C116 A Fathers Decision

After getting home, I parked my bicycle in its usual place. Just as I was about to walk inside, my footsteps came to a halt. My mind was a complete mess. Should I tell my parents everything that had happened today? The truth about Ben... The truth about Samantha... The truth that Laura had finally revealed to me...

They had worked for the Wood Family for years. If I suddenly told them everything, would it put them in danger? I stood outside for almost a minute before taking out my phone. There was only one person I wanted to ask. Alicia. The call connected almost immediately. Meanwhile, Alicia had just arrived home. She had barely stepped out of the car when her phone rang. Seeing my name appear on the screen made her heartbeat quicken. Had I remembered the kiss? Did I regret it? Or... Did I want to see her again?

Trying to calm herself, she answered. "Hello?" "I need your opinion on something," I said. She let out a small breath of relief. "Sure. What is it?" I paused for a few seconds. "Do you think I should tell my parents everything? Or should I keep it a secret? They both work for the Wood Family, and I don't know whether telling them will protect them or put them in danger."

Alicia became thoughtful. She understood exactly how difficult the decision was. Finally, she answered softly. "No... at least not yet." "You've only just learned the truth yourself. Give yourself some time first. Once everyone has calmed down, then you can decide what to tell them." I nodded even though she couldn't see me. "You're right." "Thank you." After ending the call, I finally walked inside.

The familiar smell of dinner greeted me immediately. Mary was in the kitchen, busy cooking. Quinton was sitting in the living room alone with a chessboard in front of him, moving both sides by himself. When he noticed me, he smiled. Instead of heading upstairs, I walked over and sat opposite him. Quinton raised an eyebrow. "That's surprising." "What is?" "You've never been interested in chess before."

I grinned. "Are you just afraid I'll beat you in five minutes?" He laughed. "You?" "Yes." "Just like Alicia beat you." Before Dad could answer, Mom laughed loudly from the kitchen. "Don't compare yourself to Alicia." "Even your father wouldn't last five minutes against her. Quinton pretended to be offended. "Mary!" She giggled. "I'm only telling the truth."

Then she lifted the lid off one of the pots. "Oh! Today I'm trying that recipe Alicia posted in her cooking video." Quinton and I looked at each other. "You actually followed it?" I asked. She nodded proudly. "Of course." "I trust Alicia." For some reason, hearing Alicia's name brought back the memory of what had happened in her office. That unexpected kiss... Her soft lips... The warmth that lingered even after we separated...

Without realizing it, I touched my own lips. "Mike?" Quinton’s voice snapped me back. "You've gone completely quiet." Mary peeked into the living room. "And your face is red." I quickly rubbed my cheeks. "N-Nothing." Mary narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "I didn't say anything." Quinton chuckled. "I think someone is thinking about a girl." "I'm not." Neither of them looked convinced.

Soon, our chess match began. Twenty minutes later, neither of us had won. Mary walked over carrying plates. She looked at the board before shaking her head dramatically. "See?" "If Alicia were here, both of you would already be asking for another game." Quinton sighed. "Must you praise her every five minutes?" "I praise people who deserve it." The three of us laughed together.

Dinner was finally ready. As soon as we sat down, the aroma alone made my stomach growl. The food tasted far better than any of us expected. Quinton took another bite before smiling. "This is excellent." "It really is," I agreed. Mary shook her head. "Don't praise me." "I simply followed Alicia's instructions." "If you're thanking anyone, thank her." I smiled quietly. Maybe someday... I'd thank her properly.

Across the city... Alicia walked straight into the Mooney Family mansion. Normally, she would have gone upstairs to change first. Today, however, she headed directly for the kitchen. Her heart still hadn't calmed down. Every time she remembered the moment in the office... The way Mike had looked into her eyes... The gentle kiss... A smile unknowingly appeared on her face. She lightly touched her lips. "So this is what happiness feels like..."

Since she was in such a wonderful mood, she decided to prepare one of Scotland's most beloved celebration dishes Cranachan, a traditional dessert made with fresh raspberries, toasted oats, cream, honey, and a hint of whisky flavoring. She also prepared a hearty Scottish main course alongside it so everyone could enjoy a complete family dinner.

