clearly, it was time to start planning their wedding.
He had once bought a villa, intending to propose to Rebecca, but that plan had been derailed by unforeseen events. Now, Rebecca arrived at his place prepared, even bringing her toiletries and personal items.
“Goodbye!” Mio awkwardly said his farewells to her parents. Would they think he’d kidnapped their daughter?
“Mom, Dad, I won’t be coming home for a while. I’ll be staying at Mio’s place. Don’t wait for me for dinner, and don’t worry-Mio will take good care of me!” Rebecca waved happily as they drove off.
The Barnet family was left speechless.
“Does she have to be so eager? People will think she’s desperate to get married.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll take good care of Rebecca,” Mio assured them.
“Alright. Make sure to visit often,” her father replied, resigned.
They knew Rebecca’s personality well-once she made up her mind, no one could change it. As long as she was happy, that was all that mattered.
Watching the car disappear down the road, her parents exchanged a look. “Why do I feel like we raised an ungrateful child?”
“Lila, don’t end up like your sister,” her mother warned.
“Got it, Mom. I’m going to my room!” Lila skipped away cheerfully.
Mio finally breathed a sigh of relief. Rebecca wiped the sweat from his brow. “See? I told you my parents are easy to get along with.”
“Yeah, now I can relax.”
“From now on, don’t worry. I’ve got your back.”
“Alright, I’ll rely on you.”
That night, Rebecca wasted no time making herself at home, tossing all her belongings into the master bedroom. She hated organizing, but Mio patiently tidied up her clothes and belongings.
Before they knew it, they were living together. Mio still felt a bit dazed, but seeing her things in the wardrobe gave him a sense of home.
“Mio, you’re amazing. I only watched one episode of a show, and you’ve already organized everything!” Rebecca said, clinging to him.
Over time, Mio discovered Rebecca was a clingy, affectionate woman who loved to act spoiled-and he adored her for it.
“I’m only good to you,” Mio said, tapping her nose. “Now go shower and sleep. It’s late.”
“Yes, sir!” Rebecca cheerfully grabbed her nightgown and headed to the bathroom.
When she came out, the room was dark. “Mio?” she called out curiously, noticing a faint glow from the living room.
She followed the light and found the living room filled with candles arranged in a heart shape. Rose petals covered the floor.
In the soft candlelight, Mio knelt on one knee, holding a ring. “Rebecca, will you marry me?”
It had been a rushed setup, but it was the best he could do on short notice. Rebecca covered her mouth, nodding through her tears. She had thought Mio wouldn’t propose again after she ruined his first attempt.
“Yes,” she whispered.
In the romantic glow, he slid the ring onto her finger. “You once said I bought gifts for your parents and sister but not for you. Today, this ring is the gift I’ve been waiting to give you.”
“How did you know my ring size?” Rebecca asked, touched beyond words.
“I’ve held your hand so many times. If I didn’t know by now, wouldn’t I deserve to be punished?” he joked.
“I’d never let that happen. From now on, you’re my dearest husband.” Rebecca threw herself at him, knocking him to the ground.
“Mio, let’s get married,” she said, her voice trembling with emotion. She wanted nothing more than to be his bride.
“Alright. As long as you want it…”
“I do. I want to be your bride,” Rebecca said, tears streaming down her face. She didn’t know why she was crying-she just felt overwhelmed with joy.
“I’ll give you a romantic wedding,” Mio promised.
“I don’t care about formalities. Let’s elope and have a wedding trip instead,” Rebecca suggested. She had always been open-minded. What mattered to her was the person, not the ceremony.
“Alright. Whatever you want, I’ll be with you for the rest of my life.” Mio had long since let go of ambition and fame. As long as he could be with her, that was true happiness.
“Then it’s settled. Forever. Neither of us will ever let go of the other’s hand.”
“Forever,” Mio agreed.