Chapter 620: Pressuring to Marry
Her uncles had made a decision, and her aunts had already surrounded Tina when she arrived.
"Tina, we heard you were coming back but rushed over without preparing much. Please take these few houses for now; they are all in good locations. If you don't like them, we can always exchange," one aunt said.
Could they be bad? Located in the centers of major cities, Tina would never worry about having nowhere to stay!
"Tina, Emily gave you houses, so how about I give you cars? I heard you like motorcycles, sports cars, off-road vehicles. I've bought them all and parked them in the garage. You can choose, and if you dislike any, we'll buy others," another chimed in.
All were limited editions, the last time she saw such a complete collection of limited edition cars was in Jared's garage.
"Tina, I still prefer buying you dresses. I've bought many, along with matching jewelry, all placed in the wardrobes of those houses. Not too many, we can buy more when we go shopping!"
Not many? Scarlett had bought so many dresses for Tina that she could change every hour and still not wear them all!
Natalie smiled and handed Tina a bracelet.
"This is hand-carved by your Aunt Angela, she asked me to give it to you," Natalie said as she put it on Tina's wrist.
Ever since Angela found out Tina was Natalie's daughter, she had started making this bracelet, carving each bead patiently-a task for someone typically impatient.
"Thank you all, Mom, and please thank Aunt Angela for me," Tina said, deeply moved, feeling the void in her heart slowly filling up.
From then on, she was no longer alone in this world.
She had her mother, her grandfather, and her loving uncles and aunts.
And, of course, her beloved Uncle!
Tina looked towards Jared, her eyes brimming with joy.
From the first moment Jared saw her, he was captivated by her bright eyes.
Now, he finally saw those eyes shimmering with happiness.
A happiness he, as a lover, could not provide.
Jared felt fortunate to witness Tina's happiest moments.
Fortunate that he was there to accompany her on her joyful days.
"Ian!"
An old yet excited voice called from outside, and Jared went to meet them.
It was his grandfather!
"Grandfather," Jared greeted, helping Logan inside, followed closely by Asher and Marie carrying various packages.
Marie immediately recognized Natalie as Tina's mother. She walked over, excitedly taking Natalie's hand, "I am Jared's mother, and today I finally meet you. Thank you for raising such a wonderful daughter." Natalie, of course, knew Marie, having met her when she used to mentor Jared.
It was just that Marie was unaware.
"Thank you for looking after Tina in my absence. It means a lot," Natalie responded.
Marie, holding Natalie's hand, added, "There are others who want to meet you too, just that they are too shy to come in."
Natalie knew it was Hugo's family.
"Tina, bring your mom and dad in."
Tina nodded, and outside, Hugo and Jennie, upon hearing Natalie's invitation, were incredibly touched.
Hugo led Jennie inside, their hearts pounding with excitement at seeing Natalie after so many years.
For Hugo, Natalie was a benefactor and a dear friend, their connection beyond romantic love.
Back then, their union was merely a product of circumstances.
Their relationship didn't require the measurement of love.
"Hugo, Jennie, long time no see," Natalie said, spreading her arms to embrace them both.
It was Jennie's first time meeting Natalie, but not the other way around.
Yet, upon this meeting, they seemed like long-lost friends.
"It's been a while."
Hugo and Jennie, tears brimming in their eyes, had prepared so much to say but found themselves speechless in the moment. Hugo looked at Natalie, opened his mouth, but then left everything unsaid.
The party was lively, and even Esther and Linden felt perfectly at ease.
Everyone seated here was family.
Little did Tina know, she and Jared would end up being the main focus of the party.
Grandpa Brookes and Logan sat sternly on either side, watching Tina and Jared intently.
Tina found herself in a dilemma with the strawberry cake in front of her-neither eating nor leaving it seemed right.
After all, who could stand being stared at by two such imposing figures!
Jared stepped slightly in front of Tina. "If you have something to say, just say it. Don't stare at Tina like that; she's timid."
The ten brothers of Serenity Ridge: Timid? Are you sure you understand what that means?
The people of Mountain Veil Order: It's news to us that our young master is timid. That's an eye-opener.
Logan snorted coldly, "Now you protect Tina. You've been together so long without giving her a proper status. How did our Farrell family raise such an ingrate!" Grandpa Brookes added, "What are you thinking, Jared? Do you think our granddaughter isn't good enough, which is why you hesitate to marry Tina?"
"That's not it. If Tina agrees, I'll go and make it official right now," Jared said, holding Tina's hand firmly.
About getting married, he was the most eager person in the world!
Finally, Grandpa Brookes and Logan smiled. "Well, Tina, what do you think?"
Tina finally took a bite of her strawberry cake and slowly said, "Grandpa, Granddad, I'm not in a hurry."
Upon hearing this, Logan quickly asked, "Tina, is this boy not treating you well? Don't worry, I'll teach him a lesson for you!"
Grandpa Brookes, however, didn't think Jared was the issue, having observed Jared and Tina's relationship closely over the past year.
"Yes, Tina, why don't you want to get married? It's been two or three years."
Old people always hope their descendants settle down early for peace of mind.
Tina shook her head. "Uncle is very good, and he is the man I am determined to spend my life with, the partner I am willing to walk side by side with. In my heart, no man can replace Uncle. I want to marry him, have children with him, and grow old together."
Tina looked deeply into Jared's eyes, her bright pupils reflecting the face of the man she loved for a lifetime.
Jared's eyes curved in a smile, never having imagined that it would be in such a setting that he would hear Tina say such unforgettable words so calmly.
"However, we can't get married yet, as many things are still unsettled. I want our wedding to be peaceful and serene, not fraught with crises like now."