"Blue, white, red, black... Ugh! Which one should I wear?"

Putting the book aside that I was reading I paid attention to the confused man who couldn't decide which shirt to wear.

"You're behaving like a teenage girl going on her first date," I commented and earned a glare from Daniel.

"I wouldn't have been in this situation if you hadn't blasted a sudden bomb on my head." He grumbled, throwing the shirts on the couch and again went inside the closet.

"Who'd say this confused and puzzled man is an influential and powerful businessman who intimidate the business world?" I mumbled, shaking my head.

"I heard that!" He said, coming out of the closet with a few more shirts. "And fuck this 'influential businessman' shit." He again threw the shirts on the couch and looked at me with tiring eyes.

"Right now, I'm just Daniel Adams who is going to meet his girlfriend's father for the first time. It's normal human behavior, Eloi. I need to impress him."

Right, we were meeting my father today. I had called him in the morning and he told me about his wish to meet Daniel. So, I thought, why delay? But I didn't know that Daniel would turn into a mess.

And How do I tell him my father is already impressed by him?

Standing up from the bed I sauntered to him. "Oh, come on, Daniel. No need to worry-"

"Worry? I'm freaking out, Eloi!" He shrieked loudly. I almost shut my ears with my hands but stopped when he gave me a deathly glare. I snickered.

"You think it's funny?"

I rolled my eyes and picking up the white shirt I passed it to him. "Why are you stressing over clothes? You look handsome in everything you wear. And my father won't judge you on the basis of clothes."

"Then I should wear a rag instead."

I huffed angrily, glaring at him. "Let's do one thing. I'll call my father and inform him that we aren't coming as my boyfriend can't decide what to wear. What say?

Turning my back to him I started moving towards the bed to pick up my phone but I was stopped by strong arms that circled my waist.

"I'm sorry." He breathed against my neck. "I just don't wanna mess up things."

Facing him I cupped his face, looking into his eyes. "You'll not. You conquered the heart of my mother without doing anything and trust me dad is far way softer than mom. So don't overthink and be you."

He nodded his head, still unsure. "I hope it works."

"It will."

He pulled me in a sweet and long kiss and I poured my heart into it. I needed him to relax.

I could've told Daniel how my father was already impressed by him but I wanted him to impress my dad a little more...with his ways, with his playful ways.

:::::::::::::::

Arms crossed across the chest, eyebrows joined in a frown, eyes narrowed into slits, lips pursed into a thin line, my dad tried to intimidate Daniel.

I wasn't affected at all as I knew he was being dramatic, nothing else. But Daniel was affected. Tightening of his grip on my hand and his slightly trembling body was the proof.

"Hey, it's okay," I whispered, rubbing his arm with my other hand.

"Eloise, he's looking at me as if he wants to eat me alive." He whispered back, eyes focused on my father.

I huffed. We were still standing in the living room of my dad's house and no single word was spoken yet. Mom was silently standing beside dad.

I broke the silence.

"Dad-"

He moved forward and stopped a hand distance from Daniel. Removing my hand from Daniel's grip I nudged him which made him look at me. I cocked my head indicating him to introduce himself. His eyes turned wide, nodding his head he extended his head.

"Hello, Mr. Norman. Nice to meet you."

"Hello. Let's have a seat first and have a talk then we'll decide how nice it is to meet you." Dad said firmly, shaking his hand.

What? He did not just say that!

"Yes, please sit, Daniel." Mom gestured him to sit on the couch. He hesitantly walked and sat down.

"Excuse me. I need to talk to dad, in private." Saying that I dragged dad into the kitchen and folded my arms.

"Just what do you think you're doing?"

He snickered. "Oh, come on, Eloise. Let me interrogate him a little, I'm having so much fun. Did you see his face? He looked so scared."

"Dad, I told you not to-"

"Oh, hush now girl. I have only one daughter, let me do the proper father duties." He grumbled. "Okay now, I'm going to interrogate him. I've already prepared questions I've to ask."

He gave a two-finger salute and left. I exhaled heavily, throwing my hands in the air and followed him to the living room. I sat beside Daniel, who was a mess of nervousness. I couldn't risk leaving him alone with dad.

"So, Daniel, what do you do for a living?"

