Undeterred, Zandra still dialed Lance's number.

The phone rang for a long time without an answer since Lance's phone was in silent mode. He didn't feel like being interrupted during his wedding with his desired girl.

Only around thirty minutes later, having toasted with every guest at their wedding with Bettie, did Lance check his phone.

Upon seeing Zandra's missed call, Lance stepped aside to the fire escape to call her back. "Mom, what's going on?"

His tone was so calm as if he hadn't just been at his own wedding ceremony. If Zandra hadn't seen the live broadcast of Lance's wedding herself, she wouldn't have believed it.

Zandra didn't beat around the bush. “Lance, I know today is your wedding, and I don't call to oppose it. But marriage is a serious commitment. Don't you think your father and I need to meet your wife? Please you bring Miss Ramirez back..."

Lance, not surprised, interrupted and said, “I'll take her home at the right moment, but not now."

“Lance, I just want you and your sister to always be at peace. I've heard that Miss Ramirez has issues with your sister..."

"It's Keilani's fault," Lance cut off indifferently. "Bettie could distinguish right from wrong. She won't target others unless provoked."

Zandra was silent for a while and said, "Keilani is still in detention. It will be tough for her to find out you married Miss Ramirez once she's released."

"She doesn't have the right to oppose it. Once she's out, I'll send her back to Philade. Mom, make sure she doesn't cause more trouble."

Zandra felt a headache coming on. She would have done so if she could manage to keep Keilani in check, be it what means. She just hoped Keilani could mature a bit after this hard lesson.

“Mom, if there's nothing else, I need to go". Though he said so, Lance didn't wait for her response and hung up.

Zandra sighed and set her phone down, looking troubled.

“What did he say?" Kaleb asked. "He doesn't want to come back, does he?"

"From what he said, it's clear he didn't consider our opinions on his marriage." Zandra massaged her forehead and said, “Forget it. He simply wanted to wed his beloved girl and we should give our blessings. Just try to talk some senses into Keilani when she returns."

Lance had been a devoted son, having taken excellent care of Zandra when she was ill. Plus, he rarely opposed her. Yet, there was a distance beneath their harmonious relationship, given their years apart. Moreover, they seldom shared deep, heart-to-heart talk.

Zandra could tell Lance's feelings for Bettie were profound, judging from his everlasting memory of Bettie and consistent visits. As a mother who had found her lost son back just for a few years, Zandra wouldn't dare to push it by managing to separate Bettie from Lance.

"Do you have a headache again?" Kaleb asked, caressing Zandra'’s forehead.

As the wedding wrapped up, the guests gradually left.