Kieran looked at Timothy with an expectant gaze. Perhaps because Timothy didn’t expect to become the main star of the subsequent discussion, he was momentarily startled.
Nonetheless, he blinked away his shock and quickly responded with a smile. “Everything is settled. I plan to study abroad for two years.” “That’s long. So, does that mean I won’t get to see you for a long time?” Kieran asked, feeling somewhat reluctant.
Timothy chortled at him. “It’s not a big deal, though. I can still visit you during the holidays. Besides, we can chat through video calls during normal days too. The only difference will be we can’t have a drink together anymore.”
Kieran nodded begrudgingly. On the contrary, Remus’ eyes were full of admiration as he looked at the young man who had grown more mature and dignified than when he first met him.
“I don’t always encounter someone like the two of you, who can still make progress and carve out a niche in your respective fields even after your Dad abandoned you. I have to say-you two are pretty impressive,’ he commented as he cast the Reinhart siblings a doting look.
Tessa was overwhelmed with gratitude, for this was the first time she heard Remus praise her. Later, Remus continued, “Keep working hard in the future, especially you. I ought to see if you can carry out the promise you made when we first met.”
He directed his last sentence at Timothy. Timothy nodded resolutely as he vowed, “I won’t let you down.” The family went on with their Christmas Eve get-together that evening. The men drank some wine. Their excuses?
Well, it was winter, and alcohol warmed the body. Frankly speaking, Kieran intended to make Timothy utterly wasted this time. Unfortunately, his plan failed. “I can’t accompany you drinking tonight,” Timothy declined Kieran’s offer, stopping him from pouring any more wine.
Alas, Kieran paid no attention to his refusals and insisted. While he was at it, he muttered, “You already drank this afternoon, so why can’t you drink more now? I was still thinking of getting drunk with you.”
“That’s because, unlike you, a single man, I am going to pay my girlfriend and her family a visit later. Timothy pushed Kieran away with a look of disgust. When the others noticed their interactions, they laughed at Kieran mercilessly.
Kieran felt so frustrated at being the butt of the joke as he ranted, “Can you guys just let me enjoy my Christmas? Can we stop with the girlfriend joke already?”
Unexpectedly, everyone laughed even harder as soon as those words escaped his lips. Although Tessa joined in the laughter, she kept in mind that Timothy was going to visit the Gullivers. When no one was paying attention, she got up, walked out of the dining room, and asked lan to help her with a few things.
Later, he offered to leave when he saw that it was almost time for him to head to the Gulliver Residence. As everyone knew that he was going to Sabrina’s house, they didn’t stop him from leaving.
In fact, as someone who had been down this road before, Tobias even jokingly gave Timothy advice. “You have to be on your best behavior when you meet with the elders at your girlfriend’s house later. Even if they make things difficult for you on purpose, you have to endure it with a smile. After all, in the eyes of her parents, you are like the big bad wolf who abducted their beautiful daughter whom they raised through countless hardships.”
“I understand.” Timothy nodded, accepting Tobias’ advice. Just then, Tessa bustled over with gift bags of various sizes in her hands. “I prepared these gifts for Sabrina’s elders. Really, how can you not inform me that you will visit them today?”
“Well, I thought I could handle it by myself after I saw you running around like a busy bee these days, Timothy rubbed his nose sheepishly and explained in a low voice.
She glared at him with a pout. Nonetheless, she said nothing and only briefly gave him at rundown of the gifts she had prepared. “I heard from Sabrina that both her grandfather and father like collecting antiques, so I specially prepared these two gifts for them. This one here is for Sabrina’s grandmother…”
His heart was filled with warmth as he saw the effort that Tessa had gone through as she did her best to take care of everything for him. At that moment, he couldn’t help but step forward and hug Tessa. “Thanks, Tess, for being so thoughtful for my sake.”
Once Timothy arrived at the Gulliver Residence, he saw the elders of the Gullivers sitting together on the couch in the living room. This included Sabrina’s grandfather, Reggie Gulliver, and grandmother, Annalise, whom he had never seen before.
Because they were attentive to healthcare, the two were in good shape despite being well in their 70s. Timothy bowed slightly as he apologized, feeling somewhat embarrassed, “I’m sorry for being late and keeping you waiting.”
“It’s fine. It’s good enough that you’re here.” Figario beckoned Timothy to take his seat. Regardless, he didn’t immediately take his seat. Instead, he started distributing the gifts he brought.
