Meeting the Parents
Mrs. Adams couldn't contain her excitement as she turned to her husband. "Did you see that? He kissed her!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with delight. The press conference had left them stunned.Carlen was married, and they hadn't the slightest clue.
"Who do you think he married?" she mused aloud, her curiosity outweighing her surprise. "I just hope she isn't some random girl without a strong family background."
"I don't know," Mr. Adams replied. "But at least we know one thing our son's sexual orientation is normal," he added, his tone tinged with pride. "He's a man and he knows what's best for him."
Mrs. Adams, however, wasn't as calm. She couldn't stand the suspense and hurriedly left for Carlen's company.
"Hi, dear son," she greeted sweetly, stepping into his office. "You've made us so proud!"
Carlen raised an eyebrow, sensing where the conversation was heading.
"Did you really get married, or was it just a stunt to keep the media at bay?" she probed, hoping for the latter.
"It's real, Mom," Carlen lied effortlessly. Revealing the truth about the contract marriage was not an option.
"As you wished, I'm married now," he assured her. "I'll bring her to meet you, Dad, and Grandpa this weekend."
Mrs. Adams wasn't fully convinced. "What kind of family does she come from? Is she a socialite?"
"Mom," he said with a hint of exasperation, "her family background doesn't matter to me. I'm the CEO now; I don't need anyone's help climbing to the top."
Her son's response left Mrs. Adams flustered. She didn't know how to explain this sudden development to the Andersons Maya's parents after promising their children would get engaged. She also dreaded facing her friends, having boasted that Maya was practically her daughter-in-law.
Seeking solace, she visited Layla's flower shop with a box of her favorite snacks.
Hearing Mrs. Adams' voice, Layla felt her heart race. Does she know I'm Carlen's wife? she wondered.
"Hello, dear," Mrs. Adams greeted warmly.
"Good day, ma'am," Layla responded politely, trying to keep her composure.
As Mrs. Adams began venting about her son's sudden marriage to an unknown girl, Layla grew pale. She knew Mrs. Adams was unknowingly speaking about her.
"Are you alright?" Mrs. Adams asked, noticing Layla's unease.
"No, I'm not," Layla lied, excusing herself.
"I'm sorry, dear," Mrs. Adams said before leaving with a bouquet of lilac flowers and giving her usual tips.
---
Later that evening, the air between Carlen and Layla was thick with awkwardness. Carlen arrived home first and was preparing dinner when Layla walked in.
"Welcome," he greeted her.
"Thank you," she replied curtly, heading to freshen up.
When she came down to the living room, the silence lingered until Carlen spoke up.
"I'm sorry about what happened earlier," he said, handing her a diamond necklace he'd spent hours choosing online.
She studied the necklace briefly before asking, "Why did you sign a contract marriage with me instead of getting engaged to Maya?"
Carlen froze, caught off guard. "How do you know about Maya?"
"I heard bits and pieces and that you both went on a blind date," she admitted.
He sighed. "I didn't want to get married, and a contract marriage seemed like the simplest solution. Besides, I barely know Maya. She just returned to the country, and her parents are friends with mine."
"Oh," Layla said, her voice softening. "If you fall in love with her before the contract ends, we can annul it. I won't, he said.
Carlen avoided her gaze. "Let's take it one step at a time. For now, we need to prepare for the weekend. My parents and grandfather will want to meet you, and we need to appear convincing."
The two spent hours exchanging details about their lives, age, schools, family backgrounds, and friends. They had to be as real as possible . Layla realized much of what she thought she knew about Carlen from the internet was false. Despite their conversations, she kept her illness a secret.
---
When the weekend arrived, Layla couldn't help being nervous . She dreaded Mrs. Adams' reaction upon learning her florist was now her daughter-in-law.
"Relax," Carlen reassured her as they drove to the family estate. "My parents don't bite. Grandfather may seem stern, but he's a softie at heart. Besides, my mom speaks highly of you."
His words did little to ease her nerves.
They arrived bearing gifts for everyone, including the household staff. The housekeeper, Mr. Pat, announced their arrival, and they stepped inside, holding hands like a loving couple.
The moment Mrs. Adams saw them, her face fell. "Why are you with my florist? Where is your wife?"
Carlen's grip on Layla's hand tightened. "Mom, she's standing right here. Meet my wife, Layla . Mrs Adams was shocked.
The woman her son had kissed at the press conference was Layla, her florist.
"Would you all stop standing around and come in!" Grandfather's commanding voice broke the tension.
Dinner proceeded smoothly. Grandfather and Mr. Adams asked Layla about her background, and she answered their questions gracefully. They seemed satisfied, though disappointed that Carlen hadn't informed them of his marriage beforehand. Carlen pacified them, apologizing and blaming his busy schedule.
Mrs. Adams, however, barely touched her food, her silence unnerving. Her husband noticed but said nothing.
After dinner, Carlen left to discuss business with his father and grandfather, leaving Layla alone with Mrs. Adams in the sitting room.
"How did you end up married to my son so quickly? Are you pregnant?" Mrs. Adams demanded bluntly.
"No, ma'am," Layla replied firmly.
"Then what made him choose you? Was it a one-night stand?"
Layla opened her mouth but was spared from responding when Carlen reappeared repeating the same story he told his father and grandfather in the study.
"Mom," he said smoothly, "Layla and I met online and started talking. I didn't realize she was your florist until she came to decorate the house and I had to drop her off. You played a part in bringing us together thanks, Mom."
He hugged his mother, ending her questions.
Before leaving, Layla received gifts from her father-in-law and grandfather. Mrs. Adams, though reluctant, handed Layla the bracelet she was wearing.
As they drove back to their apartment, Layla couldn't shake the mixed feelings lingering in her chest. She wondered if she had lost a friend . Mrs Adams was a nice friend to her even though she was older.