In order to help Lia Aiken move out from the shadow of her past as soon as possible, Ivan Horne spent every day with her, taking her on trips to various scenic spots. It's safe to say that every corner of T City has witnessed their intimate moments.
Their relationship quickly heated up, soon reaching the point where they were inseparable.
In the blink of an eye, a month had passed.
Julia Bluen kept calling Lia and inviting her and Ivan over for dinner. Unable to resist her future mother-in-law's warm enthusiasm, Lia bought a lot of gifts on that day, marking her first official visit to the Horne Family.
Upon entering the house, Lia discovered the place was packed with people—all friends and relatives of the Horne Family, likely there to get a look at her.
Lia glanced sideways at the man beside her, feigning annoyance as she whispered, "You didn't tell me there would be so many guests at your house. Now my legs are a bit shaky—what should I do?"
Ivan chuckled softly and squeezed her hand, indulgingly saying, "With me here, what are you afraid of? They're all very kind people."
The truth was that when facing their own family, of course, these people were kind, but when dealing with outsiders, they were not so easy to get along with. Even a random one could fill someone with trepidation.
"Sister Lia."
Lena Horne laughed, stood up, and ran over, quickly squeezing in next to Lia, forcing her brother to step back a couple of paces. She affectionately clung to Lia's arm and said warmly, "You've finally come. I've missed you so much, you heartless thing, only caring about romancing my big brother day in and day out, without making time to see me."
Her big brother had not returned to the company for the whole month for Lia, something truly unprecedented.
Nowadays, everyone in T City knows how much Ivan Horne cherishes his girlfriend, sayings that he inherits his father's traits as a loving husband circulate widely.
Lena Horne thinks that all her uncles and cousins will be attentive husbands, and she wants to marry a man who dotes on his wife too.
Lia blushed, "But here I am now, right?"
"Just because my aunt kept calling you every other day, that's why you came."
Lia felt a bit embarrassed, hoping her aunt wouldn't misunderstand her reluctance as aloofness. It was really her emotional state not being well-adjusted; she feared bringing burdensome thoughts that might dampen everyone's spirits.
Moreover, an inherently modest bride is inevitably anxious when meeting her in-laws. That anxiety led her to postpone the visit for a whole month. Realizing this, she dared not delay any longer and hurriedly returned with Ivan. As it turned out, she was also to meet the entire circle of family and friends.
"Lia."
Julia Bluen stood up smiling, and as she approached Lia, Lia quickly came over.
"Aunt Julia."
Julia untangled Lena's arm from Lia's and unceremoniously pulled Lia to her side, kindly taking her hand and bringing her back to her previous seat, then proceeded to introduce everyone in the room to Lia.
Several young men, all Ivan's younger brothers, were strikingly handsome, exceptional among men.
Ivan placed the gifts Lia brought on the coffee table, and Julia gave her son a pointed look, saying, "How could you let Lia spend so much?"
"Aunt Julia, it's my first visit, so I had to bring a little something. I hope you won't mind," Lia spoke on Ivan's behalf, but it was actually her insistence to buy the gifts.
"We're all family, no need for such formalities, and no more extravagant spending in the future."
Julia's reference to "family" made the blush on Lia's cheeks even more vivid.
With Julia's introductions, Lia got acquainted with all the friends and family of the Horne Household. Those senior in ranking to Ivan insisted on giving Lia a gift as a gesture of meeting. After going around the room, Lia's hands were full of gifts.
She could say, these people came prepared.
Ivan certainly knew as well, yet he hadn't mentioned anything.
Thankfully, although Lia said her legs were shaky, she wasn't truly nervous. Her poise and warmth in interacting with others left everyone very pleased.
At that moment, a servant came in and said, "Mrs. Horne, Mr. Horne, Mr. Aiken and his family have arrived."
Upon hearing this, Lia looked towards Ivan.
"Mr. Aiken" referred to her father, whom Ivan had also invited over.
A month had passed since the event. Lia's mood had long been calm, and she was now able to face reality with composure. But cherishing the blissful times spent with Ivan made her postpone returning home until now.
