At the dinner table, the four of them sat quietly, but the three who received extra servings from Anya knew exactly whom she was trying to impress.

Mr. Calder broke the silence, "Anya, after dinner, could you head upstairs and pack your bags?"

Before Anya could protest, Mrs. Calder jumped in, "I'll help you, honey."

Just as Anya was about to refuse again, Leo added, "You do have a lot of stuff; it really needs organizing."

"Alright then," Anya conceded.

After dinner, Anya couldn't shake off her worry about her father. After all, Chad had nearly given up on his computer science dreams to take over the family business because of him.

Mrs. Calder led her daughter to her spotless, princess-themed bedroom, which was bigger than two rooms at the Cedillo family's place. Even the door to her walk-in closet was an elegant, creamy white with an arched design.

Anya knew her father wanted to get her out of the way so he could have a chat with Leo.

Sitting on the bed, Mrs. Calder sighed, "It's hard to keep a grown daughter at home."

"I can stay. But, Mom, Chad has been really good to me."

Downstairs, after lunch, Mr. Calder stood up, "Leo, let's take a walk."

She'd walk there and never want to come home. So, her mother and I spent three years creating this corridor for her, with tall trees on both sides, to keep her from envying those elsewhere. We even brought her a forest full of squirrels and allowed her

and chatted, they eventually left the shaded

understood; Anya was their beloved

your uncle. Her mother and I are realistic; we don't expect her to stay unmarried forever. We want her happiness. That's why we've set our expectations with Andre, hoping Anya's carefree and innocent nature continues even after marriage. I don't want my

"Mr. Calder, I understand everything you've said, and I've thought about it too. If I ever fail, I'd feel I've let Anya down the most.

a union. I came today to ask about your plans for the future and what you're working on. I know your field is

over an hour. Inside, Anya anxiously asked her mother, "Mom,

to help her daughter pack, which

for dresses and unable to see Leo from the window, sat

but didn't go into details. Mr. Calder, still seeing potential in Leo, asked, "If I were

"Mr. Calder, thank you for your generosity, but I've promised my uncle I wouldn't accept help from family or friends.

I wish you

while longer, they returned

anxious Anya ran downstairs, prompting Mrs.

aren't you hot? Chad, what did

how you used to

"I lost weight

getting late, and Leo has work tomorrow, plus a long drive. You should head back

with Leo, but she knew he had to

"It's hot outside; no need. Just remember, don't go ice skating alone. Even if you're skilled, accidents can happen if others aren't. Mia is brave but fears ice skating for a reason. And don't forget your computer science studies; exams are coming up." Anya

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