Chapter 373 Mother-in-law Comes to Visit
"Mom? What are you doing here?" Colin scratched his head awkwardly, realizing he looked a mess.
He quickly ushered Gia inside while hurriedly putting on his clothes. "I thought it was Anna. She went out early, probably to get breakfast."
Gia looked at Colin, both amused and exasperated. She shook her head, placed her shopping bag on the table, and sat on the couch.
"Calling someone 'baby,' Colin? You're not a kid anymore; you need to watch your image. And about you and Anna, I've heard. I'm not against you two being together, but she had that thing with Caleb, and it was all over the place. How did you end up with her again? I liked her before, but thank goodness I didn't push for marriage. She's not the marrying type, Colin. Think it through."
Gia's sudden change in attitude left Colin feeling conflicted. He frowned, his tone firm and slightly annoyed.
"Mom, you can't talk about her like that. I lied to you back then. I paid her to pretend to be my girlfriend for some peace. We weren't even together then. Caleb was her boyfriend for three years in college, and they broke up for reasons you don't know."
Gia's stance was unwavering, as if no explanation could change her mind. "I don't care. How do I know you're not lying again? I know about Caleb's proposal to Anna at the mall; it was a big deal, all over the internet. And now you're telling me you're with her? What does that make us look like?"
Colin sighed, knowing his mom's stubbornness. Once she decided on something, it was hard to change her mind. He tried to explain again.
"Mom, her thing with Caleb is in the past. We're together because we genuinely care about each other, not for appearances."
But Gia wouldn't listen. She was convinced Colin was making excuses. "I gave you both a chance, even pushed for marriage, but you didn't take it. Now, I won't allow you to be with a woman like her. That's final! I'll be staying here, right across from you, watching your every move."
Colin rubbed his forehead, feeling the tension from their argument. He gently pushed Gia towards the door, taking a deep breath, his tone resolute. "Fine, stay here and do whatever you want. But I'm telling you, it's Anna or no one for me!"
He closed the door, shutting out Gia's objections and discontent.
As the door clicked shut, he felt a wave of relief, thankful Anna had left early and missed the family drama. He knew Gia's personality; if Anna had been there, things would have been even more awkward and difficult.
Leaning against the door, Colin closed his eyes, his mind racing. He knew Gia would keep a close watch on him, trying to prevent his relationship with Anna. But he also knew his feelings and happiness couldn't be dictated by anyone.
He loved Anna, and that was an unchangeable fact.Unable to change Gia's mind, Colin decided to avoid her for now. He canceled his plans to go out and stayed in the hotel, knowing Anna wouldn't come looking for him there, avoiding any awkward encounters.
Gia sat in her hotel room, her emotions swirling. Unlike Colin, she couldn't stay calm. She decided to take action and had someone track Anna's whereabouts.
When she found out Anna and Bella ran a dessert shop in the city, she had an idea: confront Anna directly.
Gia tidied herself up, aiming to look both presentable and authoritative. She quietly left her room, careful not to disturb Colin. She knew if he found out she was going to see Anna, he'd try to stop her.
Following the address she found, Gia arrived at Anna and Bella's dessert shop. The place was cozy and elegant, with a faint sweet aroma. She pushed open the door, the bell ringing softly.
Anna was busy behind the counter and didn't notice Gia. Watching Anna's back, Gia thought if she hadn't seen the proposal video online, she might have liked her more, without the current discomfort.
As noon approached, the shop's customers dwindled, and the busy atmosphere eased. Anna finally noticed Gia sitting in the corner, her face showing surprise.
She quickly approached. "Mrs. Rivera, what brings you here? When did you arrive? I'm sorry, the shop's been busy, and I didn't see you."
Gia smiled and gestured for Anna to sit. Her tone was calm and gentle. "It's okay. You're not busy now. I want to talk."
Anna sat down, feeling a bit anxious. She sensed Gia's authority and presence, making her nervous. "Sure, Mrs. Rivera. Go ahead."
Gia looked at Anna, her eyes showing complex emotions. She spoke slowly. "Anna, I know you're a smart and sensible girl. I've heard about you and Colin."
Anna lowered her head, unsure how to respond. She felt the weight of Gia's words and the sensitivity of the conversation.
Gia continued. "As Colin's mother, I have to think about his future. Our family has traditional values and high expectations for a daughter-in-law. I hope you understand my concerns."
Gia then pulled out a check from her expensive designer bag, her actions carrying an undeniable authority. She gently pushed it towards Anna. "Take this and leave Colin."
Anna's eyes fell on the check, the large sum making her heart race. She looked at Gia, confused and shocked. "What? Why?"
Gia's gaze was calm and firm, her attitude completely different from before. She spoke slowly. "Anna, you're a smart girl. You should understand what I mean."
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