Xanthor is a Chinese restaurant.
Ethan White waited with Serena Jennings in a private room for about ten minutes, waiting for Ethan’s parents to arrive.
After many years without seeing them, Serena didn’t recognize them at first, but Ethan’s mother’s domineering aura was still as strong as ever, and her attire was extrely stylish.
"Uncle, Auntie, long ti no see."
Serena took the initiative to greet them.
"Hmm..."
Joan Garrison looked Serena up and down, her gaze filled with scrutiny and appraisal.
Serena’s outfit today was quite dignified and steady, and Joan seed satisfied.
"Dad, Mom, let’s sit down and talk!"
Ethan proactively pulled out chairs for Walter White and Joan to sit down.
The dishes were ordered on the spot, and Ethan asked Walter and Joan to order first, then asked Serena, "Serena, what would you like to eat?"
"I’m fine with anything."
In this environnt, she really could eat anything, because she had no appetite at all.
"Serena, don’t be polite. Just treat it like you’re having a al with your own family."
Walter’s words sounded amiable, yet Serena felt even more constrained.
After the food was served, the situation eased a bit. Ethan chatted idly with his parents while eating, and Serena focused on eating in silence.
"Serena..."
Suddenly, Joan directly addressed Serena by na.
She looked up to see Joan staring intently at her, as if there was sothing dirty on her face.
"You and my son... how far have you progressed?"
"Mom!"
Ethan couldn’t help but shout.
"Don’t interrupt."
Joan turned to glare at Ethan.
The atmosphere at the dining table turned awkward, and Serena smiled, responding calmly:
"Ethan and I have always been good friends."
"Then, as a good friend, would you be willing to do Ethan a little favor?"
Joan’s next words surprised Serena.
So... Ethan’s parents had insisted on having dinner with her tonight because they needed her help?
"Auntie can first tell what it is. If I can help, I surely won’t refuse."
Joan curved her lips, seemingly satisfied with Serena’s reply.
She picked up a teacup, took a sip, then slowly spoke: "Serena, you know our Ethan likes you..."
Serena was startled, not expecting Joan to speak so directly.
"Ethan’s great-grandfather is already a hundred years old, at the end of his life. His greatest wish is to see Ethan get married..."
By now, Serena had guessed what Joan wanted from her.
"I’m not trying to make it difficult for you... His great-grandfather has been living in the countryside, and I just need you to put on a wedding dress and pretend to have a wedding with Ethan for his great-grandfather to see. It would fulfill his old wish and let him leave without regrets..."
As Joan spoke, the atmosphere at the table grew increasingly heavy and oppressive.
Seeing Serena just listening silently without speaking, Joan continued:
"Although... you compensated us with money for what happened in high school, it still caused Ethan and our family great harm. Even if it’s to atone, you shouldn’t refuse such a small favor, right?"
Such a small favor...
Joan’s casual phrasing made Serena sigh inwardly.
Walter nudged Joan with his elbow.
"What are you saying? Co on, Serena, eat, eat, eat more."
Serena ate silently, not answering whether she would help Joan or not.
After the al, Serena politely said goodbye to Walter and Joan.
Joan originally wanted to ask Serena whether she agreed to the fake marriage with Ethan, but before she could speak, Walter stopped her.
"Dad, Mom, I’ve sent you the location of the hotel. You can drive there yourselves... I’ll take Serena ho."
After Ethan finished speaking, he left the restaurant with Serena.
By now, it was late at night.
As soon as Serena sat in Ethan’s car, she heard Ethan earnestly apologize.
"I’m sorry, Serena, I’m truly sorry... I really didn’t know my mom invited you to dinner tonight for that reason."
Serena looked at Ethan, seeing the tension and anxiety in his eyes.
Those eyes couldn’t lie.
Ethan truly didn’t know.
"You know I like you, I care about you... so I could never let my mom pressure you into a fake marriage with ... I really didn’t know about tonight’s matter, I thought my parents wanted to et you because they knew I liked you..."
Ethan explained anxiously, his speed of speech increasing.
He was genuinely afraid Serena would misunderstand.
Serena hadn’t fallen for him yet, and if she misunderstood that he was using his mother to coerce her, Serena might never like him.
Ethan’s panic was evident to Serena.
She softly smiled.
"Don’t worry, I believe you’re not that kind of person."
Serena’s thoughtfulness and trust brought Ethan a sense of joy as if he’d survived a disaster.
"As long as you believe , I’m really afraid you’ll misunderstand..."
Ethan instinctively reached for Serena’s hand, but Serena naturally avoided it.
Pressing his lips together, Ethan didn’t bring up the issue again and focused on driving.
After taking Serena ho, he went to the hotel where his parents were staying.
"Mom, why did you do that? You know I like Serena."
In the suite, Ethan questioned Joan harshly.
"How dare you question ? Didn’t I do all this for you? You tell , you’re not getting any younger, and your great-grandfather just wants to see you married before he passes. You like Serena, but does she like you?"
This question left Ethan speechless.
With her hands on her hips, Joan looked at him with disappointnt.
"Son, if Serena never likes you, are you just going to let her string you along for life? Not proactive, not refusing, not responsible... isn’t that what a jerk does?"
"Mom, Serena isn’t like that."
"And you’re defending her!"
Joan raised her hand as if she were going to hit Ethan.
However, Ethan knew full well his mom wouldn’t really hit him.
He had only recently woken from a vegetative state; his mom couldn’t bear to do it.
"Son, you’re a returnee with a Ph.D., you can find any type of woman you want... Yes, Mom admits Serena is quite outstanding, even capable of taking over her ex-husband’s company after divorcing."
Ethan opened his mouth, ready to argue, but ultimately said nothing.
"You seem easygoing but, in reality you’re very stubborn. Mom understands, which is why she said what she did tonight..."
"..."
"Mom didn’t lie. Your great-grandfather really isn’t doing well; he just wants to see you married... Since you like Serena so much, Mom will be the bad guy... As long as Serena is sensible, she should agree to a fake marriage with you. Then we’ll have relatives egg her on, maybe things between you two will naturally progress, and once the wedding is held, you can register the marriage officially, and she won’t be able to escape!"
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