Come lunchtime, she granted their housekeeper, Marcia, the rest of the day off.

She was dining at Bennett's uncle's place that night, after all, so Marcia's cooking wasn’t needed tonight.

By 5:3@ pm, Bennett was home. Claudia, wrapping up her piano session eased her aching fingers. As she caught the sound of footsteps ascending, she hurriedly made her way to greet him at the staircase. Sure enough, Bennett stood there looking dapper in his suit.

“You're home!"

She swiftly moved closer and embraced him tightly.

"How long were you at the piano practice?"

“Just over two hours."

She nuzzled against his chest and inquired, “When should we visit your uncle's place?”

“Don't worry. We'll set off at six o'clock."

“Oh! It's nearly 5:30! I must get ready and put on makeup!”

“You look Lovely even without makeup."

He grinned, one hand gently encircling her waist while the other tenderly massaged her fingers

“No, I need to put on some makeup!"

She was meeting his uncle for the first time; she had to make an impression!

Realizing the ticking clock, she quickly withdrew from his embrace, saying, "I need to get dressed and put on some makeup!"

Before Bennett could even respond, he found himself alone as Claudia's floral dress fluttered behind her, rushing into the main bedroom.

Time was running out. Keeping her makeup light, she focused on defining her eyebrows to give her face a lively look.

Given the formal visit, she chose a pristine white fitted skirt and gleaming gold sandals she had picked out post-Lunch. Her look was radiant and respectful, ideal for meeting family elders.

By the time the two of them reached Bennett's uncle's residence, it was already 6:30. Claudia’s nerves had her fingertips chilled.

Squeezing her hand reassuringly, Bennett whispered, “Don't stress it My uncle is all talk."

Flushing slightly, Claudia confessed, “I might've done a little research on him today..."

While he wasn't quick to get angry, he carried himself with dignity

Mid-conversation, the hallway door swung open. A young woman with a neatly tied ponytail greeted them, “Bennett, Claudia, great to see yo

When Claudia saw her, she didn't recognize who she was.