Hi, I'm Julia Robin. Nice to meet you, Sean.
Sean's eyes locked onto hers, and he felt a sudden jolt of excitement. Nice to meet you too, Julia. I'm Sean Wellington, Max's cousin."
Max stepped on Sean's foot, and he yelped in pain. "Ouch!"
Mrs. Robin was startled. She immediately inquired, "What happened? Are you alright?"
Max feigned worry. "Is it your stomach again, Sean? You need to take care of yourself.
Sean was speechless by his brother's pretentious act, he just nodded grudgingly. "Yeah, I'll be fine. Thank you Max."
As the conversation continued, Sean couldn't help but wonder what secrets lay beneath the surface of this family gathering. Why had Max introduced him as a distant cousin? And what was the real reason for this meeting? The intrigue only deepened as he gazed into Julia's captivating eyes.
Mrs. Robin asked, "Oh Max, you have really not told me about your family. Where are your parents?"
Max replied, "My parents are no more.
Oh! I'm so sorry to hear that, Mrs. Robin consoled him. "You are sure a hard-working man. And I can see that you are a good man too, who is diligent and motivating. I can be rest assured that Julia will be happy with you.
Sean's eyes widened in disbelief. "How did my brother become so calculated with lies?" No, Sean was confused. His parents were doing well at home, and they were hale and hearty. Sean tried to speak, "Max, you..." before Sean could say a thing, Max stepped on his foot again, warning him to keep quiet.
Sean groaned in pain and forced a smile. I'm good, Mrs. Robin. Just a little stomach issue."
Julia looked at Sean with concern. "Are you okay, Sean?"
Sean gave Max a murderous look but composed himself. Yeah, I'm good. Just a little gas."
Max just smiled calmly and drank his coffee, while Sean thought, "My brother has finally fallen in love with someone, and I'm going to play along, even if I have no idea what's going on."
After the meal, Max paid the bill. While Julia and the rest made their way to the car.
Sean couldn't hold anymore and asked curiously, "Is she your girlfriend?"
Max replied, "No, she's my wife."
Sean's jaw dropped. "Your what?!"
Max whispered, "Keep your mouth shut, she doesn't know who I am yet."
Now it became clear to Sean why Max had been acting weird.
"Max, do you mean you secretly married this innocent lady with a false identity?!"
Max replied calmly, "Yes."
In a way, Sean was thrilled. "If mom and dad finds out, they'll be overjoyed!"
Max gave him a stern look. "Who's going to tell them?"
Sean quickly understood and said, "Not me, I mean, you should." Sean was very close to his mother, and Max knew he wouldn't keep his mouth shut.
Max just replied nonchalantly, "Better." He briefly talked about being mistaken by Julia in the coffee shop. "She thought I was someone else, her blind date precisely."
Sean was surprised. "Do you mean you took the place of another man and married her instead?"
Max quickly shut him down. "Shut your mouth, Sean. You talk too much.
Our family doesn't necessarily need to use marriage to consolidate social status, but it's still better not to marry someone with ulterior motives.
Max immediately dismissed Sean, warning him again, "Mind your own business, Sean." Then he left and went straight to the car.
Sean then understood that Julia had mistaken Max for her blind date. Although he thought, this might as well have been a plot. After all, Max was rich and handsome, so it was right to have some worries and be careful as well.
Julia, Maria, and Mrs. Robin, who was seated patiently waiting in the car, saw Max coming out alone, and they immediately asked. You came out alone, "Where's your cousin?"
Julia asked casually," Where's your cousin? I thought he was joining us.
Max smiled calmly. Oh! No, he had something else to attend to. Don't worry about it, Julia.
Maria and Mrs. Robin exchanged a curious glance, but William's expression was calm. Sean, who was peeking from where he was standing, just shook his head, wondering what his brother had gotten himself into this time.
As they arrived, Julia noticed Max's gaze lingering around the apartment her father had left for them. Little did she know, it was also the reason for the insurance company's arrest of her mother, and a debt Max had secretly paid off.
"Welcome to our humble home," Julia said, as Max stepped into the living room. He was impressed by the cleanliness and meticulous arrangement of every piece.
Do you want some coffee?" Julia asked, offering a warm smile. It was Max's first visit, and he couldn't say no. "Yes, please," he replied gently.
As Julia served him a cup, Max noticed the contrast between their two-bedroom apartment and his own four-bedroom luxury. Julia worried about his comfort, though he never complained.
"Julia, go start packing your things," Mrs. Robert instructed, as Julia looked at her mother in surprise. "Mom, what about you?" she asked, concern etched on her face.
"We'll talk about it later, dear," Mrs. Robin replied, her eyes hinting at a secret. Max sensed the underlying tension but remained silent, sipping his coffee and observing the dynamics between the mother and daughter.
"I won't be able to leave this house," Mrs. Robin said, her eyes filled with nostalgia. "I've lived here all my life. It's hard to leave and start anew, so don't worry about me. You two should be together, like married couples are meant to be.
She turned to Max with a warm smile. Max, take her with you. Make her happy."
Julia's eyes showed concern. "Mom, I can't leave you alone! Your health isn't good, and you need someone to care for you.
Max also tried to persuade her, "Mom, come with us! The environment at Villa Park Estate is better, and we can keep an eye on you. We have two spare rooms, and you'll be comfortable, I promise. Julia and I are worried about your health, and it would worry us more if you're alone."
Mrs. Robin shook her head firmly. "I'm used to living here, and Villa Park Estate is just a stone throw away. If I need anything, I'll call you. Julia, don't worry, pack your things quickly, and follow Max home."
Despite their efforts, Mrs. Robin refused to budge. Julia reluctantly started packing, and soon they moved into the Villa Park Estate. As they settled in, Julia's heart remained with her mother, hoping she would reconsider and join them soon.