Just as Finnick spoke, he looked at Joan. “Joan, next time, come by our place whenever you are free. Since Larry is staying by himself outside, you can remind him to come home more often.”
“I understand, Mr. Norton. I definitely will,” Joan replied with a smile.
“Vivian and I have never interfered in Larry’s relationships. As you are the first girl he has brought home, it must mean that he fancies you a lot. We are equally happy to meet you too. Both of you should try your best to be happy together and take care of each other,” Finnick advised in a serious manner.
As his words resonated with Joan’s feelings, she replied immediately, “We will try our best to be happy. Don’t worry, Mr. Norton.”
After that, Joan chatted with Vivian about random topics while Larry talked to Finnick about other matters. Before they knew it, night had already fallen.
When it was time for dinner, Vivian invited Joan to sit beside her. After that, she took a bracelet off her wrist.
“Joan, this bracelet used to belong to Larry’s grandma. In other words, my mother-in-law handed it to me. And now, I’m giving it to you. Both you and Larry must strive to always be happy. Whatever problems you may encounter, you have to face them together, alright?”
Joan was surprised at how warm Vivian was to her. She didn’t expect Vivian to shower her with such attention on their very first meeting, to the extent of giving her a family heirloom.
She quickly stood up and replied, “Mrs. Norton, this gift is simply too valuable for me to accept. Larry and I will be happy together. But this is something I don’t deserve to have yet.”
“As long as I say you deserve it then you do.”
Vivian had expected Joan to refuse. “Joan, it’s obvious to me that both of you love each other dearly. It’s just a matter of time before the two of you are married. With that in mind, there’s nothing wrong with me giving this to you ahead of time. Besides, are you really going to turn down the first present I’m giving you?”
“But…”
Before Joan could say anything further, Larry interrupted. “Joan, just take it. My mom really likes you. If you refuse, you will only upset her.”
After giving it much consideration, Joan finally accepted the bracelet with both her hands. “Mr. Norton, Mrs. Norton, I will treasure this bracelet more than my own life. And I will also do my best to protect the relationship I share with Larry so that you will not be disappointed.”
“That’s the spirit!”
Vivian laughed in delight while Finnick let out a gratified smile.
“Don’t just stand there, sit down and eat,” Finnick reminded.
With that, the whole family happily enjoyed a scrumptious dinner together.
As it was getting late after dinner, Larry took his leave. “Dad, Mom, we have to go now. I need to send Joan home.”
“Are you leaving already?”
Vivian was reluctant for them to leave. But she knew it wasn’t the right time to invite Joan to stay over. Hence, she had no choice but to reply, “Send her home safely, then. Joan, whenever you are free, you are welcome to visit us. I look forward to seeing you again soon.”
“Mrs. Norton, I will definitely drop by often. But for today, I have to go off first.”
After that, she turned toward Finnick. “Goodbye, Mr. Norton.”
After bidding their farewells, Joan held onto Larry’s arm and left together.
The moment she stepped out the front door, Joan heaved a sigh of relief. Beaming in joy, she remarked, “Larry, I didn’t expect your parents to be such wonderful people. I’m just so happy!”
Tenderly helping Joan tidy up her hair, Larry replied in a gentle tone, “Of course, I told you that they were easygoing and warm. You were the one who overreacted out of fear.”
“I wasn’t afraid at all! I knew that they would definitely like me because I’m just too adorable!” Joan insisted.
Obviously, she would never admit that she was scared.
When he saw how she shamelessly declared her cuteness, he simply found her irresistible and pulled her in to kiss her cheeks. However, she managed to duck away with a nimble move.
