**Chapter 4: Meeting the Parents**

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The first snow of the season had blanketed the estate in a pristine layer of white, creating a picturesque winter wonderland. Inside the house, a warm fire crackled in the fireplace, casting a cozy glow over the living room. Jennie and Lisa were busy preparing for the arrival of their family and friends, eager to celebrate the holidays together.

But today was different. Today, Jennie and Lisa were about to take another significant step in their relationship: introducing each other to their parents. Jennie’s parents were expected to arrive in the afternoon, followed by Lisa’s parents later in the evening. Both women felt a mix of excitement and nervousness, knowing how important this meeting was for their future.

Jennie stood in the kitchen, stirring a pot of soup, while Lisa set the table with their best china. The atmosphere was warm and cozy, the fireplace crackling softly in the background.

"Do you think they’ll like me?" Lisa asked, her voice tinged with anxiety.

Jennie paused, turning to her with a reassuring smile. "Of course they will. How could they not? You’ve been such a blessing in my life, Lisa. They’ll see that."

Lisa nodded, taking a deep breath. "I hope so. And what about your parents? Are you nervous?"

Jennie shrugged, though she felt a flutter of nerves herself. "A little, but I know they’ll love you. They trust my judgment, and they’ll see how happy you make me."

The sound of tires crunching on the gravel driveway signaled the arrival of Jennie’s parents. Jennie wiped her hands on a towel, her heart racing with anticipation. She took Lisa’s hand, giving it a comforting squeeze.

"Let’s do this," Jennie said, leading Lisa to the front door.

They opened the door to find Jennie’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kim, stepping out of their car, bundled up against the cold. Mrs. Kim’s face lit up when she saw Jennie, and she hurried forward to embrace her daughter.

"Jennie, darling! It’s so good to see you," she exclaimed, hugging her tightly.

"Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad," Jennie greeted, her voice warm. She stepped back and took Lisa’s hand. "Mom, Dad, this is Lisa."

Mrs. Kim turned to Lisa with a critical eye, her smile faltering slightly. "Lisa, it’s nice to meet you," she said politely, though her tone lacked warmth.

Mr. Kim extended his hand, his expression reserved. "Lisa," he said, his voice neutral.

Lisa shook his hand, feeling a knot of anxiety form in her stomach. "Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Kim. It’s an honor to meet you both."

They all headed inside, the warmth of the house a stark contrast to the chilly reception. Over the next hour, Jennie’s parents asked Lisa questions, but their demeanor remained distant. They seemed focused on Lisa’s status as Jennie’s former employee, their disapproval subtly woven into their words.

Jennie noticed the tension and tried to steer the conversation to more neutral topics, but the atmosphere remained strained. She felt a pang of frustration and sadness, knowing how much Lisa was hurting.

Later that evening, the doorbell rang again, announcing the arrival of Lisa’s parents. Jennie and Lisa exchanged a glance, both feeling a surge of nerves. Jennie took a deep breath and opened the door to find Mr. and Mrs. Park standing there, smiles on their faces despite the cold.

"Mom, Dad," Lisa greeted, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. "This is Jennie."

Mrs. Manoban stepped forward, her eyes appraising Jennie with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "Jennie, it’s nice to meet you," she said, her tone polite but guarded.

"Likewise, Mrs. Manoban It’s wonderful to finally meet you both," Jennie replied, feeling a wave of anxiety at their scrutinizing gazes.

Mr. Manoban extended his hand, his grip firm but not unfriendly. "Jennie," he said, his expression thoughtful. "Welcome to the family."

As the evening continued, the conversation with Lisa’s parents revealed their concerns about Jennie’s social status and background. They questioned her intentions and whether she could truly make Lisa happy, their skepticism evident.

Jennie and Lisa did their best to navigate the uncomfortable conversations, but the disapproval from both sets of parents cast a shadow over the evening. By the time the night drew to a close, Jennie and Lisa were emotionally drained, their spirits dampened by the lack of support.

After everyone had left, Jennie and Lisa sat together on the couch, wrapped in each other’s arms. The house was quiet, the fire still crackling softly. The evening had not gone as they had hoped, and the weight of their parents’ disapproval hung heavily in the air.

Lisa’s eyes were filled with tears. "Jennie, what are we going to do? They don’t approve of us. They see our differences, not our love."

Jennie held Lisa tightly, her heart aching for her. "We’ll figure it out, Lisa. Our parents may not understand right now, but that doesn’t change how I feel about you. I love you, and I’m committed to us, no matter what."

Lisa nodded, sniffling. "I love you too, Jennie. We’ll just have to prove to them that our love is real and strong."

The path ahead would not be easy, but Jennie and Lisa knew they had each other. Their parents’ disapproval was a hurdle they would face together, united in their love and determination to build a future despite the challenges.

As they sat in the quiet of the night, Jennie felt a renewed sense of resolve. They would overcome this, together. And someday, their parents would see the truth of their love.

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