Unexpected meeting

The morning wakes up slowly

Knock knock knock

The door opens to make way for Sheng Xing.

-GOODare you sleeping ?, I asked him, blushing

He hugs me before whispering in my ear.

-I had a great night

-Last night I didn't tell you but I love you, I whispered in his ear

-Say it louder, he teased me

-Afterwards, I replied, blushing and in a shy voice, is Joshua not coming down?

-I'll let him sleep, I'll wake him up later, he said to me, come on, let's go down

So I go down the stairs alongside Sheng Xing. The sun's rays starting to filter through the large windows of the house.

"Sheng Xing, slept well? Who do you have with you?" asks a surprised voice from the living room

Light footsteps are heard in the living room until they reach us.

They then appear in the doorway, their faces lit by the subdued light of the morning. Their eyes fall on me, and I feel their silent surprise. I can almost read the questions running through their minds.

I look at them in surprise and immediately understand that they are Sheng Xing's parents.

"Hello," I said, trying to sound as polite and reassuring as possible.

Sheng Xing's parents exchange a quick glance, before her mother speaks again.

-Hello, nice to meet you

I feel the weight of their questions on my shoulders, but I try to smile at them without stressing.

-It's a pleasure to meet you, are you Sheng Xing's parents?

-Yes, that's it, his father kindly replied.

A glint of relief flashes in Sheng Xing's eyes as his parents seem to relax slightly.

As we sit in the kitchen, I feel the scrutiny of Sheng Xing's parents rest on my hand. Their attention is drawn to the discreet ring I wear on my ring finger. A slight shiver runs through me as they exchange a knowing look, as if they had already guessed something.

-What a pretty ring you are wearing, comments Sheng Xing's mother, a teasing smile at the corner of her lips.

-Is this a gift from someone special?

I feel a blush rising in my cheeks as I instinctively look at Sheng Xing, seeking silent support from him. But to my surprise, instead of helping me, Sheng Xing burst out laughing, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

-Oh that's right ! I haven't had the chance to officially introduce my future wife to you yet," he exclaims, a playful smile on his face.

Sheng Xing's words echo through the room, leaving a momentary silence as his parents seem to digest this revelation. Then, a smile breaks out on his mother's face, followed closely by that of his father.

-Ah finally ! We were wondering, your mother and I, when were you going to introduce us to your wife, said his father, a mischievous smile on his lips.

-You should have told us sooner, Sheng Xing. You don't need to hide a relationship as beautiful as this one, her mother added happily.

Sheng Xing's ears turn a slight red color under his parents' sudden attention, but he seems happy that the truth is finally revealed. I feel moved and reassured by their warm response, also grateful for the support and acceptance they offer their son and me.

-I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, Sheng Xing apologizes, a shy smile on his face.

-I wanted to make sure everything was going well between us before telling you, he explained

His mother then gets up to come and hug us, an expression of happiness on her face.

-As long as you're both happy, that's all that matters. Welcome to the family, she tells us

I feel a weight lift from my shoulders as I let myself be enveloped by the affection of this welcoming family. Little by little, the feeling of being at home settles deeper.

-Thank you, I replied, smiling at him.

In the quiet of the morning, light footsteps echoed in the hallway before stopping in the living room, revealing Joshua's discreet arrival.

However, barely had these footsteps disappeared into the living room when other footsteps were heard, louder this time. These footsteps, which seemed unknown to me, gave way to an individual known to the family.

-I see that I appear at the right time, smiles Sheng Xing's cousin

-What are you doing here?, asks Sheng Xing surprised

-Meeting my sister-in-law, smiled the cousin innocently

-How did you know?, asks Sheng Xing's mother, laughing slightly.

-I have my sources, the cousin said simply, winking at him.

The cousin turns to me and I notice a small scar on his face which is quickly softened by the smile on his face.

-Pleased to meet me, I'm Sheng Xing's cousin, he introduced himself.

-Pleased to meet me, my name is Ruby, I introduced myself, smiling

-Do you have a sister?, he asked me suddenly

-Yes why?, I answered him

-Do you mind if I marry her?, he asked me in a natural tone and without pressure

-Uh...she hasn't reached legal age yet, I replied, laughing nervously.

-I'm teasing you, he said to me, dying of laughter, but how else did you two meet?

-That's what I plan to ask them, by the way, added Sheng Xing's mother, her eyes shining.

-It's a long story, I told them, right Sheng Xing?

-Yes totally, confirmed Sheng Xing, smiling at me tenderly, so what if we go and have breakfast first?

-Good idea, they replied.

-I'm going to go get Joshua, I told them

-For now let's sit down at the table, proposed Sheng Xing