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."

trees. "Anya used to envy the shaded avenues in other towns. 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 to build treehouses since chopping down trees randomly is illegal here. When no one else could play with her, we would. She used to struggle climbing trees because she was a bit chubby. No matter, I would lift her up on my shoulders to

chatted, they eventually left the

gazebo. Leo understood; Anya was their beloved daughter, pampered from

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

If I ever fail, I'd feel I've let Anya down the most. Although I appear casual, every

families' relationship, I truly admire you. I'm not an old-fashioned father forcing a union. I came today to ask about your plans for the future and what you're working on. I know your field is tough; how do you plan to

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

magazine while pretending to help her daughter pack, which was actually done

dresses and unable to see Leo from the window, sat beside Mrs.

details. Mr. Calder, still seeing potential in Leo, asked, "If I were to give you a failing

accept help from family or friends. I appreciate your offer, but I want to see what I'm

determined gaze, wished him luck, "Then, I wish you

while longer, they returned

Anya ran downstairs, prompting Mrs. Calder

aren't you hot? Chad, what did you

to eat so much you were

pouted, "I lost

laughed, "It's getting late, and Leo has work tomorrow, plus a long drive. You should head back before

hadn't had enough time with Leo, but she knew he had to go, "Alright

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;

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