“Hey, isn’t this a happy moment? Why does it look like an interrogation?” Armand glared at Matthew. Joan was a good catch and he was worried that Matthew might scare him away.
“Come, come, take a seat.” Armand tried to break the tense moment.
Joan nodded politely and said, “Thanks.”
“No need, we will soon become a family and there is no need for formalities.” Armand nudged Theresa and whispered, “Serve some drinks.”
“Do it yourself.” Theresa sat firm and glared at him.
Armand chuckled and said, “Okay, okay, I’ll get the drinks.” Theresa never treated him tenderly.
He went to get the drinks and was surprised that Joan and Amanda were still standing. He quickly asked, “Why are you still standing?” After saying this, he seemed to realize what was happening and looked towards Matthew and laughed, “Just agree, won’t you? You are neighbours with Joan. Isn’t it great that you can still see your daughter every day in the future?”
Matthew glared at Armand coldly. Armand kept quiet and went to sit on the sofa as he mumbled, “Ingrate.” He did these out of concern for Amanda’s future.
Matthew then felt that what he wanted to say was now unnecessary. He then waved to them, “Take a seat, you two.”
“Dad.” Amanda sat beside Matthew and held his arm and asked, “Have you agreed?”
Dolores also looked at Matthew, eagerly anticipating his decision.
Matthew patted her hand and was unwilling but she was already an adult and should be married. She could not stay by his side forever and remain under his protection.
“Your silence means that you had agreed?” Dolores finally spoke. Matthew softly acknowledged.
“That’s great!” Armand said excitedly as if it was his son who was getting married.
At night, Andrew went out with Joan after coming out of Jessica’s room. Andrew did not know Joan well due to his work. They had only met twice. He did not voice his thoughts even after he knew about Amanda and Joan’s situation.
“Do you have anything that you want to ask me?” Joan asked.
Andrew suggested that they went to a place where they could have a chat. They went to the lakeside.
There was a slight evening breeze and the lake reflected the surrounding lights. The night scenery was beautiful.
Andrew leaned over the railings and rested his arms as he looked across the lake and reminisced, “I had a good relationship with her when we were young. When I grew up, I joined the military and she had fallen in love. We drifted apart and were no longer as close as before.”
“I was seldom home these years and many things had happened,” Andrew said.
“Yes.” Joan stood upright beside him. Both of them were in the military and they were similarly tall and exuded authority even when they were not wearing their uniforms.
“What do you see in my sister?” Andrew turned and asked Joan.
Joan had a darker complexion but was closer to the locals. His eyebrows were thick, his eyes were attractive, and had sharp features. His manly expression softened when he thought about Amanda.
“I don’t know.” He could not pick a certain attribute of Amanda which caused him to fall in love with her.
“Perhaps it’s a feeling that can’t be touched nor seen. It just happened without any particular reason.” Joan explained.
"Is that so?” Andrew raised his eyebrows in doubt.
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