C137 The Message That Surprised Me

Morning sunlight poured through the windows of the Mooney residence as the family gathered for breakfast. Peter gently placed his teacup on the table before looking at his son. "Mark, I found a suitable date." Mark looked up. "So soon?" Peter nodded. "I believe the engagement should be held the day after tomorrow. It is an auspicious day according to the calendar."

Mark smiled. "I trust your judgment, Father." He glanced at the clock before standing. "Unfortunately, I have a busy day ahead. The investigation into Mike's case will take most of my time. If Alicia asks, tell her I'll probably return late." Peter nodded. "I will." Georgia folded the newspaper beside her. "If we're deciding something this important, shouldn't we first ask the Smith family?"

Peter chuckled. "Exactly." He turned toward his wife. "I was actually hoping you'd accompany me." Georgia pretended to think for a moment. "So you can't negotiate without me?" Peter laughed. "Do you really expect me to visit our future in-laws alone?" Mark couldn't help smiling. "You two never change."

A few minutes later, the family left the residence. Mark drove toward the Police Ministry with several security vehicles following behind him. Peter and Georgia climbed into the family sedan, their driver quietly steering toward the Smith residence.

Inside the Smith home... Mary carefully glanced at the necklace and a ring on the dining table. Quinton looked over curiously. "You've been staring at those all morning." Mary smiled softly. "I've been wondering..." She gently picked up an old silver necklace. "Do you think it's finally time?"

Quinton knew exactly what she meant. "Our family heirloom?" Mary nodded. "I already gave Alicia the bracelet and earrings." She smiled. "I don't know why... but from the very first day I met that girl, something told me she'd become part of this family." Quinton laughed. "You were already planning our son's marriage before he even knew it." Mary lightly nudged him. "I wasn't planning anything." She looked at the necklace again. "I simply hoped."

Just then... A luxurious black sedan stopped outside. Quinton looked through the window. "We have visitors." Opening the door, both husband and wife froze. Standing outside were Peter and Georgia Mooney. Each carried several expensive gift boxes. Mary hurried forward. "Mr. Mooney... Mrs. Mooney... why did you bring so many gifts?" Georgia smiled warmly. "Because we're visiting our future in-laws." Peter nodded in agreement. "It wouldn't be proper to come empty-handed." Everyone laughed before welcoming them inside.

After tea had been served, Peter got straight to the point. "We came to discuss the engagement ceremony." He paused. "I've chosen a date, the day after tomorrow." He looked at Quinton. "But before making it official, we wanted to hear your opinion." Quinton smiled without hesitation. "Mr. Mooney..." He shook his head. "You saved my son when the whole world abandoned him." He glanced at Georgia. "And you've raised an extraordinary granddaughter."

Peter smiled proudly. Quinton continued. "She's talented..." "Kind..." "Respectful..." He suddenly laughed. "Do you know she defeated both David and me in chess?" Peter blinked. "Both of you?" Mary laughed. "Within five minutes." Peter burst into laughter. "My granddaughter really did that?"

Mary nodded proudly. "And after beating us, she even taught me how to cook." Georgia looked surprised. Mary added "She still sends me cooking videos." Her face brightened. "Every week." "Not only me." "Valeria watches them too." "At first she doubted Alicia's recipes." Mary laughed. "But after tasting one of the dishes..." "Now she's always asking whether Alicia has sent another video." The atmosphere became increasingly lively.

Mary soon disappeared into the kitchen before returning with several dishes Alicia had previously taught her. "Please." "You two have to judge whether I have learned well." Peter eagerly picked up his chopsticks. After tasting the first bite... He closed his eyes. "Very good." Georgia nodded after tasting another dish. "This one's delicious."

Peter laughed. "Unfortunately..." "No matter how hard you practice..." "You'll never surpass the teacher." Everyone burst into laughter. As they continued eating, Quinton suddenly remembered something. "Actually..." "Mary and I were discussing our family heirloom before you arrived." Georgia smiled knowingly. "You mean the ring and necklace?" Mary blinked. "How did you know?"

Georgia giggled. "You've already given Alicia the bracelet and earrings." She smiled. "I noticed them the first time she visited." Mary looked genuinely surprised. "You recognized them?" Georgia nodded. "Of course." She smiled proudly. "My granddaughter never wore bracelets." "She always said jewelry got in the way." "But after you gave her yours..." "She wears them every single day." Mary couldn't hide her happiness.

Peter laughed. "Then it's settled." "The engagement date..." "And the heirlooms." Everyone nodded happily. After chatting for nearly another hour, Peter and Georgia excused themselves and headed home.

At Wood IT Company... I had barely settled into his chair when someone knocked. "Come in." The door opened. Alicia walked inside carrying several files. She looked elegant yet professional. Mike smiled. "I thought you'd be busy." "I am." She sat opposite him. "But we're leaving soon anyway." She placed the files on the desk. "No point starting new projects." "We should finish everything already assigned." I nodded. "You're right."

Soon the two of us became immersed in work. To anyone passing outside the office, we looked like nothing more than two dedicated colleagues. No one would have guessed that we were only days away from getting engaged. Time quietly passed. The room remained peaceful except for the clicking of keyboards.

Then... Buzz. My phone vibrated. I frowned. "A company email?" I reached for the phone. "Who would email me instead of walking into my office?" Curious, I opened it. My eyes scanned the first line. Hi... I know you've already moved on... But I still love you. I frowned. My heartbeat suddenly became uneven. I continued reading. You were my everything. Every day I tell myself to forget you... Yet every time I see you... My heart refuses to listen. Please don't marry Alicia

My fingers slowly tightened around the phone. The words felt strangely familiar. Almost... Painful. Without realizing it, I whispered, "...Who sent this?"