Rian took a deep breath.
"I'm in love with Meg," he said firmly. "And I can't live without her."
Silence….
He spoke with his eyes closed. Here goes nothing.
Meg gripped her hands tightly, waiting for their reaction. Both of them had always treated her just like Ria. They loved her dearly.
Zachary and Adeline stood frozen, eyes widened, completely speechless.
"Couldn't you choose someone better? I'm disappointed," Adeline sighed.
Rian immediately opened his eyes, frowning. Why is Mom saying something like that about Meg? They clearly adored her.
"Mom…?" His words died in his throat when he saw his mother hugging Meg warmly. Only then did he realize. She wasn't talking about Meg. She was talking about him.
Meg smiled shyly and looked down.
"Boboo trapped her with his love," Ria giggled.
Zachary gently patted Meg's head. Her eyes glittered with unshed tears.
Adeline cupped her face with concern. "What happened, dear? Did this idiot son of mine trouble you?"
"Mom…" Rian tried again.
Meg shook her head with a soft smile. "It's just… I didn't think you'd accept me so easily," she said in a low voice.
Adeline hugged her tighter. "Of course we will."
"You should call us Mom and Dad, dear," Zachary said warmly.
Meg nodded, her voice trembling as she whispered, "Mom… Dad…"
"And I'll always be your baby, Ria!" Ria jumped into Meg's arms, giggling.
Meg caught her with a chuckle. "Always…"
Rian watched the scene with pure happiness filling his heart.
They all sat down, chatting comfortably.
"By the way, when did you guys start dating?" Ria asked casually.
"Umm… for about… five…" Meg began.
"Five months?" Ria asked.
"Actually, five years," Rian finished, shocking everyone again.
"Oh God! That means you were dating even before you met me, before we became friends…."
Ria started, but Meg quickly interrupted.
"No, no, no! We started dating after we became friends. And don't think too much, baby Ria. Our friendship has nothing to do with me dating him," Meg said desperately.
Ria giggled. "Cool, Mama Meg. I was just asking."
Meg sighed in relief. Zachary felt oddly giddy watching how naturally Meg cared for Ria.
"Ahem." Zach cleared his throat. "Which means… you're telling us now because…."
Adeline's eyes widened in realization. She grabbed Meg's hands. "Dear… is it true. You're planning to get married?"
Meg blushed deeply.
"I… I'm ready," Rian said softly.
Meg lifted her hand, showing the proposal ring on her finger. Everyone gasped in surprise.
"Yay! It's wedding time!" Ria hooted happily.
Everyone joined in the celebration.
"Boboo, can I be your wedding coordinator? Please, please, please!" Ria begged, tugging at Rian's hands.
He chuckled and patted her head. "Of course you can."
"Mama Meg, have you told the others?" Ria asked, referring to their friends.
Meg shook her head. "Not yet. I'm going to."
"That's perfect! Today's the best time. Bella's here, and she said she wants to tell us something. Nidhi messaged the same in the group chat. How about we meet at Café Butterscotch?" Ria suggested excitedly.
"Sure, baby," Meg agreed.
"Then come on!" Ria stood up, pulling Meg with her.
"Now?" Meg asked.
"Yup," Ria giggled.
"Bye, guys! We're heading out," Ria announced.
Everyone smiled and nodded.
"Take care, kids," Adeline called out.
"Looks like I should leave too," Adeline said, standing up. "I have to design my daughter's
wedding dress." She winked at Rian, making him smile shyly.
Adeline walked out, already contacting fashion designers.
Zachary stood up as well, but…
"Dad… I have something important to tell you. Only you." Rian said seriously. Zach frowned slightly, then nodded. "Let's go to my study."
The father and son walked into Zachary's soundproof study, closing the door behind them.
"Tell me, son. What is it?" asked Zach.
Rian met his eyes. "Dad… the Thimothees are back."
Zach stiffened. His fingers clenched around the edge of the table.
"Why now?" he whispered.
Rian shook his head. "I don't know. Alex is dealing with them right now. By God's grace, they are still unaware about…" He struggled before finishing, "…our Ria."
"Increase security around her," Zach ordered firmly. "Make it subtle. No one should know her identity. I don't want to cage my daughter, but I can't risk her safety either."
"Three men were caught near the Remington mansion," Rian said quietly. "Spies."
Zach's hands trembled. Rian noticed instantly and stepped closer, holding him firmly.
"Don't worry, Dad. I handled it," he said, then hesitated. His voice dropped. "But… she isn't safe here."
Zach frowned. "What do you mean?"
"The truth, Dad," Rian admitted in a low voice, disappointment heavy in his tone. "I… I don't know what to do."
"No." Zach shook his head sharply. "I won't send my daughter away in the name of protecting her." He stressed the last word, pain flashing in his eyes.
Rian tightened his grip on his father's hands. "I know, Dad."
After a brief pause, he spoke again. "What if we ask Uncle Theo? Maybe he can help us."
Zach nodded slowly. "I'll call him."
He dialled his best friend, Theodore Gonzales, and asked him to come to the Remington mansion to discuss something urgent. Theodore listened in silence before replying, "I'll be there soon," and ended the call.
"And…" Zach continued, his voice faltering, "she must not know about any of this. Her
health…"
"I know, Dad," Rian replied, his face turning grim.
Zach sank into his chair.