Alex POV:
"Upon entering, I surveyed the room, taking in the spread of food before me. The aroma of roasted meats and steaming vegetables wafted up, and I recognized the dishes as the family's favorites. My gaze wandered to a picture frame, where a young Jenny smiled alongside her loved ones.
I acknowledged the seated guests with a nod before taking my seat, while Rhino stood watchfully behind me. Mr. Bason's eyes narrowed, his voice firm. "Why do you want to marry my daughter?"
I replied, my tone even and detached. "We love each other, and I believe it's time for us to settle down."
Mr. Bason's skepticism was palpable. "How long have you been dating her before deciding to marry her?"
I hesitated, knowing the truth would not be well-received. "Four years," I said, the lie rolling off my tongue with ease.
The old woman's eyes widened in surprise, but I pressed on, my voice unwavering. "You can ask Jenny if you don't believe me."
Mr. Bason turned to his daughter, his voice firm. "Jenny, is this true?"
Jenny's voice was barely above a whisper. "Yes... I'm sorry I didn't tell you guys."
I added, my tone calm and heartless, "I'm sure Jenny will vouch for our relationship."
Jenny POV:
Aunt Cathy's voice was laced with skepticism as she asked, "But is this true? Isn't he the same guy from that video with you? You previously told us you two were complete strangers."
I hesitated, my mind racing with a mix of emotions, as I struggled to find the right words to explain. "We were strangers then because we were fighting, but we've since resolved our differences," I whispered, my voice barely audible, my hands nervously fidgeting with the crumpled napkin on my lap.
Mr. Bason's eyes bore into Alex, his voice firm, demanding. "How can I be sure you won't be fighting with my daughter when you get married to her?"
Alex's smile never wavered, his tone calm, detached. "Every marriage involves quarrels, but we've learned to settle our differences. We'll continue to do so," he said, his eyes locked on Mr. Bason's, his voice unwavering.
Aunt Cathy nodded, seemingly satisfied with his response, but Mr. Bason pressed on, his voice tinged with concern, his brow furrowed. "How can I trust you won't hurt or make my daughter cry?"
Alex's expression turned solemn, his eyes locked on Mr. Bason's, his voice measured, calculated. "Mr. Bason, I understand your deep love and care for your daughter, and I want to assure you that my intentions towards her are genuine and heartfelt. I appreciate your concern for her well-being, and I would never want to hurt or make her cry. It is my utmost priority to be there for her, support her, and build a strong and loving relationship based on trust, respect, and open communication."
His words poured out like a gentle stream, soothing my doubts and fears. I saw the fatigue in his eyes, but his smile remained, a testament to his determination.
Mr. Bason nodded, a small smile on his face. "Okay, I'll let you marry her."
Alex's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, sir."
The room erupted into a flurry of discussion, the bride price and wedding preparations taking center stage. I felt a thrill of excitement, my mind racing with thoughts of meeting Alex's parents in Mexico on Monday. I couldn't wait to share the news with Tasha.