NovelOnlineAs | was scrubbing dishes in the kitchen, Mariah stood right next to me, still grilling me. “So, which one of those
guys is actually your boyfriend? Don’t mess this up, okay? | know all three are great, but let's be honest -you're
not exactly in their league, not when it comes to ability or family background.”
| let out a half-laugh, half-groan. “Mom, aren't | supposed to be the best daughter in the world to you? Why do
you always have to roastlike this?”
Mariah just crossed her arms, totally serious. “I'm just telling it like it is.”
I shot her a look, protesting, “There’s no scorecard for love, you know. Plenty of regular girls end up marrying
presidents. So what's so impossible about
impossible about my situation?”
Mariah cracked up, givinga playful smack on the back just like when | was a kid. “Nice try, but don’t dodge
the question. Spill it.”
“Mom, relationships are just... you know, I'm just going with the flow, taking it day by day. Who knows how
things will turn out?” | kept dodging her questions.
“What about Ryan? He's from Beijing, right? Already a star in the Foreign Ministry at such a young age-his family
must be full of high achievers, and they've pinned all their hopes on him. Vic, don’t try to aim too high with him.
Honestly, | think Nathan's a better bet. His mom remarried and moved to Shariport, so if you end up with him,
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtyou'd be the lady of the house, no , no complications.” Mariah started listing her son-in- law requirements
again.
| let out a wry smile. “Mom, | already broke up with him. He really is a good guy, but... there's a lot of business
complications mixed in. It’s way messier than you think.”
Mariah really couldn't imagine how | got myself tangled up with these three guys, and honestly, | wasn’t about to
lay it all out for her-she’d totally freak.
“Well then, maybe you should think about Jared. I've always liked him. He even admitted at dinner that he
messed up, and said he’s working on changing...” Mariah suggested.
“Mom, you actually buy that?” | gave a quiet, snarky little scoff.
“When you're dating, go for someone you like. But when it comes to marriage, find someone who's a good fit.
Don’t overthink it or get stuck on the details,” Mariah said, givingher seasoned advice.
“Nope, I'm stubborn. | overthink everything and | don’t let things go,” | shot back defiantly.
“You...” Mariah looked ready to explode, realizing she just couldn't get through to me.
“Mom, why don’t you go take care of Dad? Make sure he sleeps in the bedroom, not on the couch. I'll handle the
cleaning up,” | said, eager to dodge any more of her questions as | ushered her out of the kitchen.
Tonight was honestly a mess. Nathan was busy talking to my dad about his job and family, Jared kept saying he'd
change and put the kids first, and Ryan just quietly sat next to me, piling food onto my plate and telling
10:49 Fri, Sep 5
Chapter 534
I still have no clue how this dinner lineup even ctogether, but | swear, next tI'm putting a stop to it. |
really don’t need Mariah thinking I’m skind of player.
The next morning, | was up before Mariah, whipping up a big breakfast spread.
After a good night's sleep, my dad was back to his usual self.
At the breakfast table, Mariah grumbled, “Why’d you get up so carly? You could've let Yvonne sleep in a bit
longer. | could've made breakfast.”
I just laughed. “Mom, | invited you here to relax, not to cook.”
Yvonne was sitting nearby, listening in, blinking her eyes as she took it all in.
I'm not really teaching her anymore-just leading by example. Whatever she picks up, that’s up to her.
Mariah's face broke into a relieved smile. “You're such a good daughter. If you could just settle your big life
decisions soon, your dad and | would finally be able to relax.”
My dad looked atseriously. “Vic, honestly, | thought all three of those guys last night were great. But what
about you?”
My spoon nearly slipped from my hand as | blurted out, “Dad, Ryan’s my boyfriend.”
“Yeah, that kid's going places. Just look at him-he’s got the kind of face that would've made him a prince or a
lord back in the day,” my dad boasted shamelessly.
Mariah gave him a playful shove. “Con, don’t say that. Ryan's just too young for Vic, he’s not the right
match.”
Yvonne rested her chin in her hand, gazing at me. “Mom, when | grow up, will | be like you?”
| turned to her. “Likein what way?”
Yvonne squinted her eyes with a cheeky grin. “If I'm as pretty as you, I'll never have to worry about finding a
boyfriend.”
AD
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