She asked one of the maids to record another cooking video. The delicious aroma soon spread throughout the mansion. Even the kitchen staff, who normally finished their work and quietly left, found themselves gathering near the doorway. One maid shyly asked, "Miss Alicia... would it be alright if we had some too?" Alicia laughed warmly. "Of course." "Everyone should eat."

Before serving the family, she carefully prepared plates for every maid first. Their grateful smiles made her even happier. Only then did she carry the dishes into the dining room. The entire Mooney Family was already waiting. Georgia looked at the meal in surprise. "Alicia..." "Is today someone's birthday?" Everyone turned toward her.

Georgia continued. "You only prepare food like this when something special happens." The entire table became curious. Alicia laughed softly. "No, Grandma." "It isn't anyone's birthday." "Then why?" She hesitated briefly. Then answered honestly. "Because Mike finally learned the truth." The room became silent.

She slowly explained everything. How Ben had manipulated Samantha years ago... How Samantha's pregnancy had changed both of their lives forever... How Mike had misunderstood Samantha all these years... "And today..." "He finally learned she wasn't the villain he believed she was."

Georgia lowered her eyes. "So..." "They both suffered." Alicia nodded. "Yes." "They've both been carrying pain all these years." No one spoke for several seconds. Eventually, Georgia sighed. "What a cruel fate." The conversation slowly shifted back to dinner, but everyone's thoughts remained heavy.

Elsewhere... Josh arrived at the Gomez residence. The luxurious mansion glittered beneath the evening lights. Gold decorations, expensive artwork, and elegant furniture filled every corner. Seeing everything only strengthened his belief. Laura deserved a life like this.

After exchanging greetings, everyone sat down. Josh politely asked Bright to excuse them. "What I need to discuss is between parents." Bright obediently left the room. Josh took a deep breath. "My daughter has suffered because of the incident online." "People at her University continue talking about those photographs." "She rarely leaves her room now." Prince and Godness quietly listened.

Josh continued. "I've also been observing your son." "He's hardworking." "Responsible." "And respectful." "I believe he'll have a bright future." Still, neither of them understood why he was praising Bright. Finally, Josh revealed his purpose. "I would like to propose a marriage alliance."

The room fell silent. "My daughter Laura..." "And your son Bright." Prince blinked in surprise. "You wish for them to marry?" Josh nodded. "As her father, I only want to secure her future." "If you agree, I'll do everything I can to support Bright's promotion at work." Neither parent answered immediately.

Eventually, Prince smiled politely. "We'll discuss it with our son first." Josh stood. "That's all I ask." After leaving his business card behind, he excused himself. The moment he was gone, Bright hurried downstairs. "Dad?" "What happened?" His parents exchanged glances.

Prince sighed. "You've created a much bigger problem than you realize." Bright frowned. "What do you mean?" "He came to ask for your hand in marriage." Bright froze. "...What?" "Laura Tryon." His eyes widened. "But..." Godness gently interrupted. "He also promised to help your career."

Bright slowly lowered his head. He knew Laura loved Mike. If he accepted... He would be hurting his friend. If he refused... Josh might make life difficult for him as well. "I..." "I need time to think." His parents nodded. "We understand."

Meanwhile, Josh returned home. He immediately called for Laura. She quietly followed him into the sitting room. Josh looked at her with gentle eyes. "My daughter..." "When your mother passed away, you were only ten years old." Laura nodded silently. "I promised myself that you would never lack anything." "I worked every day." "I gave you the best education." "I tried to be both your father and your mother."

Laura lowered her head. "I know, Dad." His voice softened. "Then why can't you trust me now?" "I only want what's best for you." "I visited a good family today." "You'll never have to worry about your future." Before Laura could answer, Josh's phone rang. He answered immediately. It was Prince. "We've discussed it." "We'd like to invite you and Laura for dinner tomorrow."

Josh smiled brightly. "Thank you." After ending the call, he looked at his daughter with excitement. "They agreed." "My child..." "Everything is settled." Laura slowly lifted her head. Tears filled her eyes. "Dad..." "There's something you need to know." Josh smiled. "What is it?"

She took a trembling breath. "I am no longer pure." "I've already given Mike a place in my life that I can never give another man. I already slept with him" The smile on Josh's face slowly disappeared. The room became deathly silent.