Chapter 12 – Family Ties
Elena stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her blouse for the fifth time. Marcus chuckled from the doorway, arms crossed.
"You look amazing," he said. "They're going to love you."
"You don't know that," she replied, tugging at her sleeve again. "My dad's impossible to read, and my mom—well, she's warm, but judgmental in that polite, 'I-know-better' kind of way."
He walked over, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. "Then I'll win them over with charm. And dessert."
She exhaled, then smiled. "You brought dessert?"
"Of course. Who shows up empty-handed?"
Later that afternoon, they arrived at Elena's parents' home—a cozy, well-kept house nestled in a quiet neighborhood outside the city. Her mother greeted them with a bright smile, arms open.
"Elena, my baby! And you must be Marcus."
"I've heard so much about you," he said, offering the dessert. "I come bearing peace."
Her mother laughed and ushered them in.
Dinner was pleasant at first. Marcus was polite, asking questions, offering compliments, laughing at her father's dry humor. But as the conversation turned to careers and life plans, things grew tense.
"So, Marcus," her father asked, cutting his chicken slowly, "what are your intentions with my daughter?"
Elena nearly choked on her wine.
Marcus didn't flinch. "To support her. Love her. Build a life with her—if she'll have me."
Her father looked up, unreadable.
"You're not exactly from the same background," he said. "Different upbringings. Different values."
Elena opened her mouth, but Marcus gently placed a hand on hers.
"True," he said calmly. "But we share something deeper than background. We've fought, forgiven, grown—together. That's how we build a future."
Her father studied him. Then, after a long pause, gave a small nod. "We'll see."
The evening ended on a better note. As they left, Elena's mother whispered to her, "He's different. That's a good thing."
In the car, Elena grinned. "You handled that like a pro."
Marcus smiled, but his grip on the wheel was tight.
"Family matters," he said. "I want them to know I'm in this for real."
Elena took his hand. "They'll see it. Just like I did."