Eating together with Ray

After I successfully caught up with both of my parents, I overheard them talking about me and Ray. I heard my father cheerfully saying, "My wife, it turns out their relationship is really good, hihi." His face was beaming, and he excitedly tapped my mother's arm with a joyful expression.

"You are right, I didn't even expect them to be this romantic. Our child is so lucky; they will have a loving and caring husband," my mother said with an understanding smile. She swayed slightly in happiness, and her eyes radiated warmth.

I felt a flutter in my chest, a mixture of confusion and a little bit of nervousness. I hurriedly walked towards them, intending to explain the situation. My body froze for a moment when my father said something about Ray with a happy expression. "Ugh! My son-in-law is so great," my father said with a booming voice and an admiring tone. "If their relationship is this good, I'm sure we'll be holding grandchildren soon! Pffft!" My father couldn't contain his joy.

I felt my heart race, and a wave of confusion washed over me. Grandchildren? Isn't that going too far? My mind swirled with mixed thoughts.

My mother interrupted my father, trying to stifle her laughter. "Shhht! That's enough, pffft! But they do look sweet," my mother said with a gentle smile. Her body shook slightly with amusement, and her hand covered her wide-open mouth. "I'm a little jealous," she added, looking at my father with a slight pout.

"My wife, we also had moments like this in our youth. Your father used to be romantic," my father said nostalgically, his eyes sparkling as he remembered their beautiful moments together. "Oh, come on, my husband. We're old now," my mother replied softly, but her smile couldn't be hidden.

My parents looked at each other as if they were being swept away by their youthful memories. It was at that moment, gasping for breath, that I suddenly appeared in front of them.

"Dad! Mom!" I exclaimed, gasping for breath.

"Hah!"

My parents were startled to see me, still weak, appearing before them. They simultaneously called out my name, mixing concern and astonishment in their voices.

"Naina, you're still sick. Why are you running like this?" my mother asked with a worried face. She bent forward slightly, her body tense, and her eyes filled with concern.

With conflicting emotions, I tried to explain to them. It wasn't what they thought.

"Dad, mom, it's not what you think. Ray and I..." I paused for a moment, realizing that I couldn't reveal my true relationship with Ray to my father and mother.

What are you thinking, Naina? Do you want to say that your relationship with Ray is fake, that you just want to leave Redrick? Is that it? What will happen then? Do you want to see your parents heartbroken? My thoughts clashed with my heart.

"Why, Naina? What happened between you and Ray?" my mother asked.

"Yes, child. Did something bad happen?" my father added.

"Well, Mom, I mean... come inside, and let me explain what happened earlier. What you saw was just..." I didn't get a chance to finish my sentence as my mother cut me off.

"Ah, never mind. Don't be embarrassed, Naina. It's better if you go back and be with Ray," my mother said, turning my body away.

"But, Mo-mom, earlier--"

"Yeah, that's right. Come back, we just want to make sure you're alright," my father added.

"Exactly, dear," my mother chimed in, gently nudging me to go back.

"You, stay with Ray, and we'll go now," my father said.

"Mhm, alright," I replied as I started walking back.

Phew... I breathed a sigh of relief. I felt lucky that I didn't have to reveal the true nature of my relationship with Ray to my parents. What would their feelings be if they knew I married Ray because of Redrick? I'm sure they would be devastated. Hmmm.

As I walked through the corridor, I couldn't help but remember the happy expressions on my parents' faces earlier. Unconsciously, a smile formed on my face. It felt so heartwarming.

Upon reaching the VIP room where I was being treated, I opened the door. Inside, Ray was already waiting with a smile adorning his face.

As I approached Ray, he immediately greeted me, "Naina," with a cheerful and loving smile.

Suddenly, I felt a swirl of thoughts in my mind. Perhaps my relationship with Ray would evolve into something deeper and real. Maybe it was time for me to completely leave behind those dark memories and start a new, happy relationship with Ray.

Maybe .... I thought as I entered the room with a smile on my face.

"Naina," Ray greeted when he saw me, his smile growing wider, his face beaming.

As I got closer to him, I immediately asked, "Why are you smiling? Are you teasing me?" I said, pouting and looking away, pretending to be upset.

"No, no!" Ray replied, crossing his hands.

"Well then, Naina, did you manage to explain to your parents? Did you tell them about the true nature of our relationship?" Ray asked me.

I didn't know how to answer because I didn't tell anything to my father. So, I talked about something else to divert attention momentarily.

"Have you finished your meal?" I asked, folding my hands and waiting for his answer.

"Hah, you just left for a moment, how could I finish it?"

"Then, what are you waiting for? Finish your meal. If not, I'll do it for you," I said, moving my clenched fist in front of him.

"Alright, then let's eat together," Ray said, pulling my hand that was still clenched in front of him.

I quickly sat next to his bed.

"Ray, this..." I felt a bit awkward at that moment.

"Come on, Naina, open your mouth," Ray said, offering me a spoonful of food.

I took the spoon. The image of my parents walking in and seeing Ray feeding me earlier lingered in my mind. "Alright," I said as I quickly put the food into my mouth. "Now, it's your turn to eat!"

"Mhm!" Ray nodded and began eating.

We ate together at that moment, and as time passed, the food was gone before we knew it.

Wait, it's already finished? I looked in disbelief.

I was slightly surprised to see that the food was finished without a trace. It was just plain porridge after all. I wondered what made it so special.

"Is it tasty, Naina?" Ray asked.

"Mhm, very tasty. I like it," I replied.

"Mhm, I like it too."