chapter1213

"Dad, Mom, Mikey said yes. He's coming over today!"

Mrs. Brown set down her fork, her whole face lighting up with excitement. "That's wonderful news! Mona, you have to dress up today. Make sure Mikey gets a good impression of you."

Mona nodded right away, then turned to her dad, Reed, her eyes sparkling with hope. She spoke in that half-sweet, half-commanding voice she always used when she wanted something. "Dad, you're not allowed to go anywhere today. You have to stay home and welcome Mikey. This is our chance. I want you to help settle things and lock down my engagement with him."

She sounded so sure of herself, like the whole thing was already settled and just waiting for the final ribbon.

Reed put his fork down and frowned at her, his voice gentle but firm. "Mona, you need to be a bit more reserved. Marriage is something the man's family should bring up first. We shouldn't be too forward."

He might have been busy with work all the time, but Reed had always spoiled his only daughter. Even when Mona did some questionable things to chase after Mikey, he'd scolded her but never really stopped her. Luckily, the Jefferson family seemed to have eased up and were open to the match, so he didn't stand in the way. Of course, Reed didn't know everything. Mona and Mrs. Brown had kept plenty of secrets from him. Like the time in the Capital when they'd gone straight to the Jeffersons to demand answers. He had no idea. He thought Mikey had just stepped up and agreed to date Mona because he wanted to. Still, he felt that when it came to marriage, a girl shouldn't be the one rushing things.

"I don't care!" Mona stomped her foot, her voice rising in protest. "I want you to bring

it up today. Mikey already agreed to come. This is the perfect chance. If we don't do

it now, who knows when we'll get another shot."

Reed looked at her, helpless, and let out a long sigh. "Alright, alright. When Mikey gets here, we can talk about it. Okay?"

Mona was just starting to smile when Reed's phone rang. He picked up, listened for a moment, and his whole expression changed. When he hung up, he stood, and started fixing his jacket. "The Supervisory Department from the Capital is coming to Maple Town for an inspection. I need to get ready for their arrival. I probably won't make it home for lunch."

"What?" Mona's smile disappeared in an instant, her face twisting in frustration. Dad, how can you leave now? Mikey's coming over today. What will he think if you're not here?"

She crossed her arms and pouted, her words tumbling out in a rush. "You're always like this. You never put my things first. I swear, work is always more important to you than I am."

Reed watched her, guilt and regret written all over his face. "Mona, this visit is a big deal. I can't just skip it. But I'll come back as soon as I can, I promise. I'll try my best to be here when Mikey arrives."

"You always say that." Mona turned away, her back to him. "Go ahead, then. You obviously don't care about my marriage. When Mikey shows up and you're not here, he'll think our family doesn't really care

pare about him...

If the engagement f?lls through,

don't blame me." Content

Mrs. Brown hurried to smooth things over. "Mona, don't talk to your father like that. He can't help it. This is work, and it really can't wait. You just focus on getting ready. Who knows, maybe your dad will be back by time Mikey gets here."

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