“Much improved. Nothing to worry about,” Ariana reassured.
Joining the conversation, Catalina sat next to Ariana, curiosity evident in her voice. “I've always wondered about your day-to-day.
Busy at work? And which school did you go to before?”
Ariana responded to Catalina’s questions, which seemed to get more personal as they went on. From her food preferences to how she Liked her room temperature, Catalina wanted to know it all.
With each answer, Catalina grew more satisfied with Ariana. After all, if Mitchel saw something in her, who was she to judge? And with Melon being the cherry on top, it felt like she was getting a cute family member without even trying.
Rodney occasionally piped up, adding to the barrage of questions.
Cornered by the inquisitiveness of the two, Ariana felt like she was on her toes the entire time. She had thought previous meetings were nerve-wracking, but this felt like she was undergoing a rite of passage: the intimidating “meet the parents’ phase.
Later, after sharing a meal, Ariana got ready to leave with Mitchel, who had offered to drive her and Melon back.
But just as she was about to step out, Catalina’s voice halted her.
Turning around, Ariana was taken aback to see a stunning jade bracelet in Catalina’s hand.
Even without being a jewelry aficionado, Ariana could tell it was something special. Her heart raced when Catalina extended her hand, intending to slip it onto Ariana’s wrist. “Consider it a small gift,”
Catalina said.
Ariana’s eyes widened. The bracelet looked like a family treasure.
Why would Catalina want to give her something so precious?
She instinctively pulled her hand back. “I can't possibly take this; it's way too much.”
It's fine. Just take it. “ Catalina clasped Ariana’s hand with sincerity, declaring, "Consider it a gift to mark our first meeting.”
As those words reached Ariana's ears, a shiver ran down he spine.
What could this gesture signify? A gift to mark their meeting? Who would bestow a friend upon their first encounter?
Shouldn't this be a gesture for a daughter-in-law, if anything?
Besides, it was a precious jade bracelet.
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