Grace Li noticed she had become the center of attention, with curious glances coming her way. It was probably because of Aiden Thompson.

  Grace Li whispered, “A lot of people are looking at us.”

  Aiden Thompson smiled and said, “That’s because they’re curious about who you are.”

  “What should we do about it?”

  “We’ll just have to satisfy their curiosity.”

  “Hmm?”

  Aiden slightly raised his elbow. “Grace Li, link your arm through mine.”

  Grace Li did as asked, slipping her left arm through his right.

  Aiden Thompson led her through the crowd, and as they walked, someone curiously asked, “Mr. Thompson, who’s this?”

  Aiden Thompson responded confidently, “This is my girlfriend, Grace Li.”

  “Oh, I see now.”

  Grace Li whispered in his ear, “Are you sure your dad won’t have a heart attack when he hears this?”

  Aiden Thompson grinned. “If I’m not mistaken, he’s the one who invited you to the anniversary celebration.”

  “That’s right.”

  “Do you know why?”

  “Why?”

  Aiden Thompson said, “He wants me to use this opportunity to introduce my future wife.”

  “You’re sure about that?”

  “Of course. I know him well.” Aiden Thompson added, “Don’t believe me? Let’s go test it out in front of him.”

  Grace Li, curious, followed Aiden Thompson as they approached Rex and Mabel Thompson.

  When Mabel Thompson saw Grace Li, she took a moment to check her out. “You look beautiful tonight.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Thompson,” Grace Li replied with a smile.

  “I didn’t see you earlier around 8, I thought maybe you weren’t coming.”

  Grace Li explained, “I got caught in some traffic on the way here. Sorry I’m late, I should’ve come earlier.”

  “It’s no problem, as long as you’re here,” Mabel replied kindly.

  Rex Thompson then asked, “Did you come by yourself?”

  Grace Li honestly answered, “I’m with two colleagues, they went to check out the night view of Los Angeles.”

  “Are you heading back later tonight?”

  “No, I booked a hotel.”

  At that moment, Rex Thompson spoke up, “Why don’t you stay at our place tonight? You can always cancel the hotel reservation if you like.”

  The offer caught Grace Li off guard. She wondered if it would be strange to stay at Aiden’s place so soon. Just as she hesitated, Aiden Thompson chimed in, “Grace Li, since Dad’s said it, we should cancel the hotel.”

  Grace Li didn’t hesitate any longer and politely said, “Then I guess I’ll be a bother.”

  Mabel Thompson smiled warmly. “No bother at all, you’re welcome here.”

  Aiden Thompson looked at his parents. He couldn’t quite put his feelings into words, but seeing how they treated Grace Li made him realize that a relationship without parental support would be hard to thrive.

  As he looked at his parents’ attitudes toward Grace Li, he felt that all the struggles over the past six months had been worth it. “Thanks, Dad. Thanks, Mom. I really appreciate it.”

  Rex Thompson saw the sincerity in Aiden Thompson's eyes and felt a little unsure how to respond. It was rare for his son to thank him like that. He waved his hand. “Alright, it’s the anniversary celebration. Don’t forget about your guests, go and mingle now.”

  “Got it.”

  With that, Aiden Thompson led Grace Li through the crowd to mingle with the guests. As he spoke to people, he occasionally stole a glance at Grace Li, his smile never fading.

  **

  Grace Li sent a message to Ryan and Olivia, letting them know she was staying at Aiden Thompson’s place and telling them to just head to the hotel when they were done, no need to pick her up.

  By the time the cocktail party ended, it was already 10:30 p.m. Grace Li got in the passenger seat of Aiden Thompson’s car and headed to the Thompson family home.

  The Thompson estate was located in an upscale neighborhood of Los Angeles, where many of the city’s wealthiest residents lived.

  The mansion was a classic European-style villa, and the interior was just as extravagant as she imagined, with luxurious furnishings throughout. Aiden Thompson’s room was on the third floor, and when they arrived, he led her straight upstairs.

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

  Grace Li rarely visited other people’s homes, and the only house she had visited the most was Isabella Hsueh’s. Every time she visited someone, she was always careful, afraid she might not follow the proper etiquette.

  Grace Li felt it was a bit rude to go upstairs without even greeting the parents on her first visit. She turned to Aiden and asked, “Have your parents come back yet?”

  Aiden Thompson replied, “The driver’s running a bit late, so they’re probably still on their way.”

  Grace Li gently held his hand. “Then let’s not go upstairs yet. Let’s wait for them in the living room.”

  Aiden Thompson understood what she meant. He knew it was Grace Li’s first time at his house, and she might feel a little uncomfortable.

  “Alright,” he said, guiding her toward the living room.

  The housekeeper, Nancy, hadn’t gone to bed yet. She heard the commotion and came out of her room. When she saw Grace Li and noticed Aiden Thompson holding her hand, she immediately understood. “Aiden, this must be your girlfriend?”

  “Yeah, Nancy, this is Grace Li.”

  Nancy’s eyes softened with a kind smile. “Miss Li, nice to meet you.”

  Grace Li politely nodded, “Nice to meet you too.”

  “Please, make yourself at home. Would you like something to drink?”

  “Just water would be fine.”

  “Okay.” Nancy turned to get some water, just as Rex and Mabel Thompson returned from outside.

  Vera Thompson was with them too.

  Grace Li, who had been sitting on the sofa, politely stood up to greet them. “Mr. Thompson, Mrs. Thompson.”

  Rex Thompson said, “No need to be so formal here, just make yourself at home.”

  Vera Thompson smiled warmly. “Yeah, no need to be formal, you’re basically family now.”

  Grace Li wasn’t shy. She smiled and accepted their warm welcome. “Okay.”

  Mabel Thompson said, “It’s getting late. You all must be tired, so why don’t you head upstairs and rest?”