I rolled my eyes at dad's question. He very well knew who Daniel was, still, he asked a foolish question.

"Ross, you already know." Mom intervened.

"Let me do my duties, Elena." Dad reply shut her mouth. She huffed and gave Daniel a sympathetic smile.

"I run a small business, sir." Daniel's reply was hesitant.

"Small? How small?"

"Provides enough for my basic necessities."

Daniel kept his replies short. I felt bad for him. He wasn't even a little bit hesitant when he approached me but with dad, he turned into jelly. I blamed dad for it, he was being a little extra stern towards him.

Dad nodded his head and shifted his eyes on me.

"Please." I mouthed but he just winked at me. God, what now?

"How much do you love my daughter?"

"My love for your daughter can't be measured, sir."

Aww...

"Cheesy much," Dad exclaimed.

Of course, he would be, he loves cheese.

"What are the specific things you like about Eloise?" Dad added, without showing any emotion on his face.

"I don't. I don't like anything about her"

My head shot up in his direction in confusion. Huh? What? I felt my parent's eyes on me.

He faced me and gave me his best smile. "Because I love everything about her."

Liquid. I melted in liquid. Like ice cube does when placed in direct sunlight.

My eyes focused at him, adoring him, thanking him for being so sweet.

"Ahem." Clearing of throat jerked us away. It was my dad. My eyes landed on my mom who was smiling silently. She didn't speak as she already knew Daniel. It was dad who wanted to coerce interrogation.

"So, Daniel... Money or love what would you chose?" He asked.

"Both! Money to buy food and love to share the food with."

Damn! What an outstanding reply!

I bit into my knuckles, trying to stifle my laugh. Mom chuckled and dad lowered his head. I glanced at him, scrutinizing him, and saw twitching of his lips. He was smirking.

Daniel glanced at me, frowning. He dipped his head a little and whispered. "Did I say something wrong?"

Before I could answer him, dad asked another question.

"If my daughter puts on weight, let's say...fifty pounds more than she does now, how will you deal with it? Will you still love her?"

"I won't let her put on weight alone. I'll do the same. I too will put on weight." He replied in a heartbeat.

Mom and I laughed at his reply. God, he is the best.

"Are you serious?" Dad asked, laughing somewhat mockingly.

"Yes, sir, I am." He shifted a little forward on the couch as if the topic caught his interest. "I mean...how will she put on weight? Of course by eating and I'll never let her eat alone." Daniel joked.

This man! How many times will he steal my heart? Only my Daniel could answer like this. He's so cute.

I observed dad's face, looking for a sign of satisfaction with Daniel's answer but there was none. I frowned. Why was he sitting emotionless? Weren't Daniel's replies satisfying for him? How could dad do this to him? He was being too unexpressive. He was supposed to play a little, that's all.

Dad suddenly stood up from the couch. "Daniel, come with me. I want to talk to you alone."

Daniel gripped my hand. He was apprehensive.

"Dad!" I argued.

"Eloise, not now." Dad's stern reply made me glare at him.

Huffing, I looked at Daniel. "Everything will be fine. You gave perfect replies. Don't worry, okay?" I whispered and placed a kiss on his cheek. I didn't care if my parents were watching, I wanted to give him confidence.

"Now I'm sure I'll ace the interrogation." He whispered, grinning.

"That's the spirit." I patted his shoulder, laughing.

"If your private talk is finished then...shall we, Daniel?" Dad motioned towards the back yard door. Daniel stood up and left to the backyard with Dad. But I didn't miss to give dad a warning.

"Don't worry, your dad is just pulling his legs." Mom said, standing beside me. I didn't look at her, my eyes were fixed on the glass door of the backyard, looking at Daniel worriedly.

"I know but he's doing a little too much," I mumbled.

"Finally, you answered me. I hope one day you'll forgive me too." She sighed. "I think I should serve lunch now, it's time." Mom said and made her way to the kitchen.

"Mom wait," I spoke quickly.

"Yes? Do you need anything?"

"Er... I wanted to ask... How's everything between dad and you? I mean you came after a long time." I asked carefully.

She smiled, looking at dad through the glass door "Your dad, well, he loves me a lot. He was ecstatic when I told him that I came back to him for good. I have missed out a lot but not anymore. I love him." She then faced me, her smile vanishing in the air. "And I love you too."

