First Come, First serve

Chapter 11-Emily And Gray's Parents

Today was Emily’s turn to meet Gray’s parents. Mr. and Mrs. Muller had already prepared everything meticulously, waiting patiently for their arrival.

As Gray drove toward his parents’ apartment, Emily glanced over with a bright, genuine smile. “Sir, I’m truly delighted today,” she said softly, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Gray smiled warmly, keeping his hands steady on the steering wheel. “And what’s the reason for your happiness?” he asked, curiosity coloring his tone.

Emily’s smile deepened as she explained, “Meeting your parents feels like a wonderful opportunity to connect with the people who mean so much to you. I want to know them better... to build a bond.”

Gray chuckled quietly, his eyes still on the road but stealing a glance at her. He was pleasantly surprised by how naturally joyful she was about this meeting. “My parents will be just as happy to meet you,” he assured her.

As they pulled into the parking lot, Gray gave the car horn a familiar, cheerful honk. Mrs. Muller’s face immediately lit up, and she turned to her husband with a warm smile. Both had been eagerly awaiting this moment—to finally meet their son’s second fiancée.

The door swung open just as Gray and Emily approached. Mrs. Muller’s eyes locked on Emily, noting her poised yet simple professional attire—perfectly fitting for someone working closely with her son.

“Good afternoon, Mother,” Emily greeted gracefully, her voice soft yet confident, her smile sincere.

Gray met his mother’s eyes, seeing the welcoming warmth there. “You’re very welcome, my daughter,” Mrs. Muller replied, her tone both maternal and genuine.

Gray’s mother felt a surge of affection for Emily, who had already embraced her as family. “Please, come inside,” she invited warmly.

Emily stepped in and greeted Mr. Muller with equal respect. “Good afternoon, Father,” she said.

Mr. Muller smiled broadly, exchanging a knowing look with his wife. Gray laughed quietly inside, amazed at how effortlessly Emily connected with his parents, as if they were long-time family.

“Thank you, dear. You’re very welcome,” Mr. Muller responded, nodding to his wife to move forward with their plan.

“I’ll head to the kitchen to prepare some food so we can all dine together,” Mrs. Muller said with a gentle smile, sharing a conspiratorial glance with her husband.

Emily quickly offered, “Please let me come along. I’d love to help in any way I can.”

Emily handed her handbag to Gray “Would you mind holding this for me?”

“Of course,” Gray said and collected the bag looking at Emily as she walk alongside Mrs. Muller toward the kitchen.

Mr. Muller shook his head in mild amusement as his eyes met Gray’s. They shared a private smile and silently agreed to move to the dining room.

“This way, dear,” Mrs. Muller directed Emily as she returned with a tray laden with food. Emily’s smile grew wider when she sat beside Gray, her hand brushing him gently as she whispered, “Thank you, dear.”

Gray’s heart quickened. Compared to Lyra, Emily was clearly winning points with his family.

His mother took a seat next to his father, and the meal began with light conversation. Mr. Muller turned to Emily with a polite question. “What is your name, dear?”

Emily smiled, seeing it as a perfect moment to formally introduce herself. “My name is Emily John.”

Mr. Muller exchanged a glance with his wife. “Very well, Emily,” he said, then leaned toward Gray. “Let’s have a word inside,” he whispered, standing and guiding Gray toward the kitchen.

Gray’s curiosity peaked.

“How well do you know her Father?” Mr. Muller asked quietly.

“She’s a loyal and hardworking employee,” Gray replied in a hushed voice.

“And her father?” Mr. Muller pressed.

“She told me he passed away after divorcing her mother while she was still pregnant,” Gray explained.

Mr. Muller sighed, knowing the truth was far more complicated. He didn’t want Emily to be hurt by the lies her mother had told her about her father’s death.

“What is it, Father?” Gray’s voice barely rose above a whisper.

“Emily and Lyra are sisters,” Mr. Muller revealed solemnly.

Gray’s eyes widened in disbelief. His heart raced with confusion and disbelief. “How do you know this?”

“John was my closest friend before he passed. He had two wives, and both were expecting his children. But he truly loved one—Lyra’s mother—and divorced Emily’s mother before he died,” Mr. Muller explained.

Gray stood silently, overwhelmed. He was falling for two sisters, both unaware of their shared past.

“What should I do, Father? Should I tell them?” Gray asked, anxiety creeping into his voice.

His father thought for a moment before replying, “I will tell them—but bring both of them here tomorrow.”

Gray’s heart pounded harder. How could he explain this to Lyra and Emily without breaking their spirits?

“How do I tell them without hurting them?” he asked, desperate.

Mr. Muller smiled gently. “Tell them your parents want to meet two of your best employees.”

Gray smiled back, amazed at his father’s wisdom. “Thank you, Father. I will do that.”

Together, they rejoined the others at the dining table, their faces lit with a new sense of purpose and quiet collaboration.

Mrs. Muller and Emily were chatting softly when they looked up to see Gray and his father return.

“You stayed too long, darling,” Mrs. Muller jokes. “Emily and I have already finished eating.”

They all laughed, the atmosphere warm and full of hope.

Later, after Gray and Emily had left, Mrs. Muller turned to her husband with a curious frown.

“You spent a long time with your son. What did you discuss?” she asked.

Mr. Muller’s face was grave. “Emily and Lyra are secret sisters.”

“What? How do you know?” she asked, shocked.

“John, their father, was my closest friend before he died. Like I told you yesterday, he had two wives and children. But he loved one more, so he divorced Emily’s mother and stayed with Lyra’s mother until his death.”

Mrs. Muller’s mouth fell open in astonishment. “What a small world.”