Chapter 2

I turned over, pulling away from Grayson's touch.

"I thought you'd be spending the whole night with Hazel. Since she's still a student and all. Can't function without you."

The bedroom light flipped on, harsh and sudden.

Grayson got out of bed, annoyance creeping into his voice. "Mia, do you have to talk like that? I've explained it to you so many times. I only think of Hazel as a little sister. There's nothing going on between us."

I didn't say anything. I just pulled out my phone and showed him Hazel's post.

In the photos, inside the exact private room we had booked, Grayson's family and Hazel's family were sitting together, perfectly harmonious.

In one picture, Grayson was lowering his head to peel shrimp for her. In another, Hazel was reaching down to touch his face. The two of them were so close they looked like they were about to press together.

The caption read: [Meeting the parents! The guy who's sponsored me all these years is about to become my husband.]

I held up my phone and looked at him. "You really know how to make use of things. I spent a whole week picking out that restaurant and venue. And just like that, it became the place for you to discuss marriage with someone else."

Grayson's expression shifted. He frowned.

"I didn't know she posted this. I'll call her right now and tell her to take it down. Besides, Hazel probably just heard that our families were discussing the wedding and got curious. She was posting for fun. She's just a kid. What does she know about this stuff? You're going to be something like her sister-in-law. You should be more understanding. Don't make a big deal out of everything."

I laughed. "A kid? She's twenty-three. Why don't you just call her a baby?"

Grayson ran his hand through his hair in frustration. "We're about to get married. I don't want to fight with you. I'm sleeping in the study tonight. When you can stop being unreasonable, I'll come back."

The bedroom door slammed shut. The noise woke up my parents. They hurried out, confused and worried, asking what had happened.

I shook my head, reassured them with a few words, and sent them back to rest.

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

On the table sat the pickled ginger they had brought from back home. I had loved it since I was a child.

Grayson came out of the study. He didn't look happy.

My parents hesitated for a moment, then warmly called him over to eat.

But the person they were calling furrowed his brow instantly. "What are you doing here?"

His eyes landed on the table. He wrinkled his nose in disgust. "And what is that disgusting thing you brought? The whole living room smells like it. This is the city, not whatever backwater town you're from. Can you have some manners and some respect? Don't bring your garbage in here."

My parents froze, completely embarrassed. They didn't know where to put their hands or feet.

My mom hurried to clear the ginger off the table, her voice anxious and apologetic. "I'm so sorry, Grayson. I just thought that since Mia has loved this since she was little, I brought some. I wasn't thinking. I'll put it away right now. Please don't be upset..."

In her rush, a bowl slipped off the table and shattered on the floor.

My mom flinched. She glanced nervously at Grayson's face, unsure what to deal with first.

My dad didn't say anything. He just bent his hunched body down and started to pick up the pieces.

My eyes burned.

Back in our hometown, my parents always stood tall and straight. Whenever someone praised me for being successful, they couldn't help but puff out their chests with pride, even as they waved their hands modestly and smiled. But ever since I started dating Grayson, they had been like this all the time. Careful. Tiptoeing.

They refused to take the money I sent them, telling me to save it and buy things for Grayson's parents instead so they wouldn't look down on me. During New Year's, they wouldn't let me buy them anything. Instead, when I left, they would pack up a bunch of local specialties for me to take to his parents.

Even when Grayson's parents stood them up, they didn't dare get angry. The only thing they feared was that someday, I might be the one getting hurt.

I walked over and stopped them. My voice came out hoarse and choked. "Mom, Dad, just eat. I'll clean this up. And don't put the ginger away. I like it."

They tried to help, but I firmly pressed them down into their seats.

Grayson turned and saw me. His expression stiffened for a moment. He opened his mouth awkwardly and said, "That's not what I meant. I have sinus problems. Strong smells bother me. You know that."

I didn't answer him. I quietly swept up the broken pieces and threw them in the trash.

Grayson followed behind me, hovering. He tried to speak several times, but I acted like I didn't see him.

After breakfast, I planned to take my parents to a few nearby sights. But then I got a call from work. There was a problem with a project I was in charge of. A serious one.

Grayson spoke up. "Go take care of it. I'll keep your parents company and show them around. I don't have anything at the office today."

I turned and looked at him. Grayson glanced away, uncomfortable. "The things I said earlier were out of line. I was still carrying over last night's mood. After we get married, your parents are my parents. I promise I'll take good care of them."

I thought about how my parents were leaving with me in three days anyway, and it would be a shame for them to come all this way for nothing. In the end, I nodded.

By the time I finished dealing with the project, the moon was already high in the sky.

I was about to call and ask how my parents' day had gone when my phone vibrated.

I picked up. On the other end, my mom's voice came through, crying and panicked. "Mia, you need to come to the hospital. Your dad got hurt. He passed out..."

The words refused to process, leaving a dull ache in my skull. When I stood up, I almost lost my balance.