My eyes welled up with tears. For the first time in years, she seemed different. Loving, and caring. I had ignored her enough but not anymore. I too wanted a happy family and If dad had welcomed her with open-arms then who was I to question? They were going to live together, with each other, for each other. This is what I wanted, to see them together, didn't I?

"I forgive you." This came out from my throat in a whisper.

"What?" She asked in surprise.

A lone tear escaped my eye. "I forgive you and I'm sorry for being rude to you."

"Oh, Eloise." She enveloped me in a hug. "Thank you. Thank you so much. And you don't need to apologize. It should be me. I'm sorry my dear. I' sorry."

Without thinking twice I snaked my arms around her. Mother's warmth. I felt it, after a long time. I let my tears fall freely, I didn't stop them and gripped my mom even tighter.

It's been too long.

I mentally thanked Daniel. If it weren't for him, I would've never learned the meaning of forgiving. I wouldn't have learned the meaning of family.

___________________________________________

I was a mess of nervousness. I didn't know what was happening to me. I had never acted like that before. In business, I was different. Intimidating, dominant, and difficult to approach. But in front of this man, I turned into jelly.

It was meant to be. Talking to your girlfriend's father is not easy at all. No one had even a slight idea of how scared I was. What if he rejects me?

Eloise had told me that her father was soft-hearted but talking to him for a few was difficult. He was tough and stern. I gave answers to his questions truthfully with no hidden intentions but it felt like he wasn't satisfied. But I had already made my mind, I would do anything to impress him. I couldn't lose Eloise.

"Man, that was fun!" His abrupt confession confused me.

"What?" I frowned.

Suddenly, he started laughing. "You're awesome, Daniel. I like you already."

Now he was scaring me even more. Was he mocking me?

"Excuse me, sir, I don't get it?"

"Ross, call me Ross or dad."

"Huh?"

"Daniel, son, I was just pulling your legs. I had already approved you when I saw you proposing to my daughter on camera, in front of the world. I had already started liking you when Eloise told me about you."

I was surprised. He was making fun of all the time? Man, here I was ready to die of nervousness.

"Do you know how much you scared me?" I asked.

"I'm sorry, son but trust me you stole my heart with the way you answered my every question. I'm highly impressed. You're unique and fun to talk with. And I'm sure after this small talk I'll go through my daughter's wrath." He beamed at me.

Does it mean I aced the exam?

He came closer and patted my shoulder. "I could have never found an amazing man like you for my daughter. You're a blessing for her."

"Thank you, sir." I smiled, feeling relaxed.

"No, don't thank me instead I should be the one thanking you. Thank you for coming to my daughter's life. I know she must have given you a hard time and that's why thank you for not giving up on her easily." He said softly.

"You know, I was worried about her. She had always pushed men away. She became bitter after what Michael did to her years ago. Negativity and hatred masked her once loving and bubbly nature. But she's again the Eloise she used to be. She is full of positivity, she's energetic. She smiles a lot, laughs a lot and worries less." His voice cracked a little.

"And it's just because of you. Thank you for bringing my daughter back."

"You've melted her stone heart."

Stone heart? Yes, she had once.

"I did nothing special, sir. I just showed her what she was missing out from life by being serious and closed off to everyone. She just needed to see everything with a different vision, that's what I gave her, a vision." I said.

My eyes suddenly fell on Eloise and Elena who were hugging each other.

Whoa! Did she forgive her mother? Obviously, that's why they are hugging each other.

I grinned looking at the scene before my eyes.

"What are you smiling at?" Ross asked. I looked at him and bobbed my head signaling him to look at the historic scene. He followed my eyes.

"Holy shit... Am I dreaming? Pinch me, son." He gave me his arm to pinch.

I smirked when an evil idea crossed my mind. He pulled my legs, almost gave me a heart attack. It was my turn to take revenge.

I raised my hand and pinched him. Hard.

"Oww...man!" He groaned.

But did I give up? No. I pinched even harder.

Hissing, he yanked his hand away and glared at me. "I know why you did that."

I went still. Did I go too far?

Suddenly, he started laughing.

