Chapter 1080
Elena stood and whispered into Garrett’s ear, “That’s Bowen—Marcel’s father.” Then she turned to Bowen with a polite smile. “What brings you here, Mr. Brooks? How is Marcel? I had to pick up my husband earlier today, so I didn’t get the chance to see him.”
Bowen turned to Garrett and extended his hand. “Ah, you must be Anika’s father. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Marcel’s father.”
“Nice to meet you as well,” Garrett replied with a restrained smile. Bowen seemed warm and eager, while Garrett responded with quiet composure, offering only a slight nod as he shook his hand.
“Actually, I came to discuss something with you,” Bowen began. “Anika mentioned she booked a room for you. But now that Marcel has woken up, I was thinking that it…”
Not used to such a heavy atmosphere, Bowen tried to ease the tension with a smile, hoping to mediate before the conflict could flare.
As they started eating, Anika turned to Marcel with a pleading look and whispered, “Why do I feel so anxious?”
Even though Bowen had already told her the purpose of this dinner, Anika still couldn’t shake the uneasiness clinging to her. The stern expressions on her parents’ faces only made it worse.
Marcel glanced across the table and gave a faint shake of his head. Under the table, he squeezed Anika’s palm gently, silently telling her she didn’t need to be nervous.
“It’s okay. Don’t worry,” he murmured.
After a while, Bowen seemed to decide it was time. He set his expression into something calm and steady and said, “The reason I invited everyone here today is to discuss the marriage between Anika and Marcel. As you know, Marcel has just recovered, and Anika is carrying his child. It would benefit both of our families if they married, don’t you think?”
Anika lowered her eyes and slowed her eating. She had known this day would come eventually, but she still felt unsettled.
“I understand,” Garrett said.
He set down his fork, wiped his mouth with a napkin, and turned to Bowen. “As you know, Elena and I have doted on Anika since she was a child. What happened to Marcel was unfortunate, but we can see he’s a good young man. If you want to discuss marriage, we’re willing to consider it. We trust he will take good care of our daughter. However, I have one request.”
Garrett lifted his gaze and added firmly, “As long as you and Katie treat Anika like your own daughter, we have no objections. But if we ever see her being mistreated, you will regret it. We will not allow our child to suffer in your family.”
Sitting beside Bowen, Katie’s expression darkened. She ate with a scowl, knowing Garrett was deliberately aiming those words at her.
“I understand,” Bowen replied smoothly. “Every parent loves their child. I also know Anika has been taking excellent care of Marcel. Don’t worry. I understand my responsibilities. The Brooks family is wealthy and influential. We will take care of Anika and won’t allow her to suffer any injustice after they marry.”
“That’s good to hear,” Garrett replied curtly.
Katie, however, grew more and more agitated, her discomfort plainly visible. “Garrett, I don’t think you should put it that way. If it weren’t for Anika, Marcel wouldn’t have been in that car accident. Even though he’s fine now…”
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Message from Noa: Have a great Tuesday dear readers. God loves you and Noa wishes you all the best. (=◡=) /