It was time to introduce his fiancée Susan to his parents. Mark was worried since she had recently rejected his proposal but then suddenly changed her mind. Her warm smile eased his concerns. Everything seemed perfect—maybe too perfect—until Mark saw a birthmark on Susan that explained everything.
ark, along with his fiancée, Susan, walked into his parents’ house, where Carmen and Peter were waiting.
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“Everyone, meet my fiancée, Susan. Susan, this is my mother, Carmen, and my father, Peter,” Mark said proudly, his voice filled with excitement.
“It’s so nice to finally meet you!” Susan greeted them with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with genuine happiness.
“If my son had been more considerate, we would have met sooner, but it is what it is,” Peter added ironically, winking at Mark.
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His tone was playful, but Susan could sense the underlying truth in his words.
“Peter… not everyone gets your sense of humor. It’s great to finally see you, hon. You look amazing,” Carmen said warmly, stepping forward to hug Susan. Her embrace was warm and welcoming, making Susan feel right at home.
“Alright, come on in. I’ll show you to your room. Once you’re settled, head on downstairs,” Peter said, grabbing Susan’s suitcases and trying not to show how heavy they were as he carried them up the stairs.
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Susan noticed his effort and felt a pang of guilt for not insisting on carrying her own bags.
Susan looked around the house, admiring the cozy decor. Family photos lined the walls, each telling a story of love and togetherness.
The scent of Carmen’s cooking filled the air, a comforting mix of herbs and spices that made Susan’s stomach rumble.
She smiled, feeling a warm sense of belonging despite the initial nervousness.
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“Your parents have such a lovely home,” Susan remarked as they climbed the stairs, her hand lightly touching the wooden banister.
“Yeah, Mom has always been great with making any place feel like home,” Mark replied, squeezing her hand reassuringly.
“She has a knack for creating a welcoming atmosphere.”
When they reached the room, Peter set the bags down and wiped a bit of sweat from his brow.
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“Here you go. Take your time to freshen up, and we’ll be downstairs,” he said before heading back down.
His steps were slower now, a slight limp in his walk that Susan hadn’t noticed before.
Mark and Susan entered their room and started talking.
The room had a warm, inviting ambiance, with soft lighting and a comfortable bed covered in a handmade quilt. A vase of fresh flowers on the nightstand added a touch of elegance to the space.
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“It’s so cozy here,” Susan said, looking around the room, taking in the soothing blue walls and the gentle hum of the ceiling fan.
“It was my room, I forgot how I missed it,” Mark replied, sitting on the edge of the bed. He patted the spot next to him, inviting Susan to sit down.
“By the way, I wanted to ask… We had a big fight recently, and you wanted to call off the wedding. Why did you suddenly change your mind?”
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Susan paused for a moment, her eyes darting around the room as if searching for the right words.
She took a deep breath before answering, “I was being foolish, Mark. I don’t want to go back to that. Let’s just forget about it.” Her voice was steady, but there was a hint of something unspoken in her tone.
Mark was puzzled. He furrowed his brows and looked at her closely. “You’re so much kinder and nicer today than usual. But it’s so pleasant talking to you that I don’t even want to think about it.”
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He reached out, gently squeezing her hand, feeling an unfamiliar warmth in her touch.
“And I’m glad we’re together,” Susan added quietly, hugging Mark. She wrapped her arms around him, resting her head on his shoulder.
The embrace felt different, almost surreal, yet comforting.
Mark felt a strange sense of contentment but couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was different.
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He looked over Susan’s shoulder, his mind racing with thoughts.
Was it possible for someone to change so drastically in such a short time? He decided not to dwell on it, at least not for now.
They sat together in silence for a few moments, the only sound being the soft rustle of the curtains as a gentle breeze blew through the open window.
The peacefulness of the room contrasted sharply with the confusion in Mark’s mind.
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“Let’s go downstairs and join my parents,” Mark finally said, breaking the silence. He stood up, offering Susan his hand.
“Okay,” Susan agreed, her smile bright and seemingly genuine.
She took his hand, and they walked out of the room together, ready to face the evening with Mark’s parents.
The couple went downstairs to join Mark’s parents, who were already preparing a barbecue.
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The smell of grilled meat and vegetables filled the air, mingling with the fragrant aroma of blooming flowers in the garden. It was a perfect evening for an outdoor dinner.
“Are you ready for dinner?” Carmen asked, setting the dishes on the table. She had prepared a colorful array of salads, sides, and desserts that made the table look inviting.
“Yes, we’re starving,” Mark smiled, taking a seat and pulling out a chair for Susan. She smiled back, feeling more at ease with each passing moment.
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The four of them had a wonderful time, chatting warmly over dinner. They talked about everything from childhood memories to future plans.
Susan grew closer to Mark, and he felt more in love with her than ever. It puzzled him, but he liked it.
“So, Susan, tell us more about your family,” Carmen asked, passing a bowl of salad to her.
Susan hesitated for a moment, then began to share stories about her upbringing.
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“Well, my parents are as loving as you can imagine. It’s a lot different with my older sister,” she said, her voice warm and nostalgic.
Mark listened intently, noting the sincerity in her voice. “You mean younger sister. You’re talking about Pamela right?” he said softly, a hint of surprise in his tone.
“Yeah, sorry I forgot for a moment. We’re twins, and sometimes we confuse each other,” Susan added with a nervous laugh.
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After dinner, the parents decided to go inside to clean up, leaving Mark and Susan alone.
The night was warm, and the sky was clear, dotted with stars. Mark and Susan took the opportunity to jump into the pool, the cool water a refreshing contrast to the warm evening air.
They swam and played in the water, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. Mark felt a deep connection with Susan, stronger than ever before.
“I never thought I could be this happy,” Mark said, looking at Susan. His eyes shone with genuine affection.
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“And I’m glad we’re here together,” she replied, smiling. Her eyes sparkled in the dim light, and for a moment, everything felt perfect.
