Stanley Alvarez finally snapped out of it after Madeline Castillo’s reminder and quickly poured a cup of tea for Joseph.“Here, here—have a seat and enjoy some tea, future son-in-law,” he said warmly.In just a short span of time, Joseph’s title had shifted from “Mr. Wilson” to “Joseph,” and now to “future son-in-law.” The progression was impressively swift.“Thank you, Uncle,” Joseph said as he accepted the tea.“Seriously, Mom, Dad, you don’t need to be so formal with Mr. Wilson,” Mason Alvarez sighed as she watched her parents bustling around.“What do you mean, formal? You two work so hard outside. Now that you’re home, as your elders, it’s only right that we take care of you,” Madeline replied matter-of-factly. “Future son-in-law, take a seat and relax. Mason, keep him company. I’ll head to the kitchen and get lunch ready—it won’t take long.”With that, she disappeared into the kitchen.“I’ll help out too. You two must be starving. Lunch will be ready in no time,” Stanley added a

"Are you slow or what? Do you really think our daughter’s the one unwilling to take that step? It’s that Wilson guy—he’s the one holding back!" "That Joseph Wilson is honest to a fault. You can tell he's conservative and certainly not someone with a dominant personality," Madeline Castillo said, full of conviction. "Our daughter’s still a girl—she can’t be too forward. With both of them hesitating like this, things have dragged on to where they are now." "Don’t forget, every time we called before, it was always Joseph driving her home and then leaving right after." "Both of them are being reserved. He’s too proper, and she’s holding back." "Hmm... the more I think about it, the more that makes sense," Stanley Alvarez said, furrowing his brow. "Of course it makes sense. She’s my own flesh and blood—of course I understand her better than anyone," Madeline said with a hint of pride. "So... are we really letting them share a room tonight?" Stanley asked. "What else? Didn’t

“Second Aunt, what brings you here?” Mason Alvarez walked in, glanced at Judith Robinson, and spoke with cool politeness.“Listen to you—what, your second aunt can’t come sit a while in your house?” Judith smiled with feigned reproach.“That’s not what I meant. I meant Pauline brought home such an outstanding boyfriend—you should be busy hosting your future son-in-law. Yet you still had time to drop by my place. Must’ve been tough,” Mason explained.“Well, we’ll all be family soon enough, won’t we? Thought we’d get acquainted early.” Judith smiled brightly. “Mason, aren’t you going to introduce your boyfriend to your second aunt?”“Joseph. My boyfriend,” Mason said simply.“Hello, Second Aunt,” Joseph greeted with a smile. His gaze then fell on Toby Dristan. “And hello to you as well.”“Hi, I’m Toby Dristan. You look familiar—like I’ve seen you somewhere—but I can’t place it,” Toby said quickly, stepping up to shake Joseph’s hand with enthusiasm.“Hahaha, I nearly forgot to introduce

“We heard it too. Mason’s second aunt’s family really isn’t very decent,” Madeline Castillo commented. “That Mr. Dristan, though—he seems solid. A sincere man.”“Poor kid, stuck with that lot. He looks like a straight arrow—won’t Pauline’s family grind him to a pulp?” Stanley Alvarez shook his head. “That girl takes after her mother. Not the kind an ordinary man can handle.”“Dad, Mom, it’s their business. Why get so wrapped up in it?” Mason said. “Still, for Toby Dristan to put up with them—that’s something.”“Alright, enough about them. Joseph—future son-in-law—come on, let’s go inside for tea. This batch isn’t like the stuff we just drank—it’s the good stuff I’ve been saving,” Stanley said with a grin.“Thank you, Uncle,” Joseph replied, smiling.They headed for the main room.“I heard from Ms. Alvarez that you both love good food?” Joseph said with a smile after sitting.“Haha, not to brag, but your future mother-in-law and I can really cook,” Stanley chuckled. “And who doesn’t lo

Mason Alvarez looked at Joseph with a flicker of apprehension, her body instinctively shrinking back. A faint blush climbed her cheeks, making her look adorably flustered.To be honest, if a man as strong and forceful as Joseph really tried something, she wouldn’t have stood a chance."Ms. Alvarez, what are you imagining? The tissues are for later—proper use, I swear. Nothing shady."Joseph explained."Oh. Right!"Mason nodded stiffly, her cheeks reddening further. Why had her mind gone there? She felt a little annoyed with herself.Then Joseph began telling her the story of Toby Dristan and his first love.At first, Mason wasn’t particularly moved. But as he went on, she became completely absorbed. Her eyes grew pink, and when Joseph reached the part about the girl’s death, she burst into tears. They streamed down her face."God, that’s heartbreaking. Why do the best lovers never get to stay together?""Mr. Dristan is such a decent man. Pauline Alvarez doesn’t deserve him.""No, I ha