Love Amidst the Flames

Chap 42

Both of them enjoyed a delicious meal, with the restaurant filled with warmth and laughter. Engfa fed Charlotte each bite, their eyes reflecting pure happiness.

• "Is it good, my dear?" Engfa asked, her smile radiant.

• "It's amazing, sister! This Pad Thai is absolutely wonderful," Charlotte replied, her eyes shining. "I couldn't have imagined it would be this flavorful!"

• "I told you! Don't worry, I'll bring you here more often," Engfa laughed, feeling joy as she saw how much Charlotte liked the dish.

During the meal, Charlotte began asking about Engfa's memories from her school days in Thailand.

• "Do you have any special memories from your time in Thailand?" Charlotte asked, curious.

• "Of course! I remember during high school, we went on a field trip with friends. We prepared a small party on the beach, laughed together, and then a wave came and drenched me, but it was still a beautiful memory," Engfa recounted, a smile blooming on her lips.

Charlotte laughed along.

• "That sounds fun! I only have silly memories from England. I once joined a Halloween festival at school, dressed as a monster, and ended up being laughed at because I looked like no one else!" she said, her face animated.

• "I can't imagine! How did you look?" Engfa asked, her eyes sparkling.

• "Hard to describe! But back then, I just wanted to be the scariest. In the end, I only made people laugh," Charlotte replied, chuckling.

• "Actually, that's wonderful! I think memories like that make life more interesting," Engfa said, feeling closer to Charlotte.

They continued chatting, and Engfa brought up her past relationships.

• "Would you like to know about my past relationships?" Engfa asked, looking serious.

Charlotte nodded.

• "I had a relationship in college, but it was just a fleeting feeling. Then I met someone else, but it didn't last. I realized true love needs a deep connection and understanding," Engfa shared, her eyes holding a bit of sadness.

Charlotte listened, then gently asked:

• "What about me? Did you ever have a relationship while studying in England?"

Charlotte chuckled softly.

• "I had a few relationships, but none were truly deep. Once, I dated a classmate, but we ended up just being friends. Maybe I haven't found the right person," she said, her eyes glimmering.

Engfa nodded, sensing a shared understanding in their stories.

• "I think everyone has different stages in love. If you're patient, that person will come along," Engfa said, trying to comfort Charlotte.

As their meal came to an end, Engfa handed Charlotte a glass of water.

• "You should drink this instead; no need for more wine," Engfa emphasized, her tone serious yet friendly.

Charlotte nodded slightly, feeling warmth in her heart.

• "You really know how to take care of me. Thank you, sister," she said, pouring water into her glass and raising it.

Engfa took a deep breath and then proposed:

• "I was thinking... we should introduce you to my family. My father already knows about you and our relationship. I think it's time for you to meet my mother, who's always curious about the daughter-in-law I keep mentioning."

Charlotte blinked, feeling a growing sense of worry.

• "But... isn't it too soon, sister? I'm not fully prepared," she hesitated.

• "No, don't worry! My mother is very friendly, she'll love you from the first meeting. Besides, I've always wanted her to meet the person I cherish," Engfa reassured her.

Charlotte was still worried.

• "I want to share a life with you, but I'm afraid I'm not quite ready."

Sensing Charlotte's lingering anxiety, Engfa decided to share funny stories about her family to lighten the mood.

• "You know, my dad is quite funny. Once, at my birthday party, he decided to cook a dish my mom taught him, but the result... wasn't as expected," Engfa began, her eyes lighting up as she remembered.

Charlotte raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

• "That time, my dad made dumplings. He didn't read the recipe properly, and instead of adding baking powder, he put salt!" Engfa continued, giggling.

• "When everyone started eating, their faces scrunched up because the dumplings were as salty as the sea. Everyone laughed until they cried, and my dad tried to explain that it was 'a new dumpling style.'"

Charlotte burst into laughter, imagining the scene.

• "And my mom is just as funny. She always forgets anniversaries. Once, she forgot their wedding anniversary, and my dad prepared a romantic dinner. When she got home, she asked, 'Why's the food so good today?' My dad just laughed and said, 'Did you forget our anniversary?'" Engfa continued, feeling joyous.

• "I remember my dad pretended to be upset and wouldn't eat her dish. But in the end, he couldn't resist and ate everything!" Engfa added, her smile still bright.

Charlotte laughed heartily.

• "They sound adorable! They must be wonderful people," she said, her worry slowly dissipating.

• "I'm sure my mother will adore you at first sight. She's always open-hearted and loves meeting new people," Engfa assured. "She'll have plenty of funny stories to share with you."

Charlotte felt more at ease hearing these cheerful stories.

• "Really? I hope to meet them and feel that warmth from your family," she responded, her smile returning.

• "Definitely! And if anything is hard, I'll be by your side. Consider my family as yours," Engfa said, warmly holding Charlotte's hand.

A sense of peace filled Charlotte. Engfa's humorous stories and warmth helped her overcome her initial anxiety, letting her look forward to a hopeful future with the one she loves.

Engfa smiled, gently holding Charlotte's hand.

• "I'll be with you, helping you overcome any worries. If you agree, next weekend we'll go meet my family. I believe everything will go smoothly," Engfa said confidently.

Charlotte felt lighter hearing Engfa's reassuring words.

• "So, if I agree, shall we visit your family next weekend?" she asked, her eyes full of hope.

• "Exactly! Is there anything you'd like to prepare? I can help you with whatever you need," Engfa said, her warm voice giving Charlotte comfort.

Charlotte nodded, a smile spreading across her face. • "Alright, sister! I agree. Next weekend, I'll go meet your family!"

• "Wonderful! I'm so glad to hear that. We'll go through this new experience together," Engfa replied, her eyes shining with joy.

Both of them held each other's hands tightly, feeling a deeper connection in this happy moment.

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