“But if I suddenly tell my parents I'm getting married, they won't agree."

"It's simple. Just say we were each other's first love. We split up when I went to study abroad. I came back last year and started pursuing you again. You were worried it might not work out, so you didn't tell your parents right away."

Bettie hesitated, opening her mouth slightly. “Well... Is that really okay?"

“It's the easiest way to convince them we actually have feelings for each other and that our marriage isn't so sudden."

"Then... Fine." After pondering for a moment, Bettie agreed, though somewhat reluctantly, "But my mom's going to have a fit if she finds out I'm in a relationship this young, especially during high school. She's definitely going to lecture me."

"Don't worry about it. I'm here for you. Now that you've decided, let's get that contracts signed."

Together, they headed to the law office, printed out the contracts, and signed them in the presence of a lawyer, getting a copy each.

“Now we're engaged. I'll meet your parents tomorrow. Make sure to let them know." Lance stored the contracts away and gave Bettie a reassuring smile.

Bettie was puzzled. She hadn't expected Lance to be ready so soon.

“Tomorrow? That quickly?"

"I need to see them sooner or later."

“Alright... Alright, I'll let them know." Seeing Lance's grin, Bettie felt tricked.

Later that day, Bettie returned to her parents’ home before dinner.

Her father was on the sofa, deeply engrossed in the newspaper. When he heard someone approaching, he looked up and saw it was Bettie.

Confused, he asked, “Bettie, what brings you home today? Anything on your mind?"

“Obviously.” Bettie rolled her eyes and paused. “Where's my mom?"

Ever since Bettie discovered the existence of her half-brother from her father's affairs, her words were often laced with irony when speaking to Corless. Corless, now accustomed to it, replied, "Your mother's upstairs. Why don't you ask her to come down? It's almost dinner time."

Bettie went up to chat with Amirah for a bit before assisting her downstairs.

The table was set with several dishes, complete with spoons on each side, all ready for dinner.

Helping her mother to her seat, Bettie took a moment to look at her parents, cleared her throat, and said with emphasis, “I came back today to share some news."