Chapter 278 The Wedding Becomes a Family Affair
Lauren strolled into the villa's living room with Matthew, Ethan tagging along. She flashed a gentle smile, but seeing Kevin and Esme's serious faces made her uneasy. She forced a greeting, "Hello, I'm Lauren. Long time no see. How's it going?"
Kevin and Esme kept their stern looks. They couldn't blow up at her right then. Esme, noticing Ethan's hopeful eyes, finally softened a bit.
"Lauren, of course, we remember you. We were neighbors, and you and Ethan went to the same school from elementary to high school. Can't believe how much you've grown into such a beauty," Esme said, trying to ease the tension with a smile.
Lauren handed over the gift she brought. "Aunt Esme, I remember you and Uncle Kevin are into good wine. I got you this top-notch Lafite. Hope you like it."
Ethan was pleased to see Lauren trying to win over his parents. Earlier in the car, Lauren insisted on transferring the money for the gift to him. He thought she was being too polite, but now he got it. Lauren wanted to present the gift in her name to please his parents. She was indeed thoughtful.
"Mom, hold off on chatting with Lauren for now. Let them take a seat," Ethan said with a grin.
Esme nodded, giving Kevin a look. After Lauren and Matthew sat down nervously opposite them, Kevin cleared his throat and began to speak, "Lauren, how are your folks? We've been neighbors for over ten years, we're practically old friends. If you ever have time, feel free to bring your parents over for a visit."
"Okay, Uncle Kevin," Lauren replied, holding Matthew. She was puzzled about Kevin and Esme's attitude towards her.
Esme's eyes flashed with a calculating look, and then she continued to chat with Lauren with a smile, "This boy is your kid, right? He's so cute and looks just like you when you were little."
Lauren smiled awkwardly. She didn't buy it. Except for Esme, everyone who knew Quentin said Matthew looked like him. She had also checked Quentin's childhood photos online, and Matthew indeed resembled him.
But she didn't expose it, saying, "Yeah, this is Matthew. Matthew, this is Uncle Ethan's mother.."
Matthew, without any expression, obediently greeted Kevin and Esme, "Hello, I'm Matthew."
Esme couldn't stop smiling. She softly patted Matthew before fixing him with a meaningful gaze.
After a long while, Esme showed a sympathetic expression. "Although we haven't been in touch these years, I've heard a bit about your situation. Lauren, you and Matthew have had a tough life. He's so young and already living in a single-parent family. Let's not talk about that. I always wished for a daughter, but ended up with two sons. If you're okay with it, would you let me be your godmother?"
"Mom!" Ethan interrupted anxiously.
He pondered, 'Goddaughter? What's going on? Did Ryan not explain things clearly to them? I brought Lauren and Matthew here to discuss marriage, not to start a family reunion!'
"Ethan, watch your tone!" Esme snapped, then turned to Lauren, "Ethan's been spoiled by me. He's always been independent, but he doesn't see that acting on impulse could be his downfall! He's not as sensible as you. I really appreciate you."
Lauren finally got it—Ethan's parents weren't on board with her. It made sense. Esme's whole goddaughter proposal was just a way to dodge the marriage talk and save face.
Lauren smiled, "Aunt Esme, I'm so touched you like me. But my family's situation is a bit complicated. Let me have a chat with them first, and then we can circle back to this, alright?"
Ethan angrily pulled Lauren up. "Lauren, don't say that. Trust me! I can handle it."
Lauren kept smiling, but it was a bitter one. Reality was a tough pill to swallow. Even if she wanted to marry Ethan, it wouldn't be a walk in the park.
A marriage without parental blessing would be a nightmare. Even if she had the guts to take the plunge, Matthew couldn't. He needed a peaceful environment to grow up. She couldn't let Matthew get caught up in adult drama.
But Ethan was blind to reality. Ignoring his parents' angry faces, he said loudly, "Mom, Dad, I brought Lauren here today to talk about marriage. I love Lauren. I've been waiting for her for years. Whether you accept it or not, I'm marrying Lauren!"
Ethan's bold declaration set his parents off.
"Ethan! Aren't you embarrassed saying this in front of others?" Kevin roared.
In the living room were only Ethan's parents and brother, Lauren, and Matthew. It was clear who the "others" were.
Lauren stepped aside. She wanted to leave, but Kevin and Esme, despite their anger, didn't kick her out, which was already a small mercy. She had no chance to speak. She wanted to leave directly, but that would be rude.
Ryan, seeing the situation escalate, quickly tried to calm Kevin and Esme. "Mom, Dad, don't be angry. Ethan, why do you have to make a scene? Can't you explain things calmly?"
At this moment, Ethan, blinded by anger, glared at Ryan. "Ryan, what's going on? Didn't you tell Mom and Dad we were here to discuss marriage?"
Esme, seeing Ethan blame Ryan, was almost faint with anger. "You're such a letdown. Don't blame Ryan for everything. Over the years, you've caused so much trouble. And now you..."
Esme stopped, unable to continue, as she was about to criticize Lauren, who stood nearby.
The situation finally calmed down. Lauren knew she was unnecessary here, seeing it as a good opportunity to leave.
The marriage couldn't be discussed, and staying was pointless.
"I'm very sorry. Ethan, calm down and apologize to your parents. I'll leave now," Lauren said.
"Lauren! Don't go!" Ethan ran over and grabbed Lauren's hand.
Kevin was even angrier, "How did I raise such a shameless son!"
Lauren said softly, "I'm fine. Listen to me, don't make things worse, okay?"
Ethan reluctantly let go, knowing his priority was to win Kevin and Esme's approval of Lauren.
