“But I—” Nadine sounded dispirited.

“You’re foolish. Don’t hide your relationship anymore at this point. Seal the deal as soon as possible. It’d be even better if you can get pregnant and get married quickly.

“Talk to him and find an opportunity for me to meet his family so you can get married as soon as possible.”

Carlene talked endlessly, while Nadine was at a loss for whether to laugh or cry. However, she figured that her mother was right. She was almost thirty and was still single while the rest of her cousins were already married with toddler-aged children.

Nadine did not comment further. She figured that she could only go with the flow at this point.

***

By the afternoon, Carlene had prepared a feast. She was highly enthusiastic because it was her first time hosting her daughter’s guest. She, Adrian, and Nadine sat down together for lunch.

During the meal, Nadine almost could not get a word in edgewise because Carlene was talking Adrian’s ear off throughout the meal. She a