Lawrence's family

Nivea returned to her shop after finishing her little picnic with Matias by the vineyard. Meanwhile, Matias still had to continue his work.

Arriving at her bakery, Nivea rested for a while and then took Seri's place at the ordering counter.

"You're not going back, Seri?"

"No, ma'am. I'm just here to keep you company."

"Hahaha... Is there nothing for you to do in the kitchen?"

"No, ma'am."

"Ah, well... So, did I sell a lot of my bread while I was gone?"

"Hmm... Of course, Miss! I have also recorded it well."

"Really? Ah, that's right Seri! You reminded me. I have to check this month's records. How could I have forgotten that."

"Miss, was Mr. Matias happy when... you came to visit?"

"No."

"What? No? Mr. Matias didn't like you coming to the estate?"

"Hahaha... Why do you ask stupid questions sometimes, Seri? Of course he's happy to see me come."

"Ah, alright!"

"Why, are you asking about that?"

"I just... just..."

"Take some time off, Seri! You should have some fun and... who knows while on vacation you might find your soul mate."

"What? Leave, miss?"

"Hmm... I allow you to do that. Choose the time that is best for you. Because you're the one going on vacation, not me. You are free to choose the time. Just not at the time of...."

"At what time Madam?"

"When I get married."

"Ah, of course, Miss!"

As the minutes ticked by, the two had finished with their tasks for the day at the shop. As usual, the shop was always bustling with customers one after another. And together with Mr. Willy, the two girls hurried back to their residence.

Arriving at her room, Nivea sat for a moment and then went to take a shower. She now felt much fresher after taking a shower. She had also put on her other dress. Seri came over while Nivea was sitting by the window, looking at the evening sky.

"Miss, Mr. Matias has come looking for you."

"What?", she asked in astonishment.

"Yes, he's waiting for you in the parlor."

"Alright, I'll be right there. Thank you Seri."

From the threshold of the living room, Nivea smiled happily to find her boyfriend sitting on the sofa.

"What's up Matias?"

"Ah, I want to invite you to come to my house right now.", as he turned his head and got up from his seat.

"Right now?"

"Yes! So that later, you can join us for dinner."

"Won't that inconvenience your family, Matias? And maybe... I'm interrupting your family time."

"Of course not, Miss Nivea Del Castano! Come on, let's go right now."

"Alright! I'll tell Seri first. So that... she doesn't get confused looking for me."

"Go ahead Nivea, I'll wait for you here."

Before long, Nivea had returned to Matias' presence. He immediately took her hand to lead her to the carriage, which would be driven by Mr. Luigi.

"Why are you silent, miss?"

"Miss? Ah, don't joke Matias! I'm... quite tense."

"You're in a scary situation? Why are you tense?"

"It's not scary, it's just... I'm... I don't know! Maybe this is a common feeling when a girl is about to meet... her boyfriend's parents."

"Ah, I see! So you're saying... only fellow girls can understand what you're feeling right now?"

"Hmm... I think so, Matias."

Matias nodded and smiled, indicating his agreement with Nivea's words.

The carriage carrying them had arrived at its destination. Matias, who got off first, helped his girl down slowly onto the grass in front of the main door of the Lawrence family residence.

With a nervous look on her face, Nivea obediently led her lover into the house.

"Come on, it's not your first time here."

"What?"

"That time you met Martha here."

"Ah, that's right! I... had forgotten."

"Wow... you brought your girl, Matias?", countess Victoria's distinctive voice greeted them.

Nivea, who was surprised, hurriedly bowed slightly before her, saying her greetings. "Good evening, countess Victoria."

"Good evening, Miss Nivea. Sit down first with Matias. I will call my husband inside."

"Yes, ma'am!"

Before approaching count Antonio in his room, countess Victoria took the time to visit his kitchen. She ordered Aunt Puff and her assistant to add more portions to their dishes. Because a guest would be joining them for dinner.

"Good evening, count Antonio!", Nivea immediately stood up and greeted Matias' father.

"Good evening, miss! Sit down!"

"Father, I deliberately brought her here so that I could formally introduce her to you as your...."

"Your lover?", guessed Count Antonio as he smiled at them.

"That's right!"

"Well, we're very glad you bothered to come here, miss."

"Ah, no sir! I didn't bother at all. In fact... I'm afraid my arrival will cause trouble for your family."

"No, miss! It's our pleasure to entertain you. Of course you don't mind, do you? If you join us for dinner."

"Ah, of course, sir! Thank you for your concern."

"Come, let's go to the dining table now.", said countess Victoria who reappeared from inside.

They responded to the invitation by following countess Victoria to the dining room.

On the large dining table, there were several kinds of food that were quite luxurious in the style of a noble family. Not much different from the usual menu of dishes served at the Del Castano residence.

Martha was seen sitting in her chair. She, who had been in her room, was surprised by Nivea's presence among her family members as she stepped closer.

"Miss Nivea!"

"Ah, you're Miss Martha!"

"Sit beside me, Miss!", he said enthusiastically, preceding his father's order.

Nivea smiled shyly at the face of Matias beside her. The girl looked a little awkward.

"Sit down!", Matias told him.

Without further delay, everyone began to eat their respective dishes. Followed by chatting again after finishing their food.

"Did you enjoy your meal, miss?"

"Of course, ma'am! All these dishes are very delicious. I am very grateful for the hospitality."

"Come here often, miss! We can pick cherries together in the courtyard."

"Ah, but... isn't Miss Nivea quite busy with her bakery?", Count Antonio asked.

"Yes, sir! But, I have enough free time after I finish making bread. Ah, I'm sorry I didn't bring you my bread. Matias came to the house unexpectedly, without us planning it."

"Ah, no problem miss! I can drop by your shop anytime.", said Martha.

"Dad, I'll take Nivea home in a minute. I'm very grateful to you and Mom for accepting our relationship."

"Hmm... My pleasure, Matias.", replied Count Antonio while his wife just smiled.

"You don't have to drive me, Matias. You should rest. Before I left I left a message with Seri for Mr. Willy to pick me up here at nine o'clock."

"Wow! Look at you! Miss Nivea is very considerate of you. She asked you to rest immediately.", said Martha who was nodded in agreement by her parents.