Isla sighed and shook her head. "No, Aron is not aware of this. And I don't want to worry him because he will try to deal with the situation." She clasped her hands before speaking. "You know Aron is still dealing with Simon's death. But Colin's family is also causing him trouble. And if he finds out that Colin has been harassing me, I'm afraid he will try to settle the score violently and destroy himself in the process."
Autumn wanted to console Isla, and started to talk but decided to keep quiet. She was thinking only Aron could resolve the matter of Colin hounding Isla, since her friend was helpless in dealing with the situation.
Although Aron may decide to handle things violently, perhaps he can be persuaded to settle it in a civil manner.
Autumn finally spoke up. "Isla, I still think it's better to tell Aron what has been going on so he can think of a way to put a stop to it." As angry as she was over the situation, she was calm as giving her suggestion.
"I know what to do, " Isla suddenly blurted out. With a small smile, she said, "Tomorrow my parents will be coming to Y City to discuss my wedding with Aron's grandparents. I'll tell Aron about it then."
"That sounds good, " Autumn agreed. She only hoped Isla would really push through with telling Aron.
Autumn escorted Isla to the door of her home just to ensure she was home safe. Nowadays, living a comfortable life was not a guarantee against facing danger.
At the end of the year, Autumn finished her last proposal and gave orders for her employees to take their annual leave.
She knew taking a break was necessary because they would soon be faced with several big cases when they returned to work after the new year. She wanted all of them to be well rested.
Isla left the officer earlier to pick up her parents from the train station. John and Jina wore down jackets that their daughter bought earlier in preparation for the meeting with Aron's grandparents.
With their work at the farm, they rarely dressed up stylishly.
"Dad! Mom!" Isla cried as she ran up to her parents. She was so glad to see them with big smiles as they hugged their daughter. They were also laden with packages, which made Isla feel guilty. "You know it's not necessary to bring me so many things. I have a comfortable and peaceful life here, " she reassured them.
"Ahhh, but dried turnips and freshly-preserved pickles are your favorites, " said Jina. They also brought freshly-picked carrots from the village that were not available in the big city. Then Jina shyly asked, "Isla, do I look good in this jacket?" She smiled while caressing the sleeves.
"Oh you look very good in it, " Isla told her mother. She escorted them to her car and drove directly to the hotel where Aron and his grandparents were looking forward to meeting them.
As soon as Aron caught sight of Isla and her parents approaching, Aron stood up excitedly to greet the three and his grandparents were equally welcoming.
The impending marriage brought the two families closer together. Joanna especially enjoyed chatting with Jina. As the elders got along, Isla noted how tired Aron looked and was immediately concerned. "Not been sleeping well?" she asked him softly.
"Maybe, " he replied. But he took Isla's hand in his to reassure her. "It's nothing serious, really. I'm just tired because I stayed up late last night. So don't be worrying about me, " he told Isla.
As food was served, Mike poured out wine, as a sign of respect for John, whom he found to be simple, kind-hearted and easy to get along with.
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