C28 Every Story Ends With You Being Annoying

The guards quickly recognized the guests and opened the gates. As the car slowly drove through the estate, I stared out the window.

“Brother,” I whispered to Chris, “some people are already living our dreams, yet Alicia insists on starting from scratch.”

Unfortunately for them, everyone inside the vehicle heard the comment. “What are you two talking about?” Mary asked. “And who is starting from scratch?” David added curiously.

I smiled. “It’s Alicia. She told us she chose to become an intern because she wanted to earn everything herself. She said she didn’t want to spend her life being treated like a vase waiting to be filled whenever she needed something.”

The adults exchanged surprised glances. David Chambers was the first to speak. “You boys talk about this girl every single day. I’m beginning to wonder what kind of young lady has managed to capture both your attention.”

Mary laughed. “Honestly, every evening it’s Alicia this and Alicia that. Anyone listening would think the three of you grew up together.”

Valeria nodded in agreement. “Same thing at our house. Every day I hear, ‘Alicia said this,’ ‘Alicia did that,’ or ‘Alicia annoyed me today.’” She smiled warmly. “But I must admit, it makes me happy. It feels good seeing our sons enjoying life again.”

Quinton chuckled. “David, I am curious too. Not only did they acknowledge her as their younger sister, but they’re even wearing matching bracelets to symbolize it.”

Both Chris and I immediately felt embarrassed. Chris quickly defended himself. “Don’t get the wrong idea. She’s annoying. You’ll see soon enough.” The adults laughed.

A few moments later, the car came to a stop in front of the mansion.

As soon as they stepped out, Alicia’s father, Mark Mooney, personally came forward to welcome them. “Minister Mooney, you’re being too humble,” David said with a smile. “We should be the ones greeting you first.”

The men exchanged greetings before heading inside. Meanwhile, Peter and Georgia Mooney were already seated at the dining table waiting for everyone to arrive.

Upstairs, Alicia had spent nearly an hour getting ready with her grandmother’s help. In the end, she had chosen the luxurious red dress decorated with delicate pearls.

She looked absolutely stunning. Anyone who saw her would have mistaken her for a celebrity or model.

Yet despite her appearance, she could not sit still. The longer she waited, the more nervous she became. Why were they taking so long? Did my big brothers change their minds?

Just as she stood up to go outside and check, she saw familiar figures entering through the doorway.

A bright smile instantly appeared on her face. Without caring about appearances, she hurried toward them. “Brothers! You’re here!”

She grabbed Michael’s hand with one hand and Chris’s with the other before pulling them toward the dining hall.

Behind them, the parents stood frozen. Such a beautiful young woman. No wonder she had managed to attract the attention of both boys.

The way she interacted with them felt completely natural, like a younger sister greeting family rather than someone with hidden intentions. Perhaps she really was just their little sister.

As they walked toward the dining table, Alicia immediately resumed her favorite hobby teasing Chris. “Protector,” she said with a grin, “today you look like you’re attending a job interview.” Chris sighed.

Before he could respond, Alicia continued. “Actually, maybe they gave Mike the wrong nickname. The title ‘Nerd’ should belong to you. At least Mike knows how to smile.” I burst out laughing.

Chris’s face immediately darkened. “Dad, see?” he complained. “She does this every single day.” The adults couldn't hold back their laughter.

The lively group finally took their seats, while Alicia sat proudly between her two older brothers, looking completely satisfied with herself.

For the first time that day, Alicia's nervousness eased a little.

The atmosphere around the dining table was surprisingly warm. After everyone had settled into their seats, Mark Mooney stood up first with a smile.

“Since this is the first time our families have met, perhaps we should introduce ourselves properly.” Everyone nodded in agreement.

Mark gestured toward the elderly couple seated beside him. “This is my father, Peter Mooney, and my mother, Georgia Mooney. The two of them practically run this household.”

Peter laughed loudly. “Don’t listen to him. He only says that because he is afraid of his mother.” The room immediately filled with laughter.

Georgia lightly smacked her husband’s shoulder. “You old man, must you embarrass our son in front of guests?” Mark rubbed his nose helplessly. “I see I still have no authority in this family.”

Chris and couldn’t help but to smile. The tension we were been carrying since arriving slowly began to disappear.

Mark then continued. “And I am Mark Mooney. My daughter has probably mentioned me more times than necessary.”

Alicia immediately lowered her head. “Dad…” Everyone laughed again. Seeing his daughter embarrassed, Mark decided not to tease her further.

Quinton stood up next. “My name is Quinton Smith, and this is my wife, Mary Smith. We are Michael’s parents.” Mary smiled warmly. “We are grateful for the invitation.”

Peter nodded approvingly. “We should be the grateful ones. Our granddaughter talks about your son so much that I was beginning to think she had adopted a new brother without our permission.”

Alicia nearly choked on her drink. “Grandpa!” The adults laughed while I awkwardly rubbed the back of my neck.

Next, David Chambers stood. “My name is David Chambers, and this is my wife, Valeria Chambers. We are Christopher’s parents.” Valeria smiled.

“It is a pleasure meeting all of you.” Georgia nodded. “We finally get to meet the parents of the young man who is always arguing with our granddaughter.” Everyone turned toward Chris.

Chris almost dropped his glass. “Wait, why am I being singled out?” “Because,” Peter answered with a grin, “every story Alicia tells somehow ends with you being annoyed.” The dining hall erupted with laughter again. Even Chris couldn’t argue.