Chapter 4
As soon as I stepped out of the airport, I saw Antonio waiting for me in the arrivals area. Surprised, I walked up to him.
“Mr. Steers, why did you come in person?”
He took my luggage and strode out. I paused for a moment, then hurried to catch up with him.
After getting into the car, he explained to me, “My grandfather, as well as your parents, wanted your first sight upon landing in Kingston to be me, so I canceled my meeting to come and pick you up in person.”
I was baffled, unsure if he wanted me to compliment him.
“Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to pick me up.”
Hearing this, Antonio didn’t seem pleased. Instead, the atmosphere grew more awkward. Just as I was about to say something to ease the tension, he turned to look at me, his expression strangely tinged with shyness.
“Thia…”
Hearing this term of endearment from his mouth, I was so shocked that my eyes widened. Antonio, on the other hand, shed his shyness, as if I had just misread him.
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“We are going to be husband and wife, so I hope you can change how you address me. Also, there’s no need for such formality between us.”
Under his gaze, I awkwardly spoke, “Alright, Antonio.”
He nodded in satisfaction, turned around, and drove off.
Actually, I had known Antonio for a long time. He was a legend during my high school years. All the alumni had heard of his legendary stories and had seen his ID photo always hanging high on the list of outstanding alumni.
I saw him again at the banquet where Annie offended that investor. I was socializing with clients when he entered the banquet hall, surrounded by people.
He had always been that dazzling.
When I got home, my parents were already waiting at the front door. I was excited and wanted to rush forward to hug them, but they walked past me and greeted Antonio behind me.
I turned around to see my mother holding his arm and greeting him warmly, while my father took my luggage from Antonio’s hands, smiling.
“Antonio, I made your favorite seafood soup. You must try it.”
“Anto, you must play chess with me after dinner.”
Chapter 4
Antonio smiled and replied, “Sure, I will.”
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I awkwardly withdrew my outstretched hand. “Dad, Mom, I’m back.”
My mother glared at me.
“I know. Come inside.”
Sitting in the living room, I felt uneasy, like an outsider. My father was playing chess with Antonio, and my mother was cooking. I
sneaked into the kitchen.
When I hugged my mother’s waist, I felt her body stiffen.
My nose tingled, and I choked up, “Mom, I’m sorry.”
My mother sighed, put down the spoon, turned around, and hugged
- me.
“It’s all in the past.”
Staying in my mother’s embrace, my empty heart gradually warmed
- up.
After graduation, I faced many difficulties and endured them alone. I never mentioned my hardships when I called my family. My mother always urged me to come home, but I always brushed her off with
coquetry.
It wasn’t until she found out that I was suffering because of Henry that she strongly opposed it every time she called me.
Chapter 4
After a big fight with them, I called them less and less.
The love of parents for their children is profound and far–reaching.
It wasn’t until I was utterly hurt that I realized the deep meaning of this saying.
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In the living room, my dad looked at the two embracing figures in the kitchen and pretended not to care as he wiped away tears.
He looked at Antonio. “Antonio, thank you for bringing Cynthia back.”
Antonio withdrew his gaze, a hint of imperceptible warmth in his
eyes.
He smiled and said, “You’re welcome. It’s my honor that Cynthia chose me.”
