Unpredictable Connection

16. Fractures Beneath the Surface

3rd person's POV:

After their time in the garden, the group returned inside at the sound of Freen's mother calling them. The grand dining room welcomed them with its luxurious decor—polished mahogany furniture, gilded accents, and a crystal chandelier casting golden light across the long dining table. The scent of freshly baked bread and rich spices lingered in the air.

As they settled into their seats, servants brought in an array of elegantly plated dishes. The quiet clinking of utensils and soft background chatter felt warm, almost familial.

Freen's mother took her place at the head of the table, her smile warm and motherly.
"Kids, don't be shy while eating. Treat this place like your home—eat whatever you want," she said gently.

Krik grinned, already helping himself to one of his favorites.
"Yes, Aunty!" he said enthusiastically.

Mrs. Chankimha chuckled and shook her head fondly. "I'm not talking to you, Krik."

He blinked, confused, as everyone turned their eyes to her in anticipation.
"You all are already like my children. This home is yours too. But I was speaking to them," she added, her gaze falling on Becky, Irin, and Char with kindness.

The three girls froze. Becky offered a polite nod, but her fingers curled slightly in her lap. Irin looked down quickly, cheeks flushed. Char blinked in uncertainty, unsure how to process the warm welcome from a woman they'd just met.

The rest of the lunch was quiet but pleasant, the clinking of cutlery and light chatter filling the room. Once finished, the group moved to Freen's room, their steps heavy from the satisfying meal.

Just as Engfa was about to enter behind them, Freen's mother called her back. She nodded and turned around without question. Freen raised a brow, curious but unfazed. Her parents had always treated Engfa like their own daughter—there could be any number of reasons for a private chat.

Inside the room, Heng collapsed onto the couch dramatically, rubbing his stomach.
"Damn, I had way too much."

Kate rolled her eyes, plopping down beside him. "You're always like this, Heng."

Nam, however, remained quiet. She sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers twisting in her lap. Her eyes were unreadable. "Forget it. Did any of you hear something... again?"

Her voice dropped with seriousness. Everyone exchanged glances.
Freen narrowed her eyes. "Mom told you too?"

Nam sighed and met her gaze with quiet sympathy. "Freen... you can't keep pretending nothing's happening. Your parents have arranged a meeting. For marriage."

The room stilled. Kate choked on thin air.
"Wait. WHAT? Again?"

At that moment, Engfa entered the room and sat calmly on the edge of the bed.
"Don't act so surprised, girls," she said quietly. "We knew this was coming. Uncle and Aunty aren't getting any younger. They want Freen settled."

Freen's expression turned icy, her jaw tightening. "But P'Fa, I don't even know who the hell that person is. A girl? A guy? A fucking ghost?!"

Engfa sighed and rubbed her temple, "It's a girl. Named Love and she is a 2nd year of our college."

Freen opened her mouth to protest, but Engfa lifted a hand to stop her.
"No more arguments. Uncle and Aunty know what's best for you. You'll meet her tomorrow. That's final."

Freen stood abruptly, her voice rising. "And what if I say no? What if I refuse to meet anyone?"

Engfa rose too, face firm. "Then you're being childish. You can't keep running from reality."