  Aiden Thompson turned to her. “We’ll go upstairs.”

  “Mm-hmm.”

  Aiden Thompson took Grace Li by the hand and led her upstairs. When they reached the third floor, he turned left, and they arrived at his room.

  He opened the door, stepped inside, and immediately pulled her into an embrace. Then, he kissed her lightly on the lips, resting his forehead against hers. “Today feels like a dream.”

  Grace Li agreed. She had thought they would have to fight for a long time to gain their parents' approval, but it had happened so quickly. “It really does. Did you tell your parents something?”

  “Maybe it’s you, Grace Li. After they got to know you, they realized what an amazing person you are, someone I can love wholeheartedly, someone I’m willing to spend my life with.”

  Grace Li smiled. “Really?”

  “Of course.”

  Just then, someone knocked on the door. Aiden Thompson gave a frustrated glance at the door, let go of Grace Li, and opened it. Standing there was Vera Thompson.

  Vera Thompson smiled mischievously. “Where’s Grace Li?”

  Aiden Thompson was clearly not happy about being interrupted. “Why are you looking for her?”

  Vera Thompson, ignoring his tone, casually responded, “I noticed she didn’t bring any makeup remover or skincare products, so I thought I’d ask if she needs anything from me. Oh, and I have some clothes she could borrow too.”

  Grace Li suddenly remembered her clothes and makeup bag were still in the car. Ryan had taken them to the hotel.

  She looked at Vera Thompson and said, “I guess I’ll have to bother you then.”

  “It’s no trouble at all,” Vera said, stepping forward and taking Grace Li’s hand. “Come to my room.”

  Grace Li glanced back at Aiden Thompson, and Vera led her into her room.

  Aiden Thompson’s room was spacious and a little bare, while Vera Thompson’s room was filled with more things. She even had a dedicated walk-in closet and a vanity that could fit two people sitting side by side.

  Grace Li sat on the vanity stool and started removing her makeup while Vera took the hairpin out of Grace Li’s hair.

  Aiden Thompson and Grace Li had gained their parents’ approval, and Vera was happy for them. “This is great. Now I’ll have someone to hang out with.”

  “Are you talking about me?”

  “Of course. Honestly, I had a feeling we’d click the first time we met. If I were a guy, my brother wouldn’t stand a chance.”

  Grace Li laughed at that. Though they hadn’t met many times, she really liked Vera Thompson’s personality. “You two really are a lot alike.”

  “Really? I don’t think so.” Vera Thompson asked, “By the way, what do you think of my parents?”

  Grace Li responded, “In what way?”

  “I mean, just your general impression.”

  Grace Li replied honestly, “Your dad is very serious, but he’s a softie at heart. Your mom is kind and has a great temperament.”

  “Pretty accurate,” Vera said with a laugh.

  The two of them chuckled together.

  After finishing her makeup removal, Grace Li washed her face in Vera’s bathroom. Vera then pulled out a new set of pajamas. “Would you like to take a shower here?”

  “Would I be bothering you?”

  “Not at all, go ahead,” Vera said.

  Just then, Vera’s door opened. Aiden Thompson stood in the doorway, still with that disapproving look. “How long are you planning to keep my girlfriend in here?”

  “She’s sleeping in my room tonight.”

  “No way.”

  Vera Thompson smiled and teased, “Just kidding. She’ll be back in your room once she’s done with her shower.”

  Grace Li took the clothes Vera had given her and headed to the bathroom. “I think I’ll just go back to Aiden’s room to shower. It’s getting late, you should shower and rest too.”

  Vera Thompson laughed. “Alright, I won’t force you. Don’t want people to think I’m keeping you to myself.”

  Grace Li smiled at Aiden Thompson, then followed him back to his room.

  Aiden Thompson’s room had a large European-style arched floor-to-ceiling window. Beside it was a lounge chair. After Grace Li had showered, she sat on the chair, which faced the window. Outside, a tall tree stood, and the privacy in this area was remarkable—the space between the houses was large, and trees were planted between the properties for separation.

  As night fell, the branches outside looked like eerie claws in the dark.

  For some reason, Grace Li felt strangely lonely sitting there.

  She thought about how most of her video calls with Aiden had been in this room. She was even starting to feel familiar with his room.

  When Aiden Thompson came out of the bathroom, Grace Li snapped out of her thoughts and looked at him. “Aiden, I feel like I’m sitting here like some lonely vampire that’s been alive for a thousand years.”

  Aiden Thompson laughed at her comment. “Why do you say that?”

  “I don’t know. It’s just... it feels so lonely.”

  “Well, maybe it’s because the person who lives here is usually alone too.”

  Grace Li tilted her head and looked at him. “Really?”

  “Yeah.” Aiden Thompson bent down beside her, kissed her forehead, and smiled. “But that probably won’t be the case anymore.”

  Grace Li smiled, reaching up to steady his neck, and gave him a gentle kiss on the lips.

  Both of them felt the joy of having overcome the struggles and hardships together.

  “Aiden Thompson.”

  “I’m here.”

  “On my birthday, you came to my house, didn’t you?”

  Aiden Thompson paused for a moment. “Yeah.”

  “My dad said some pretty harsh things to you, didn’t he?”

  Aiden Thompson thought back to what Grace Li’s dad had said to him. “It wasn’t harsh. I know he was just looking out for you.”

  “But you never told me about it.”

  Aiden Thompson said, “I didn’t because I was sure that I could make you happy.”

  “Aiden Thompson, you need to know, we’ve only just gotten past your parents’ approval. It’s not the end. Our story is just beginning.”

  “I know. We still have a long way to go,” Aiden Thompson said, holding her hand. “Grace, let’s go meet your parents this weekend.”

  “Okay.”