“What else could I possibly say?” Megan forced a casual smile and shook her head with practiced ease.
“I told my mom I needed to ask you first. You’re always so busy—we’d need to check your schedule before making any concrete plans.” She added with deliberate lightness, “I’m giving you advance notice, so… would you like to start planning?”
Eric didn’t answer immediately, his silence stretching uncomfortably between them. For a moment, the air thickened with unspoken tension and expectation. The four people at the table each retreated into their swirling thoughts.
What did Megan truly mean by those carefully chosen words?
Bringing Eric home for dinner wasn’t just a simple meal—everyone at the table understood that much. As established partners entering adulthood, this dinner carried all the unspoken weight of a parental evaluation, a formal introduction that would change everything.
In Eric’s memory, he had never once visited the Aston family home or met Megan’s parents face-to-face. He knew perfectly well what it would mean if he agreed to share that dinner table with her family.
“Eric?” Seeing his prolonged silence, Megan forced another casual smile.
“What’s the matter? Are you feeling nervous? It’s just a meal—really, no pressure at all.”
“It’s not that…” Eric shook his head slowly, choosing his words carefully.
“It’s just that it’s difficult to arrange anything right now. Let’s wait until your father actually returns and discuss it properly then.”
“Alright…” Megan replied.
“You’re right—it’s a bit early to plan now. But at least you know about it, so keep it in mind.”
Meanwhile, Hadley had been quietly eating her meal, but suddenly choked and started coughing uncontrollably, her hand flying to cover her throat.
“What happened?” Ernest hurried to offer her water, only to discover her glass was empty.
He quickly called for a waiter, his voice urgent and commanding.
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“Bring some water—now!”
“I’ll handle it!” Eric immediately stood up and strode purposefully to the counter.
He asked Hadley, genuine concern creasing his features, “Would you prefer cold or room temperature?”
Hadley could not stop her violent, persistent coughing. She couldn’t answer through her coughing fit, so Ernest spoke up for her urgently.
“No. Slightly warmer than room temperature!”
Hearing this specific request, Eric paused mid-motion. Her preference for water was exactly like his.
“Oh, of course,” he replied, something unreadable passing through his voice.
He poured the warm water carefully and quickly brought it over to Hadley.
“Let me help.” Ernest took the glass and brought it carefully to Hadley’s lips.
“Here, drink some water slowly—it’ll help ease the coughing.”
“Okay,” Hadley managed to whisper. She held the glass with trembling hands and sipped slowly.
Eric stood there, staring at his empty hands, and withdrew them awkwardly to his sides, suddenly feeling useless.
“Take it easy,” Ernest said gently as he reached for a tissue and handed it to her.
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