The atmosphere suddenly became suffocating, making Mia feel breathless. As she had imagined, this woman had an extraordinary background. Occasionally glancing up, she caught Mrs. Leonard's eyes staring intently at her. Mia's insides were in turmoil. Was there something on her face? Or had she done something inappropriate? Why else would Mrs. Leonard be looking at her so thoughtfully?
After a while, Mrs. Leonard looked at Mr. Garcia and gave a faint smile.
"I didn't expect you to raise such a well-mannered daughter... If she hadn't helped me yesterday... I wouldn't have made it home safely."
Mr. Garcia sipped his tea, feeling delighted by the compliment. Mia was his pride and joy, making him reluctant to marry her off. He responded with a light smile.
"She... is the pride of the Garcia family..."
Mia could only listen to the adults talk and smile along. She knew she was the apple of her parents' eyes, cherished since childhood. But this pampering hadn't spoiled her.
Mrs. Leonard, exuberant, took a sip of her tea before continuing.
"The Leonard family would be incredibly lucky to have a daughter-in-law like Mia..."
She paused for a moment and then added.
"My family only has one son. This year he's twenty-five, named Brian, extremely talented..."
At this point, Mr. Garcia understood Mrs. Leonard's intention. She wanted to propose an alliance through marriage. Being old friends, he felt more reassured about marrying his daughter into her family. Moreover, Brian's reputation in the business world was well-known; he was a shrewd businessman with a good nature.
Mr. Garcia remained silent for a moment, not rushing to respond. He was concerned about Mia's feelings. He feared she might not be pleased, which could make things awkward. This worry weighed heavily on his mind, prompting a deep sigh.
Noticing his hesitation, Mrs. Leonard became a bit anxious. She quickly added.
"Brian is unmarried, and Mia is single too... Our relationship is excellent. If we become in-laws, wouldn't that make us even closer? I've always considered Mia as my own daughter... I would never let her suffer."
"I'm not refusing... This marriage concerns Mia's future... I don't want my daughter to be forced... Many have asked before, but I found them unreliable. I fear she might suffer..."
Mrs. Garcia, hearing her husband's words, quickly chimed in.
"We've invested a lot of thought into Mia's future... She's cherished at home, and I don't want..."
Before she could finish, Mrs. Leonard interjected.
"Brian is a good man. He's gentle, warm, and very loving... I assure you, marrying Brian, Mia will not be mistreated..."
The Garcias exchanged glances, silently communicating. They all felt a heavy burden. If Mia agreed, everything would be easier.
Seeing that persuasion wasn't working and knowing the decision rested with Mia, Mrs. Leonard turned her gaze to her.
"Mia..."
She softly called her name, to which Mia gently responded.
"Mia, I really like you and want you to be my daughter-in-law. Your parents have worried so much about your future... Can you bear to see them constantly anxious?"
Mia remained silent. Indeed, her parents had worried a lot for her. As a filial daughter, she didn't want them to be troubled. Mia had never loved anyone, keeping her body and soul pure. 
She had heard of Brian but didn't realize he was the son of her father's old friend. A daughter must marry; she didn't resist the idea. If she could marry and ease her parents' worries, she was willing.
"Mia..."
Mrs. Leonard's voice urged, filled with anxious anticipation. Mia's acceptance would settle everything.
Mia, having thought it through, looked at Mrs. Leonard and smiled lightly.
"Yes... I agree."
Both sets of parents were overjoyed. Afraid Mia would refuse, they were pleasantly surprised by her wise decision.
Mr. Garcia and Mrs. Leonard laughed heartily.
"Great, great. You see, Mia has agreed. I'll choose a good day for the wedding... How wonderful... The Leonard family is truly blessed to have a daughter-in-law like Mia..."
Amid the joyful laughter, Mia's heart suddenly sank, becoming still. This choice... would it bring fortune or misfortune?
---
Brian's face grew twisted, displeased. His eyebrows furrowed, showing his disagreement.
"I'm not getting married."
He firmly stated. Why should he marry someone he hadn't met? Besides, he already had someone he loved. Brian truly loved that woman. Clenching his teeth, he retorted.
"The one I love is Diana Edward, you know that. Why won't you let me marry her? Why force me to marry someone I've never met and have no feelings for?"
Mrs. Leonard, sitting across from him, wore a stern expression.
"Brian, you've been bewitched by Diana. Are you going to remain stubborn because of her? She's not what you think... Women's hearts can be unpredictable. Diana is ambitious and will do anything to achieve her goals."
Brian disregarded her words, not believing the worst about his beloved. Taking a dry gulp, he angrily replied.
"I've loved her for three years; I know her better than anyone. Mom... I don't want to marry that girl... I don't have feelings for her. I will definitely hurt her."
Facing her son's rejection, Mrs. Leonard remained resolute.
"You must marry her. She's Mia, the daughter of an old friend of mine. She's far better than Diana in every way."
"I don't care."
Brian continued to reject, needing only Diana. She was the one he wanted to marry, and she was the only one he loved.
Mrs. Leonard felt helpless. She shook her head, frustrated. Her son was blinded and wouldn't heed her words. She had met many women like Diana before. Even Mr. Leonard, her husband, opposed Brian's marriage to Diana.
Years ago, she had encountered all kinds of people in the underworld. Her keen eye had never deceived her. But how to make Brian understand? She couldn't be too harsh, fearing he might act out.
Brian was driving Mrs. Leonard to madness.