"I'm out. What's up?" Aldrich responded, trying to focus as Selina's fingers roamed provocatively over his skin.

His gaze, heavy with desire, returned to Selina, cupping her breast firmly and drawing the quilt over her head to muffle their playful struggle.

"I wanted to check in on how things are with Jenifer Mendez," his mother continued, mentioning the woman chosen for him to marry.

As he watched the quilt's movements, Aldrich replied nonchalantly, "ALL is well between us."

"When can we sit down with her parents to discuss your marriage with Jenifer?"

After a brief silence, she added, "Aldrich, you're not getting younger. Marriage is due. I ran into her mother today, and she seemed eager to gauge our stance. Jenifer's family holds considerable esteem in Wragos. A marriage with her could bolster your career prospects. It appears her parents hold you in high regard. Hesitate too long, and Jenifer might be swept away by another suitor."

Aldrich pondered her words before replying, "Alright, let's plan for tomorrow evening."

“Is that a yes? Wonderful, I'll let Mrs. Mendez know," his mother concluded, her voice brimming with elation.

Aldrich ended the call.

Selina emerged from beneath the quilt, having caught fragments of a conversation she couldn't quite make out.

"Who was that? Sounded like a woman," she inquired.

Aldrich, with a trace of a smile, carelessly tossed his phone aside.

"Does it matter to you who she was?"

"Considering I want to marry you, shouldn't I care?" Selina countered, her delicate fingers tracing a path along his thigh.

Aldrich's smile broadened, and he flipped her beneath him once again.

“It was my mother," he revealed.

"What did she want?"

"Nothing much. She wants me to come to dinner," he responded, leaning in to nibble her earlobe.

Sparkling with intrigue, Selina suggested, “Why don't we visit your parents tonight?"

She knew that meeting his family was a prerequisite to their marriage.