Mr. Marsh’s Twins

She tied a bow around the waist of the wrapping paper with practiced ease. Watching her complete the task so smoothly, Spencer felt a pang of sadness. Had she often helped out in the store since she was young? Her family conditions weren’t great back then, were they?

He remembered that during high school, she rarely bought new clothes and wasn’t particular about food or other necessities. She used the same backpack for years and seldom changed her hair ties. Materially, she was lacking, but her spirit was rich.

“Done. Is it pretty?” Summer asked as she lifted the bouquet and looked at him, only to find him lost in thought. He held his teacup and quickly snapped back to attention when their eyes met.

Spencer smiled and nodded. “It’s beautiful. My sister-in-law will love it.” He hadn’t even taken a close look at the wrapped bouquet.

At that moment, Mr. Campbell emerged from an inner room. The young couple turned to see him alone; Mrs. Campbell did not come out.

“Your mother has a headache and wants to rest for a while,” Mr. Campbell explained with a smile, trying not to make the atmosphere awkward.

“Is Auntie okay?” Spencer asked with concern. “Should we take her to the hospital?”

“No need,” Mr. Campbell replied with a reassuring smile. “She’ll be fine after some rest.”

Only Summer knew that the headache was an excuse; her mother was probably too upset to come out and was likely sleeping.

She still believed in leaving things to time.

“I’ll take a bouquet to deliver to a friend this afternoon,” Summer told her father.

“Alright,” her father replied kindly. He then looked at Spencer and said, “Mr. Lawrence, there’s something I want to say.”

“Please go ahead,” Spencer responded humbly. “You can call me Spencer; it makes me feel more comfortable.”

Calling him Spencer would reduce the sense of distance.

“Alright, Spencer,” Mr. Campbell said after some thought. “I think you can tell that my wife doesn’t mean any harm towards you; she’s just very concerned about Summer.”

“I understand,” Spencer said, feeling regretful about his past indiscretions. He didn’t blame anyone but himself.

“She disagrees with your relationship because she read some news articles and looked into your past relationships. Media reports can be distorted but aren’t entirely fabricated,” Mr. Campbell explained objectively without any blame in his tone.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Everyone has their own way of living, and Mr. Campbell respected that.

Spencer felt ashamed and didn’t try to defend himself.

Summer remained silent as well; she understood her parents’ feelings and didn’t defend him either.

With a kind expression, Mr. Campbell continued, “As parents, I hope you can understand our feelings.”

“I do understand,” Spencer said earnestly. “My past actions have led to your distrust, but please rest assured that I will prove myself with genuine actions from now on.”

Spencer turned to the girl beside him and took her hand again. “Summer, I will make you happy; please believe in me.”

He was worried she might be influenced by her mother.

Seeing the sincerity in his eyes, Summer nodded; of course she believed in him.

Feelings are like that-what matters most is one’s own perception, while outsiders remain just that-outsiders.

Mr. Campbell didn’t say anything further, but his softened expression spoke volumes. He was concerned for his daughter but willing to give Spencer a chance.