Annika smiled and looked directly at James. "Uncle, we're facing an enemy that is too strong for either of us to fight on our own," she said. "If we're going to defeat him, we'll have to work together." Her voice was calm and collected, but there was a hint of urgency in her words. She needed to act fast. She paused for a moment, waiting for James to respond. He looked back at her, his expression unreadable.James sat on the bed, dumbfounded by Annika's suggestion. "Are you kidding me?" he exclaimed, his tone incredulous. "We're competing for the same position! How could we ever work together?"Annika's composure was unshaken by James's outburst. "Uncle, can you really take on Jerome by yourself?" she asked with a hint of mockery in her voice.James's jaw clenched, but he tried to keep his cool. "I can handle myself," he retorted, his tone defensive. "I don't need your help."Annika raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "I think you're underestimating our enemy," she said, trying to convin
Bright sat silently, waiting for Rosca to state her solution.“Be my boyfriend," Rosca blurted out.As Rosca spoke, Bright was so taken aback that he nearly dropped his drink. “Cough, cough, cough," he sputtered, choking on his beverage.Rosca's words were cut short as she noticed Bright's sudden coughing fit. Concerned, she jumped to her feet and rushed over to him, gently patting his back. "Are you okay?" she asked in a worried tone, her eyes wide with alarm.Bright patted his chest and said, “I'm alright. But hey, what did you say?" He was still in shock.Rosca didn't realize her request was too much. Did she know what she was talking about? “Have you forgotten I have a girlfriend?" Bright lifted his brow and asked."It's not that I want you to be my real boyfriend, why are you acting as if I'm about to arrest you?" Rosca clarified, her tone firm but gentle. "I just need you to act as my fake boyfriend. That's all. I'm not asking for anything more than that." She paused for a momen
Sunday had arrived, and Bright was feeling nervous. He wanted to make a good impression on Rosca's parents. "I've got to look my best today," thought Bright, standing in front of his closet. He stood in front of his wardrobe, searching for the perfect outfit. Finally, he settled on a crisp blue-black suit that he thought would make a great impression. He put it on, looked in the mirror, and couldn't help but smile at his reflection. "This is it," he said to himself. "I look great,” thought Bright, standing in front of the mirror. His blue-black suit fit him perfectly, and he couldn't help but admire his reflection. He fixed his tie and smoothed out his hair, making sure he looked his best. When he looked at his reflection, he couldn't help but smile. "I'm ready for this," he said to himself, feeling more confident. He grabbed his keys and headed out the door, feeling prepared to meet Rosca's family. As he walked to the car, he took a deep breath and comforted himself, "I can do this."
It was only when Rosca mentioned that her mother realized she had brought a man with her. Seizing Bright up and down, she asked her daughter with doubt, "Is he truly your boyfriend?""Of course, he is. How do you see him?" Rosca asked. Her mother's opinion would help her know whether she would support her or not.Mrs. Rogan looked Bright up and down, a smile playing on her lips. "My daughter always has excellent taste," she said approvingly. "She only chooses the best of the best. And I can see that she's chosen well this time." She gave him a warm smile, her eyes shining with pride and approval. The young man was handsome and looked fit. “Alright, your grandfather and father are waiting," she said.Bright suddenly became nervous at the mention of the old man's name. He hoped he wouldn't make things difficult for him. Rosca followed her mother, and Bright followed Rosca.When Rosca saw her grandfather and father, she rushed to them and hugged them, forgetting she had fought with her g
The place was filled with laughter. The old man's expression suddenly turned serious. He dropped his spoon and said, “Young man, how did you meet my daughter?"Bright's expression turned somber. "I first met your daughter when we got into an argument," he began, "but then we ran into each other again at my boss's house. Even though we argued all the time, I started to develop feelings for her. I can't help it - I'm completely smitten with her." He paused, then added, "I hope you can accept me as a potential son-in-law." His tone was hopeful, but he was nervous about the response he would receive.Mrs. Reagan smiled in satisfaction. Her future son-in-law was direct and clear. He was handsome and smart at the same time.Rosca's father was not pleased by Bright's words, and his tone became skeptical. "My daughter has a fiery temper," he said. "When she's angry, she tends to destroy things around her. How do you plan to deal with that?" His eyes narrowed as he studied Bright's face, waiti
Rosca could see the tension in Bright's face, the way he was gripping his fists and his brow was furrowed. "Don't worry," she said gently. "I'll go easy on you." She wasn't trying to patronize him, but she wanted to put him at ease. He looked like a deer in the headlights, and she wanted to reassure him.Bright scoffed, “Do your best. I am not a weakling."Rosca smiled and nodded, "Alright, let's do our best."Bright didn't want to make the first move. He just stood there, frozen in place. Rosca was waiting for him to make a move, but he remained still. She had expected him to come at her with everything he had, but instead, he was standing there, as if he was afraid to start the fight. She was beginning to wonder if he was as confident as he seemed.The grandfather, who was watching, asked in confusion, “Why is he not attacking?”Mr. Rogan's expression was mocking, and he looked down his nose at Bright. There was a clear air of condescension in his voice as he spoke. “Did you think h
Bright felt completely overwhelmed. First, he sparred with Rosca, a woman. Now, he was being asked to face off against his future father-in-law. He turned to Rosca for support, but she avoided his gaze. He looked to her mother for help, but she only shrugged in response. Bright let out a deep sigh, feeling like there was no way out of this situation.Soon, the fight began, and Bright. The old man was the referee. “Don't look down on me because I'm old. I'm stronger than you think. The two men stood face to face, their muscles tense and ready for action. Mr. Regan was the first to make a move, feinting a punch to the left. Bright dodged the blow and returned with a kick to the side. The older man dodged the kick, and the two began to circle each other again. Their movements were slow and deliberate, each one watching the other's every move. The tension in the air was palpable, Rosca and her mother were silent as they watched the match unfold. Even the old man was surprised. The two m
… At Jerome's mansion… Joan sat on the floor, with Baby Ava in front of her. She said she was training her on how to sit down. Baby Ava was attached to Joan more than her mother. The only person who was able to console her every day was Joan. In the opulent halls of Jerome's mansion, Joan sat on the floor with Baby Ava in front of her, gently guiding the infant to sit up straight."Come on, Ava, you can do it," Joan encouraged, her voice soft and soothing.Ava wobbled uncertainty, her chubby hands reaching out for support. With a little assistance from Joan, she managed to balance herself for a few seconds before toppling over with a squeal of delight."Good try, Ava! You'll get it soon," Joan praised, scooping the giggling baby into her arms.Eleanor watched from the doorway, a mix of admiration and jealousy flickering in her eyes. "I wish she'd bond with me like she does with you, Joan," she admitted, her voice tinged with longing.Joan smiled warmly, understanding Emily's struggl