C29 If One Day You Choose Either Of Them

The introductions continued naturally. Unlike what we had expected, nobody questioned their backgrounds. Nobody asked about wealth. Nobody compared status.

Instead, they spoke about family, work, childhood stories, and life experiences. Peter shared embarrassing stories about Mark growing up.

Georgia revealed how Alicia used to cry whenever she received less attention than her cousins. Mark retaliated by exposing how Alicia once hid inside a closet because she was too shy to greet guests.

Alicia wanted the floor to swallow her whole. “Grandma!” “Father!” “Can we please change the topic?” Unfortunately for her, nobody listened. Even Chris and I were laughing.

Dinner continued for nearly two hours. The food was excellent, but what everyone enjoyed most was the conversation.

At one point, Peter looked toward me and Chris. “I understand now.” The table became quiet. Peter smiled warmly. “Our granddaughter has good judgment.”

Alicia froze. We also looked surprised. Peter continued. “You are respectful, hardworking, and honest young men. Most importantly, you treat our granddaughter as family.”

Georgia nodded in agreement. “That is more valuable than status or money.” The words carried no hidden meaning. They were sincere.

For the first time that evening, Alicia finally relaxed completely.

The worry she had carried for days disappeared. Nobody was opposing her friendship. Nobody was judging her brothers. Nobody was looking down on their families. Everything she had feared never happened.

As the evening continued, David and Quinton began discussing work. Mary and Valeria chatted comfortably with Georgia. Mark occasionally joined different conversations while Peter entertained everyone with old stories.

The atmosphere felt less like strangers meeting for the first time and more like relatives catching up after years apart.

Eventually, the night grew late. Everyone slowly stood up from the table.

Outside the mansion, the cool evening breeze greeted them. Mark personally walked the guests toward their vehicles.

“We must do this again sometime,” he said sincerely. Quinton smiled. “We would be honored.” David nodded. “Next time, perhaps at our place.”

Peter immediately pointed at him. “Good. Then I expect another dinner invitation.” Everyone laughed.

As farewells were exchanged, Georgia gently held Alicia’s hand. “You spent the entire week worrying over nothing.” Alicia looked embarrassed. “I was not worried.”

Peter laughed loudly. “You practically bribed us with gifts yesterday.” The adults burst into laughter again. Alicia’s face immediately turned red. “Grandpa!”

Mark shook his head helplessly. “Our little princess was afraid we would scare away her brothers.” Chris grinned. “Honestly, I thought that too.” “So did I.” I said. The adults laughed once more.

Standing beside her brothers, Alicia looked at the smiling faces around her. She allowed herself to smile freely. Her family had accepted them. Their families had gotten along. Nothing had gone wrong.

As the vehicles prepared to leave, Alicia waved excitedly. “Drive safely!” “We will!” “Good night!” “See you tomorrow, little sister!” The cars slowly drove away.

Alicia remained standing by the gate until the last vehicle disappeared into the distance. Only then did she turn around. A bright smile covered her face.

Out of everyone who attended the dinner, she was undoubtedly the happiest. Her brothers were still her brothers. Their families were now acquainted. And the friendship she treasured had become stronger than ever.

When I arrived home, I was in an unusually good mood. The dinner at the Mooney Mansion had gone far better than we had expected.

As soon as I entered the house, Mary noticed the smile on my face. “Someone seems happy.” Quinton laughed. “Very happy.”

I sat down and poured myself a glass of water. “Dad, Mom, stop looking at me like that.” Mary and Quinton exchanged glances before bursting into laughter. “Then explain something to us,” Mary said.

“Explain what?” “Why does that little girl care so much about you?” I nearly choked on my water. “What little girl?” “Alicia.” I immediately shook my head. “Mom, she’s our younger sister.”

Mary nodded seriously. “Of course.” Quinton nodded too. “Absolutely.” The way they answered made me even more suspicious. “Why do I feel like you don’t believe me?”

Mary smiled. “Son, your younger sister spent an entire week worrying that her family might scare you away.” Quinton added, “She even bought gifts for her entire family just to make sure they treated you well.”

I opened my mouth but found no words. Mary continued smiling. “That doesn’t sound like ordinary friendship.” “Mom!” Quinton laughed loudly. “Your mother is right. The girl clearly cares about you.”

I immediately stood up. “You two are overthinking things.” “That is exactly what young people in love always say.” “Dad!” The living room instantly filled with laughter.

After a while, I gave up trying to explain. No matter what I said, my parents only smiled knowingly. Eventually I retreated to my room.

As I closed the door, I could still hear their laughter. “Our son is growing up.” “He really is.” I covered his face helplessly.

Meanwhile, at the Chambers residence, Christopher was experiencing the exact same problem.

The moment they entered the house, Valeria smiled. “Look how happy our son is.” David looked at Chris and smiled. “The future son-in-law.”

Chris nearly dropped his bag. “Dad!” “What?” “I am not dating anyone.” Valeria laughed. “We didn’t mention anyone.”

Chris immediately realized he had exposed himself. His parents laughed even harder. “Dad, Mom, this is ridiculous.”

David stood up dramatically. “My son, let me give you some advice.” Chris sighed. “Here we go.”

David said wisely. “Every great love story begins with arguments.” Chris froze. Valeria joined in. “It’s true.”

David pointed at him. “You spend all day arguing with Alicia.” “Because she’s annoying.” “Exactly.” “That is not proof!” David smiled proudly. “That is precisely how it starts.”

Chris wanted to argue but realized it would only make things worse. Valeria laughed. “Every time we hear her name, your expression changes.”

“Because she provokes me.” “See?” David looked at his wife. “Our son has fallen.” Chris stared at the ceiling. Why were parents like this?

After another ten minutes of relentless teasing, he escaped to his room. Unfortunately, he could still hear his parents laughing downstairs.

At the Mooney Mansion, Alicia was also being teased. Peter looked at her bracelet and smiled. “Our granddaughter seems very happy tonight.” Georgia nodded. “Much happier than usual.” Mark casually added, “I wonder why.”

Peter chuckled softly while the family was still laughing. He looked at Alicia with a warm but serious expression.

“My dear granddaughter,” he said gently, “since you already know about their struggles and a little of their past…” He paused, making sure she was listening carefully.

Alicia’s playful expression faded, and she nodded slowly, becoming attentive. “If one day you choose either of them as your boyfriend or husband,”

Peter continued, “don’t let jealousy or rivalry come between them the way Ben caused trouble after taking that girl from Mike.”

He sighed lightly, then added, “You can already see it yourself… they rely on each other more than anything. Their friendship is rare.”

He smiled faintly. “So don’t become the reason that bond breaks. Instead, if you ever care for one of them, learn to respect the friendship they’ve built.”

Alicia looked down for a moment, unusually quiet, before nodding softly. “I understand, Grandpa,” she said in a calmer tone than usual.

She immediately stood up. “I am going to bed.” Thoughts of what her grandpa said did not leave her mind. She also needed to think about it but what is there to think about they are her bigger brothers. The adults laughed as she fled upstairs.