"I already adore you, son. I like your playfulness, I'm glad you've kept it alive. And thank you again, I could tell that this is happening because of you. Finally, I got my happy family back." He praised proudly.

I just smiled.

"I really want to meet your parents. They have raised you so well."

I froze.

"Uh... I'm sorry, Daniel. It came out of my mouth in excitement. Eloise told me about you...family. I'm so sorry."

"No need to say sorry, sir. You did not do it intentionally." I replied sincerely but couldn't ignore the pain that suddenly pumped in my heart.

"But I really wish I could meet your family." He said cautiously.

I knew he didn't want to offend me but I totally understood him. How could he approve me for his daughter without talking with the elders? It's human nature. A father always needs to do research for her daughter. He never wants bad for his daughter.

"I understand you, sir. You're a father and it's natural to wish to talk with the family of the man your daughter is in love with. I totally understand. You want to clear confusion and worries by talking to the elders." I said sincerely. He nodded his head in understanding but didn't say anything.

"And sir, for your satisfaction, you'll definitely get to talk about me with the elders."

"Huh? Wait, I don't understand." He looked at me, frowning.

I smiled. "I'll introduce you to my family."

"How?"

"There are some special people who I consider my family."

He smiled proudly and patted my shoulder.

"I can see how deeply you love my daughter."

"I do. I love her to death."

"I'll wait for this family meeting. I would love to meet the people who are close to you. And I told you to call me dad or Ross."

After spending a few hours there, Eloise and I left the place.

"You aced it, Daniel. I love you." She gushed excitedly and kissed my cheek. We were in the car on our way back home.

I chuckled at her excitement. "Trust me, Eloi. It was the hardest exam I've ever given."

"There is nothing you can't do. I told you dad just acts serious but he isn't."

"Yes, he's a funny man."

"Daniel, are you sure you told me everything? My father didn't say anything unusual, right? He didn't ask for anything, or did he?" She asked suspiciously.

I sighed, my eyes trained at the road in front of me. "He wants to meet my family," I mumbled.

"What?" She shrieked. "Oh, god. I told him not to bring this up. I'm so sorry, Daniel. I'm sure he didn't meet to hurt you. I'll talk to him and will scold him —"

"Hey, hey, hey, calm down, Eloi." I chuckled. "No need to scold that poor man because I agreed to introduce him to my family. He wanted to talk to elders so he will talk to elders." I smiled.

"W..what? H..how?"

I didn't look at her but I knew her eyes were furrowed and her jaw was hung low.

"You're smarter than that, Eloi. You must know the answer." I teased.

"I don't get it— wait. Elders. Family." She mumbled and this time I glanced at her only to find her smiling.

Told ya, she's smart. She understood whom I was talking about.

"So, when is this family meeting going to be held?" She asked, smiling fondly.

"Umm... Tomorrow if possible. I don't want to delay further. I want our families to meet as soon as possible." I replied.

I dropped her home and made my way to the Knight's mansion. The only elders whom I considered equal to my patents. The people who loved me as their son after my parents. Rupert and Myla Knight. Xavier, my best buddy, my brother's parents.

"Oh, see who's here today." Aunt Myla smiled when she saw me entering the living room of Knight's mansion.

"Have you forgot your way, Daniel?" Uncle Rupert teased.

"Nope. I'm in the right place." I chuckled as I hugged Aunt Myla and gave a side hug to Uncle Rupert.

"So, what brings you here today?" Aunt Myla asked after we were settled on the couch.

"Er... I need your help. Favor actually." I said hesitantly.

"What is it? Are you in any trouble? Does Xavier know this?" Aunt Myla asked worriedly.

"No, Aunt Myla, I'm mot in any trouble. It's just...I'm going to make the biggest decision of my life and I need you there, with me...As my...my parents, my family." I lowered my eyes on my lap.

"Eloise's parents want to meet my family and I can't think of anyone else but you," I mumbled.

"Oh goodness! We didn't know that you've reached this stage. I'm so happy for you, Daniel." Aunt Myla hugged me. "We're always with you, right Rupert?" She faced him.

"We've always considered you as our son, Daniel. Don't call it help or favor. Your parents were our close friends and as their friends and your second parents, It's our responsibility to support you in your decisions." Uncle Rupert said.