She felt pity towards Tia to not experience something grand. She deserves all the best in the world.
"Mom, she's the one who doesn't want to have a wedding."
Ian explained. Elia looked at Tia waiting for her to tell her the reason.
"I just don't want to be the center of attention."
She replied. She wanted to just have a simple intimate wedding with her friends and her brother Andy.
She planned to just register the marriage then treat them separately.
Elia pouted and thought that it's such a waste to not be able to plan the wedding.
"It's okay, I understand. If you change your mind just tell me."
She said holding Tia's hands. She spoke to her so tenderly and kind which kinda reminded her of her mother.
"Ian, when are you coming back to S City. I want to go shopping with my daughter."
Tia almost choke on her food when she heard her say "daughter" while Ian was smiling happily.
His mom calling her "daughter" is like music to his ears. He can't believe how simple things such as that makes him feel elated.
Ethan hadn't said a word. After they ate, Ian washed the dishes while Elia went inside the room.
She wanted to look for something she could give to Tia as congratualtory gift for the engagement.
Tia was in the dining room tidying up the table when she heard Ethan calling her out.
"Ms. Kim.. Come with me for a second."
Tia was somewhat startled when she heard his father calling her out. They walked outside then entered the palm grove.
Tall palm trees and other tropical plants covered the area, they walked quite far away from the cabin.
Tia was surprised to see a hidden garden inside the grove. It has a wooden bridge and benches and a swing tied in a large tree.
Ethan walked towards the bench then gestured for Tia to seat on it.
Tia mechanically followed his orders. Ethan was eyeing her movement, and upon sitting down he bend down infront of her and kowtowed.
"Ms. Kim I'm very grateful to what you did to my son.
For saving him that time. If not for you I wouldn't know what would've happened to him.
I apologize, I know saying my gratitude has long been overdue but still I want to thank you personally."
He said in his sincere profound voice.