Collin went to the supermarket to buy something after work. He took a taxi back to his parents' place after the shopping.
He had stayed at his parents' house for a while, eating with them, watching the TV show with them, and chatting with them.
"Your hand has recovered, yes? Let's meet the girl I told you some other days," said Cora after the dinner given that Collin seemed to be in a good mood.
Collin picked up a piece of apple and, put it in his mouth, "Okay."
"Great! I'll get in touch with her in a few days," Cora said happily.
Collin had the urge to bring Roxanne over on New Year’s Eve. But before the urge came true, it was wiped out by Cora's words, "Let me tell you something. Yesterday, one of my friends' son brought a girl back to his home. She looked quite well-dressed and decent. But my friend checked in private and found that the girl's life was a total mess. I heard that she had an abortion before! What a sin! Who would ever want to be with such a girl? My friend and his son quarreled with each other, and his son didn't come back for dinner on New Year’s Eve!
"I'm telling you, boy! Don't you ever date that kind of girl! If you bring a girl like that home, I'll definitely be pissed off like hell! I don't want to quarrel with you over girls, you understand?"
"Is it that important to have a matching social status, mom?" Collin heard himself asking.
"Of course! Are you fine with dating a girl who lives in the ghetto? Is she worthy of you? She will feel inferior and knows that she doesn't deserve you! If a girl like that wants to marry you, it's about your money instead of love!
Roxanne cared nothing about Collin's money, nor did she like Collin. Collin could not feel even the slightest bit of love from her, but he found that his love for her was getting stronger and stronger.
He was getting used to her existence in his life. He longed to hear her say words of love, even just his name instead of Doctor Mueller, the title that seemed too distant and cold when she called him this way.
From New Year's Eve to this day, Roxanne didn't call nor send any message, even just some greetings. The text inbox of Collin's phone was filled with messages in the last two days ago, but none of them was from Roxanne.
When Collin came back to his senses, he heard Cora chuckling, "The girl I told you about is really good. You will like her! She does housework, and she takes great care of people. She'll do her best to look after you when you start dating!"
Roxanne looked cold, but she was also very good at taking care of people. At least when he was wearing the cast, she had been taking care of him, especially in the bed.
Collin was distracted again.
Collin lost track of what his parents were talking about. They turned to Collin for his opinion on something. After having asked for a long time, there was no response from Collin. His parents found him smiling at an apple on the table.
"Why are you smiling?" Cora asked and patted Collin.
The horny scenes in Collin's mind immediately receded like a tide. He leaned back and asked, "Nothing, What's wrong?"
"I told your dad that we'll go with you the day we take you to the girl," Cora said.
"Sure." Collin already didn't remember what topic they were discussing and just wanted to end it hastily, vaguely agreeing.
Cora looked at Collin in surprise. She felt relieved since Collin had been cooperative, "Really? That's great! Let me get you guys some more apple!"
After Cora left, Collin suddenly understood what he just agreed with.
It was fine to him.
In this relationship between him and Roxanne, he had been left alone being the one who's never been needed by the other one. But he had thought it through. His parents would not accept Roxanne given what's family was like. There was no need to be bothered by Roxanne anymore. It would be better to follow Cora's wishes and marry a girl that satisfied Cora.
However, whenever he thought of marrying another girl, he would think of Roxanne's empty eyes and that sexy croaky voice for no reason. In the silent and dark night, he always heard her voice.
When Valentine's Day came, it was the day of the opening of Ferne's hotel.
Emily woke up to a large bouquet of red roses at the door. She rubbed her eyes and smiled as she looked at the bouquet that was half the height of a person in front of her.
She remembered that Stephanie had sent her a message last night. Stephanie said that she would get no flowers on Valentine's Day, and she asked Emily to share her one after Emily got flowers.
Emily took out a rose and pinched it at her fingertips. She took out her phone and sent a picture of it to Stephanie.
Stephanie replied when Emily was brushing her teeth.
"Charming Steph: Just one?"
"Mrs. Sare: Didn't you say you wanted one?"
"Charming Steph: How many did Vincent give you?"
Emily went out with a mouth full of foam and took another photo.
Stephanie was shocked envy.
"Charming Steph: I want to marry him!"
"Mrs. Sare: Too late. His mine now"
"Charming Steph: Thank you for letting me know!"
"Charming Steph: Whatever, just give me one!"
"Mrs. Sare: How?"
Stephanie sent Emily a location. Emily smiled called, "You came early in the morning?"
"Sure! Today is Mr. Ferne's opening ceremony. I'm a has-been movie star, and I should come to celebrate for him! When will you guys come over?"
Emily put down the towel. "I just got up."
Stephanie chuckled hard, "Marriage gives you fantastic nightlife, doesn't it?"
Emily: "What the...
"Cut your crap or I'll start hunting men for you!"
Stephanie laughed, "Someone like your dear husband, please! If you can get a man like that, I'll marry him right away!"