The Substitute Bride

"Don't push me!" Jina retorted, giving her daughter, Isla a dissatisfied glance. "We have lived here, away from home for a long time. Do you think it's proper for us to return empty handed? Without bringing our relatives any presents? That is unthinkable. Besides, we are going back to our hometown to celebrate your grandma's birthday. It's important to please her and honor her. Also, there is someone else who hasn't come yet. What's the hurry?"

"Huh? What do you mean? We are all here. Who else is coming?" Isla asked. 'Mom and dad are here. Of course I'm here! Why did she say that?' Isla wondered.

"You'll know it soon enough, " Jina replied with a playful smile on her face. She turned around and returned to pack up their luggage.

Isla couldn't rest her mind, thinking about what her mother said. Right at that time, the doorbell rang. She went to the door and opened it; there was Aron standing with a bright smile. "Aron! What are you doing here? Didn't I tell you that I was going to return to my hometown with my parents?" Isla wasn't very pleased.

"Is Aron coming in, Isla?" Jina asked, quickly walking towards the two. "Come in Aron. Glad you could make it. Isla, be a nice little lady and pour him a cup of tea. Please wait a moment. We still have many parcels to pack." Jina said to Aron with a warm smile.

"That's ok. Don't mind me." Aron returned the smile.

"Well? Why are you still here? Go get him some tea!" Jina urged, nudging Isla towards the kitchen.

After pouring Aron a cup of tea, Isla finally figured it out. "Wait... are you going to come with us?" she asked while handing the cup of tea to Aron.

"Yes, I am. Surprise!" Aron replied smiling, looking at Isla with affection.

"Mom, are you crazy? Why did you ask Aron to come with us?" Is

ryone. Otherwise, the lies will continue and they will keep harassing us."

"But..." Isla said, raising her eyebrow. "It doesn't matter. I have to do this, for you." Aron interrupted Isla, holding her hand.

"Well, don't think of it too much, " John comforted, as he walked up to Isla. "We're ready. Let's go."

Aron grabbed the luggage from Jina's hand, and helped her put the parcels and other luggage in the trunk. "Cheer up. Your grandma will get angry if she sees you pulling a long face in front of her." Jina said to Isla while putting her hand on Isla's shouder gently. She couldn't help but notice Isla's worried look.

Isla kept reassuring herself on the way. But when they arrived at her grandma's house, she was so nervous, her hands becoming cold and sweaty.

Aron helped Jina with her parcels. They had bought lots of gifts and special products on their way. When their neighbors noticed who had just arrived, they walked out of their homes and flooded into the Zhao family house. Some looked at Aron's car with admiration and envy, while some stared at Jina's clothes. Jina generously handed out presents to the neighbors, receiving many thanks and praises from them.