Chapter 16.2

"So, what do you do for a living Jeff?"

He put down his cutlery that he had just picked up to answer Martha's question.

"I own a small company. We specialize in tech business," he replied humbly.

He gave Tina's hand a squeeze underneath the table, motioning for her not to worry.

"Very good. Better than whatever it is she does. At least when you get married, if that ever happens, she can quit her job and be a good housewife," Martha said scornfully.

The whole table was silent. Right there, Jeff wanted to scold Martha and defend Tina. Obviously, she was the best, most hardworking, talented girl he had ever met. How could he stand such slander against her, especially coming from her grandmother?

As he was about to say something, he felt Tina squeeze his hand, so he looked at her. She shook her head, stopping him from acting impulsively. He couldn't scold Martha since he was just a boyfriend. Doing so would also leave a negative impression of him, so he sat back.

"Mom!" Mr. Lawrence spoke up, finally breaking the silence.

"For more than 20 years, I have listened to you disrespect my family. Today, Tina's boyfriend came over in goodwill, but I am so embarrassed because of you. Everyday my wife and I are drifting apart because of your remarks, and my children are disappointed in their father for choosing filial piety over them."

Jeff was stunned. So, Tina's father never did anything to stop his tyrant mother? Not even once?

"Jeff" Mr. Lawrence suddenly turned towards him, so he propped himself up properly.

"I apologize for letting you see my family in this joke. Tina is a really good child. Please cherish her. She also loves her job, and as parents, we are very proud of our daughters and their achievements."

Not waiting for Jeff to respond, he turned back to Martha.

"Mom, after lunch, I will be driving you back to your apartment. If you miss me, call me and I will come over. If you feel lonely, call my other siblings to accommodate you. For now, my family cannot host you. You have hurt them too much."

Soon after he said that, Mr. Lawrence nodded at him and left the dining table. Jeff noticed that through it all, Mrs. Lawrence and Lina never stopped eating. It was as if this matter was none of their business. Martha also sat there in silence.

Tina adjusted her mood and motioned for him to eat up, so he did. Since his girlfriend told him not to bother, he definitely would not bother.

After breakfast, everyone except Tina's dad and grandmother sat in the garden to talk.

"Brother-in-law, what do you like about my sister?" Lina asked with eyes yearning for gossip.

Mrs. Lawrence on the other hand was shocked by the way Lina addressed Jeff. As he witnessed the change on her face, Jeff turned stiff. It wasn't until Tina's mom asked him again, "so what do you like about my daughter?" that he came to his senses.

"When we first met, she just felt familiar. Like I had known her for a very long time. So, it made me curious about her. Now that we are dating, I just love everything about her."

The mother and daughter nodded in satisfaction.

"I heard Tina met your family already. Did they give her a hard time?" Mrs. Lawrence asked sternly.

"Mom!" Tina spoke up.

"Not at all. My family loves her, especially my mom and grandmother. If it were possible, they'd want us to get married tomorrow. That's how much they like her," he said confidently.

If he couldn't boast about anything today, he could definitely boast of his family's adoration for Tina.

"I feel relaxed after you've said that. Now I can wholeheartedly give my Tina to you. I hope that you take care of her well."

"And always remember that she has a fierce sister behind her," Lina quickly said with a low growl afterwards.

Their laughter filled the garden.

Even though he wasn't asking, he was worried about Tina's father. He must be lonely up there. How difficult it must have been, especially throughout the years, to have to choose between one's mother and one's family. Through it all, his family relented, but his mother kept pushing forward.

"Where's the bathroom? I'd like to excuse myself," he said politely.

It was Tina that led him there, and he told her to go join her sister, and he'd be quick. Once he was sure that Tina had returned, he walked towards where Mr. Lawrence made his exit after breakfast.

The door leading to the room was wide open. When he peeked in, he saw Tina's dad sitting there with his back towards the door. He looked rather lonely. For some reason, it made him sad. He thought about his own father.

Although his father was a man of few words, he didn't have the tragedy that Mr. Lawrence faced.

As if sensing that someone was behind him, Mr. Lawrence turned around.

"Come in, boy and have a seat," he waved at Jeff to come over.

"Sorry that I could not entertain you. How are you finding your visit so far?" Mr. Lawrence asked while he poured a glass of water for Jeff.

"Everyone has been very welcoming," Jeff said sincerely as he took the glass and gulped down the water.

"I apologize once again for my mother's behavior. I have condoned her for long, so it turned out like that," he lowered his head.

Jeff was quiet for some time before speaking up.

"I might not understand your ways, but I respect you for taking a stance for your family," Jeff said sincerely.

Mr. Lawrence could only sigh.

"It was the first time in a long time. You respect that but my family's hearts have become cold towards me. I don't know how to get them to warm up to me," he said solemnly.

Even Jeff couldn't help him with that. That was his cross to bear.

About 10 minutes later, as Mr. Lawrence was about to excuse himself, Jeff suddenly held him back.

"I know someone who can help you," he said with a huge smile on his face.