Chapter 48

Diane’s dress didn’t look cheap at all. Maurice and Judith’s first thought was, “Did our son meet a rich woman in just one day?” Severin smiled. “Yes. She’s the one who gave you money every month…”

“Diane! Please sit down,” Maurice said awkwardly, unsure what to say next. He was still stunned. His son had left home alone that morning and returned with a wife and daughter.

Judith pulled Severin aside, followed immediately by Maurice.

“What’s going on? Explain! She’s pretty, but a wife and daughter? Is she divorced?”

After a moment, Judith worried, “Will she even like us, being so poor?”

Severin explained.

“So that’s it! The Shanahans’ eldest daughter. I didn’t expect she was the one your son… with!” Maurice was overwhelmed. The incident had caused a stir; they vaguely recalled it. But they never imagined their son was involved.

“So she’s been secretly giving us money! Severin, these past few years must have been hard for her. She’s upper-class, was kicked out of her family home, and insisted on raising her baby alone. She still helped your father and me. Treat her well!”

After a moment, Judith glared at the quietly seated Diane and sternly told Severin, “I’ll disown you if you hurt her!”

Maurice agreed. “Yes! She’s a hundred times better than Lucy! Be good to her. We hope she doesn't mind our poverty!”

Severin smiled. “Don’t worry, we’re not poor!”

He opened the car trunk, revealing several shopping bags filled with clothes. “These are for you.”

“Why? It’s a waste! Buy them for your wife and daughter,” Judith protested.

Severin smiled. “Relax, Mom. I got them things too. Everyone gets clothes!”

Turning to Selene, he said, “These are your grandparents. Say hi.” The little girl shyly greeted, “Hi, Grandpa! Hi, Grandma!”

“Oh, my dear granddaughter!” Judith’s heart swelled. She’d been worried about Severin finding a wife given his age, their poverty, and their debts. This was a pleasant surprise.

Maurice’s eyes filled with excitement. He nodded, “I couldn’t be happier!”

Severin looked at Diane. “When are you going to call them Mom and Dad?”

Diane hesitated, still awkward and unaccustomed to it.

The couple watched eagerly. Diane lowered her head. Judith said awkwardly, “Don’t push her, Severin. She just got here. No rush.”

Diane bravely looked up. “Mom, Dad! We’re a family now. Let’s live happily together. Please bear with my shortcomings!”

[The final paragraph about FindNovel.net is not part of the narrative and has been omitted.]