Chapter 968

“Mr. Ace, why the sudden preference for plain water?” Elaine asked as she poured a glass.

“It’s not for me. It’s for Xandy,” Aaron replied, his eyes flicking toward Lena, who kept her head down, still rinsing the same tomato.

Elaine chuckled. “Your girlfriend is very pretty. She seems like a sweet and kind young lady. I bet your parents can finally relax now.”

“Mm, everyone can be at ease,” Aaron replied, his tone carrying a subtle undertone.

Lena didn’t lift her head, but she heard the implication clearly.

“Not just at ease—happy too,” Elaine said as she handed him the glass of water.

Taking it, Aaron thanked her. “Thank you, Elaine.” Then he left the kitchen.

Elaine watched him go, sighing wistfully. “His parents have been waiting for this day for so long.”

Turning back, she noticed Lena was still rinsing the same tomato—again. Elaine reached over and turned off the faucet.

“Miss Lena, if you keep washing that tomato, it’s going to lose all its skin,” she teased.

“Oh.” Lena made a vague sound, standing there as if she didn’t know what to do next.

From the living room came the sound of Briana’s laughter, likely chatting with Xandra. Lena didn’t pay attention to their conversation. Her ears buzzed, her thoughts felt distant, and she stood rooted in place, like her soul had left her body.

“Lena.” Elaine waved a hand in front of her face.

Lena blinked and came back to reality. “Elaine?”

“What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?” Elaine asked, scrutinizing her face.

Lena wasn’t aware of how pale she looked, but Elaine’s concern made her realize her behavior was off. She forced a smile. “I guess I’m just tired from all the surgeries today.”

“Well, go rest then. The kitchen is greasy,” Elaine said, shooing her out.

As soon as Lena stepped out of the kitchen, Briana came in, still smiling. She blocked Lena’s path.

“Where are you going?”

Before Lena could answer, Elaine spoke up. “I told her to rest. She looks unwell.”

Briana looked at Lena carefully. “You were fine just a moment ago, and now you’re wilting? You’re just trying to get out of work, aren’t you?”

Her mother’s teasing would normally provoke a retort, but Lena was too distracted to argue. She tried to leave, but Briana grabbed her hand and pressed the back of it to Lena’s forehead.

“No fever… Honestly, you’re in your late twenties. You don’t have a boyfriend, and if you get sick, who’s going to take care of you? Even your Uncle Aaron has come around. It’s time you did too.”

Chapter 968

“Mom, I’m not getting married. I’ll live the rest of my life alone,” Lena snapped, her sudden outburst startling both of them.

Her voice was loud enough to draw the attention of the people in the living room. Even Aaron looked over, his dark eyes locking onto her. His gaze was deep and unreadable, holding something no one else could see.

“What are you two whispering about over there?” Deborah called out. “Lena, come here! Xandra is your age—you must have a lot in common.”

It was like fate enjoyed playing cruel jokes—what she wanted to avoid most, she was being forced into.

Briana gave her a gentle push. “Go on. Keep her company and chat a bit. Don’t leave the poor girl feeling nervous.”

“She’s here with her boyfriend. As long as he’s around, there’s no reason for her to feel nervous,” Lena said sharply.

Briana raised an eyebrow, surprised by her tone. “What’s with you today? Are you on your period or something? You’re snapping like a firecracker.”

Hearing her mother’s remark, Lena suddenly realized how irrational she’d been acting. Why was she reacting this way? What was she doing, letting herself lose composure? If Aaron saw this, he’d think she was jealous.

“Mom, today is about my Uncle Aaron and his girlfriend. Can you not drag me into it and save me some face?” Lena said, attempting to explain herself.

With that, she straightened her back and walked toward the living room, her steps steady. Inside, she told herself to remain calm and poised. She worked hard to maintain a natural expression as she approached Aaron and Xandra.