William Vance and his son-in-law, Alexander Sterling, were chatting and drinking in the dining room.
"Alexander, to be honest, I never dared to dream of marrying into your family before. We're just not on the same level at all." William said with a sigh.
"Dad, that's not true." Alexander refilled his father-in-law's glass. "There's no difference between our two families."
"There is a difference. A huge one. Just look at our family background. We can barely take care of ourselves, let alone build up generations of wealth like your family.
So when your mother-in-law, your mother, Mrs. Sterling, sent someone to talk about the marriage, I was terrified.
We've done okay for ourselves, but compared to the Sterling family, we're nothing.
I was completely flattered." William took a sip of his drink.
"Dad, you're too modest.
Sometimes, it's all about fate and chemistry.
Back then, I was of marriageable age, but I was always busy with work. There was no one suitable around me. My mother was worried. Then she met Evelyn and liked her immediately. She thought she was perfect for me, so she introduced us.
After I saw Evelyn's photo, I thought she was a good match. I agreed without much hesitation.
I should toast you and Mom. I'm very grateful to you both."
"Alexander, you and Evelyn get along well, so I feel comfortable saying this. When I agreed to let Evelyn marry into your family, I felt like I was selling my daughter.
If it weren't for the ten million, I wouldn't have agreed to this marriage so quickly!" William replied, his voice thick with emotion.
"Dad, don't say that.
I didn't think it through well enough back then. I should have spent more time with Evelyn before making a decision. Maybe we could have gotten to know each other first and then gotten married. That would have been better for the stability of our marriage.
But it doesn't matter. Even though we started off as strangers, we can make up for it. After our marriage, Evelyn and I have taken care of each other. We have a harmonious relationship."
"I know. Seeing you two get along so well puts my mind at ease. Otherwise, as a father, I would never have peace in my heart.
Alexander, when you have children and become a father, you'll understand how I feel.
No matter how hard parents work, it's all for their children. If the children are happy, we have a good life.
If the children are unhappy, we suffer with them."
"Dad, you're a good father. We can tell from Evelyn's character."
William waved his hand.
"I don't deserve those words.
Otherwise...
Forget it. The past is the past. There's no point dwelling on it.
I just want to know, how are you and Evelyn doing now?"
"We're doing great, Dad. Don't worry." Alexander said.
"Alexander, you're a good man. I've never denied that. Our family is very close to yours. I always tell Evelyn that since she married into your family, she should follow your family rules, be a good wife and daughter-in-law, and live a good life with you.
I can't say much else, but I can guarantee Evelyn's character.
But to be honest, our children are precious to us. We don't want her to suffer any injustice.
Originally, as elders, we shouldn't interfere in the affairs between you and your wife.
But your mother-in-law is always worried. Women going through menopause are troublesome. They're always suspicious.
So I want to ask you, have you been faithful to our family? Is there someone else?
Of course, if it's something from the past, we can understand. Who hasn't been young?
But now that you have a family, your family should come first!" William hesitated for a long time before speaking.
Alexander picked up his glass again, clinked it with his father-in-law, took a drink, and set it down. Then he spoke slowly.
"Dad, when I got married, I didn't think about anyone else. I just wanted to have a good life with Evelyn.
Like you said, the past is gone.
I was young once. I had a girlfriend. We were serious.
Later, we broke up because of some issues. I was sad about it at the time, but the fact is, we separated.
That has nothing to do with anyone else. Even if Evelyn and I weren't married now, we wouldn't get back together.
Evelyn is a strong-willed girl. She just doesn't show it.
If my feelings aren't pure enough, she would rather not have me.
So, Dad, I'm the one who's worried now.
Because I'm really afraid that your little daughter, if she's not happy, will run away with the baby and kick me to the curb."
After hearing his father-in-law's words, Alexander understood that his in-laws already knew about his conflict with Evelyn.
William burst out laughing and replied with pride.
"Don't tell me, our family is capable of that.
You see her as weak and introverted, but she has a mind of her own.
If I hadn't married her off to your family, I would have trained her to take over my company in the future."
"It seems I was right to marry Evelyn as soon as possible.
Otherwise, if you train her to be a strong woman, it would take a lot of effort to win her back!" Alexander laughed and agreed, continuing to drink with his father-in-law.
The two chatted happily. They felt like they could drink a thousand cups with a true friend.
Later, William drank too much. He talked more when he was happy.
Finally, Amelia advised him to rest.
Alexander also drank a lot. Amelia let him and Evelyn stay in her room.
Evelyn didn't say anything, but Alexander was very happy.
After they went upstairs and entered Evelyn's bedroom, Alexander hugged her from behind and said with a smile.
"Honey, I'm so happy today."
"Oh." Evelyn replied.
I think you said that when you called this afternoon.
Evelyn struggled for a moment, but Alexander didn't let go. He murmured.
"Let me hold you for a while."
His tone was pitiful.
Evelyn felt a little sad and asked.
"What did you talk about with Dad? Did you have a good chat?"
"I asked Dad to help me. To make you stop being angry with me." Alexander replied.
Evelyn was stunned for a long time. She didn't expect Alexander to say that. For a moment, she didn't know how to respond.
The answer was not clear.