Chapter 189: Chapter 189- undeniable love
Originally, Marylin’s father had been happy that his daughter had a boyfriend, but after a moment of overthinking, his expression clouded. He walked over, face stern.
Marylin didn’t understand why her father’s mood had shifted so suddenly. Karl noticed it too. Feeling the tension, he held Marylin’s hand a little tighter, betraying his nervousness. Usually confident and easygoing, he now felt the weight of her father’s scrutinizing gaze. Every inch of him was alert, and when her father kept his face impassive, Karl felt his heart rise all the way to his throat.
As her father approached, Marylin braced herself and introduced them.
"Dad, this is my boyfriend, Karl."
Then, she turned to Karl.
"This is my dad."
Karl quickly smiled, extending a polite greeting.
"Hello, sir."
Marylin’s father glanced at him, gave a subtle nod, and then said to Marylin,
"Why are you standing here downstairs? Take Karl up."
Then he turned and left.
Honestly, Marylin had been worried her father might forbid her from bringing someone up after that stern look. Karl exhaled deeply, relieved, and went to the trunk to retrieve the gifts Marylin hadn’t brought with her. Together, they went up.
Her father had already taken one elevator, while Karl and Marylin shared another. In the elevator, Karl leaned against the wall, holding the gifts, and whispered to Marylin,
"My palms were sweating from how nervous I was just now."
He was genuinely anxious. Karl had never been this nervous in his life.
Marylin glared at him, half-annoyed.
"Next time, don’t go and make trouble for yourself like that."
She already regretted letting him come over on impulse, swayed by his pitiful act. She should have slowly eased the idea with her parents first.
Marylin had a rough idea why her father’s expression had changed so suddenly—it was likely because he had noticed Karl’s composed aura, recognizing that he came from a distinguished background. Her parents had always instilled in her that she should never chase wealth or status, no matter how attractive or talented she might be. They had taught her to achieve what she wanted through her own efforts, never to trade herself for money.
Karl wasn’t discouraged by Marylin’s words. He tilted his lips into a smile and said softly,
"I may have been nervous, but I have no regrets about coming here."
He had come for her, and he had already decided—she was the one he wanted as his life partner. Meeting her parents, whether sooner or later, made no difference to him.
If he met them early and they found fault, he could adjust himself in time.
His determined gaze locked onto her, silently conveying his steadfast resolve. Marylin looked at him and said nothing.
This time, she trusted her judgment—she hadn’t been wrong about him. She also trusted that he would earn her parents’ approval.
His love for her was his unstoppable weapon.
After Marylin’s father came home, Marylin’s mother took the groceries from him, immediately noticing his somber expression. She asked in concern,
"What’s wrong?"
Marylin’s father said little, only instructing,
"Tidy up the house a bit. We’ll have guests soon."
"Guests?"
Marylin’s mother frowned, puzzled, but followed his instructions, quickly straightening the living room. In truth, the house was already neat and clean—she just arranged a few things properly.
When the door opened, Marylin’s mother looked up and froze. There, following her daughter, was an impressive young man.
She was stunned. Marylin had never mentioned having a boyfriend, let alone bringing him home. The shock left her momentarily speechless.
Marylin called out,
"Mom――"
Her mother snapped back to attention and quickly stepped forward, her curious gaze landing on Karl.
"Marylin, and this is――"
Before Marylin could introduce him, Karl politely set down the groceries, extended his hand, and said with confidence,
"Auntie, hello. I’m Marylin’s boyfriend. My name is Karl."
Marylin froze. Does he have to be this forward?
Her mother’s initial shock soon melted into joy. She grabbed Karl’s hand and ushered him inside, engaging in warm conversation and pleasantries.
While Karl and Marylin’s mother chatted in the living room, Marylin’s father called her to the bedroom.
Inside, he asked Marylin seriously about everything concerning Karl—their background, family, and all other details. Marylin answered honestly. Her father’s brows furrowed deeply, carving a shadow across his face.
Marylin could sense his worries, but she met his gaze firmly and said,
"Dad, I believe he truly loves me. He’s not just playing around."
In that moment, Marylin felt an overwhelming gratitude for everything Karl had done and said. She had felt his love in every action, every word, and that gave her the courage to stand firm in front of her father. After all, no one can truly fake the depth of love—she knew it because she felt it.
Her father was taken aback by his usually composed and rational daughter speaking so earnestly. He looked at her for a long moment, then exhaled,
"Marylin, your mother and I have never controlled your life. Every decision you’ve made, every effort you’ve put in for yourself, has never disappointed us. Can we trust you on this matter as well?"
Part of him doubted Karl’s sincerity, but another part trusted his daughter’s judgment.
Marylin gently looped her arm through her father’s, smiling warmly,
"Dad, you really can trust me on this."
Seeing her confident smile, tinged with sweetness, a weight lifted from his chest. When he rejoined Karl, his expression had softened considerably.
The rest of the visit went surprisingly smoothly. Karl’s personality was charming—cheerful, warm, and completely without arrogance. He treated Marylin with genuine care, and the way he looked at her spoke volumes—tender, filled with deep, undeniable love.
It seemed that only when someone loved to the very tip of their heart would they have such a gaze.
That night, Karl stayed over at Marylin’s house. But their home was just an ordinary two-bedroom apartment. Normally, Marylin and her parents each had their own rooms. With Karl staying over, he ended up taking Marylin’s bedroom, while Marylin moved to sleep with her mother, and her father settled on the sofa.
In truth, Marylin had wanted Karl to stay at a hotel for the night. She had even hinted at it, sending messages clearly telling him to go stay elsewhere. But Karl, stubborn as ever, either ignored her hints or simply brushed off her messages entirely.
After dinner, he lingered, refusing to leave. He accompanied her mother, chatting and watching trivial TV shows, and played chess with her father. He stayed until very late, seemingly intent on being everywhere at once.
Finally, it was Marylin’s mother who suggested he stay for the night, insisting that Marylin give up her room for him.
Marylin could only roll her eyes, utterly speechless, and turned to her bedroom to pack her things.