After finishing breakfast, Hannah and Oscar went to the Wells' house. It was remarkable that they hadn't formally visited each other's parents before their marriage. Hannah felt uneasy; it was, after all, a sham marriage, making the situation somewhat unusual.

"My family is easy-going," Oscar said, noticing her apprehension.

Hannah looked at him skeptically. "Really?"

"Yeah, except…" he paused.

"Except who?" she asked.

"Someone," he replied vaguely.

"Who?"

"You'll know when we get there," he said absentmindedly.

"Can't you give me some warning?"

"Then it wouldn't be a surprise."

"What kind of surprise is that, Oscar Wells!" She dreaded potential problems on her first visit.

"You're clever; you'll figure it out," he said.

She suspected she'd strangle him someday.

The car arrived at the Wells' villa. The family lived up to their reputation as Kensbury City's wealthiest. The villa, situated halfway up a hill, resembled a medieval manor. The expansive lawn and imposing buildings were rather shocking.

"Are you freezing up?" Oscar asked.

Hannah cursed silently, offering no reply. Maintaining her composure, they exited the car as servants opened the doors. Hannah, usually nervous in such situations, focused on simply moving forward.

From a distance, they saw the Wells family seated on a couch. Hannah took a deep breath. She recalled her marriage to Charles and living with the Sawyer family. The memories of his parents' arrogance and Martina's deliberate condescension were still vivid. Charles had excused his parents' behavior as the airs of elders, and Martina's rudeness as youthful immaturity, asking Hannah to be tolerant. She'd believed his lies.

A smile touched Hannah's lips. Indignant at her past self, she resolved never to demean herself again.

Oscar took her hand. "Don't let them think we're not close," he said.

Hannah grunted inwardly.

They approached the couch. Robert and Venus sat in the middle; David and Nancy to their left; Thomas and an unfamiliar woman (likely his girlfriend) to their right; and a young girl with a white cat doll in the far corner.

"Hannah, you're early! You must have been tired yesterday; why didn't you rest?" Venus rose, warmly taking Hannah's arm. Her kindness felt genuine, unlike Loretta's forced intimacy, which had repelled Hannah.

Hannah smiled. "I slept well. Oscar and I left late last night. You're the ones who worked hard."

"We're family; don't be so formal," Venus said enthusiastically. "Have a seat."

Nancy smiled. "Mom, didn't you prepare a gift for Hannah? I can't wait to see it!"

Their easy camaraderie was evident.

Venus patted her forehead. "Oh dear, I'm so excited, I've forgotten! Cathy, bring tea for Oscar and Hannah."

A servant bowed. Two servants brought a tray with teacups.

Oscar held Hannah's hand as they sat. Venus presented her gift – a breathtaking sapphire necklace.

"It was my grandmother's gift to my mother, then to me. Now you're my daughter, I give it to you. Wishing you a long and happy marriage."

Hannah then opened Robert's gift: an invaluable pearl necklace. "Thank you, Dad."

"I'm glad you like it," Robert said, clearly pleased with his son's marriage.

Oscar maintained a pleasant smile throughout. It was a Northfield custom for in-laws to gift their new daughter-in-law on her first visit. In stark contrast, Lee and Loretta had been cold and unwelcoming, offering no gift.

Hannah felt the Wells family's warmth and genuine enthusiasm.