Chapter 2

Colin's POV

I rolled over, pulling away from Teresa's embrace. "I figured you'd be staying with Owen all night. After all, he's just a student. He can't manage without you."

Suddenly, the bedroom light flicked on, blinding my sight.

Teresa threw back the covers and got out of bed. Her voice was sharp with impatience as she demanded, "Colin Doyle, do you have to be so passive-aggressive? I've explained this to you a million times. I only see Owen as a young brother. There's nothing going on between us."

Instead of arguing, I unlocked my phone and showed her Owen's latest Instagram post.

There they were, inside the exact private room I had reserved. Teresa's family and Owen's family looked like one big, happy family.

In one photo, Teresa was leaning over to cut steak for him, and Owen was tilting his head down to touch her cheek.

They were close enough to be pressed together.

The caption read, "Our parents are finally meeting! The pretty lady who sponsored me for years is about to become my wife!"

I held the phone and stared at her. "You guys really know how to maximize resources. I spent a week picking out the perfect restaurant, just for you to turn it into your own marriage discussion spot."

Teresa's expression shifted slightly. Frowning, she said, "I didn't know he posted that. I'll call him right now and tell him to delete it. Besides, Owen probably just heard we were discussing wedding plans, got curious, and posted it as a joke.

"He's just a kid. He doesn't know any better. You're the future brother-in-law here. You should be more open-minded instead of sweating the small stuff."

I let out a dry laugh. "A 23-year-old kid? Why don't you just call him an infant while you're at it?"

Teresa ran a frustrated hand through her hair. "We're getting married soon. I don't want to fight with you. I'm sleeping in the study tonight. I'll come back when you're ready to stop throwing a tantrum."

The bedroom door slammed shut with a force that woke my parents. They rushed out into the hallway, asking what was wrong.

I shook my head and reassured them, telling them to go back to sleep.

…

The next morning, I got up early. My parents were already in the dining room with breakfast already made.

On the table was a dish of pickled ginger they had brought from home—something I had loved since I was a kid.

Teresa walked out of the study, looking exhausted.

My parents hesitated for a split second before warmly inviting her to join them.

Seeing them, Teresa frowned. "What are you two doing here?"

Her eyes darted to the ginger, and she immediately covered her nose. "And what is that disgusting smell? The whole place reeks of it. This is Jorvane, not your village. Have some manners. Stop bringing garbage into this apartment!"

My parents froze awkwardly, looking like they didn't know what to do.

Mom frantically reached for the dish. Her voice trembled with panic as she said, "I-I'm so sorry, Teresa. Colin loved it growing up, so I brought it along. I didn't think that much about it. I'll put it away right now. Please, don't be angry…"

In her rush, the plate slipped and shattered on the floor. She flinched and stole a terrified glance at Teresa, unsure what to do first.

Without a word, Dad slowly crouched with his stooped frame to pick up the pieces.

Suddenly, my eyes stung with tears.

Back in our village, my parents always held their heads high. Whenever neighbors praised them for raising a successful son, they would beam with pride, even while modestly brushing off the compliments.

But ever since I started dating Teresa, they had been walking on eggshells.

They refused to accept the money I sent home, telling me to save it to buy gifts for Teresa's parents so they wouldn't look down on me.

They wouldn't let me buy anything when I visited during the holidays, yet they packed my bags with local delicacies to give to Teresa's family when I left.

Even when Teresa's parents stood them up, they didn't dare complain, terrified that it might make life harder for me.

I walked over and stopped them. My voice was thick and raw with emotions. "Dad, Mom, sit down and eat. I'll clean this up. And leave the ginger on the table. I like it."

They tried to help, but I firmly guided them back to their chairs.

Teresa turned and noticed me. Her expression stiffened for a moment as she murmured an explanation, "I didn't mean it like that. I have rhinitis, and I can't handle strong smells. You know that."

Ignoring her. I quietly swept up the broken porcelain and threw it into the trash.

Teresa followed me like a shadow, opening her mouth to speak several times, but I acted like she wasn't there.

After breakfast, I planned to take my parents to see some local sights, but I received an urgent call from work. A critical issue had come up with a project I was managing.

Teresa volunteered. "Go handle your work. I'll take your parents out. I don't have much going on at the office today anyway."

When I looked at her, she shifted her gaze uneasily. "What I said earlier… was out of line. I was taking out last night's frustration on them. Once we're married, your parents are my parents. Don't worry. I'll take good care of them."

Knowing my parents would be leaving with me in three days and shouldn't waste their trip, I finally nodded.

…

By the time the project issues were resolved, the moon was high in the sky.

Just as I took out my phone to check on my parents, it began to vibrate.

I answered, only to hear Mom's frantic, sobbing voice on the other end. "Colin, y-you need to get to the hospital right now. Your dad is hurt. He's unconscious…"

A loud ringing echoed in my ears. As I stood up, I nearly collapsed.