Chapter 152: Chapter 152- together?
Karl dreaded the thought of her heading back to Manchester after attending Laurent’s baby shower. That would leave him with zero advantage.
After Marylin left, Karl started his car and drove off.
The Mos Residence.
Linda was pacing anxiously, waiting for Karl. She couldn’t wait to grill him about the girl in the red dress. Ever since Mos had hinted at Karl’s interest in that girl during the banquet, Linda had been itching to ask him directly. But Mos had stopped her, and the entire dinner had been a blur—her appetite gone, her mind consumed by anticipation. She just wanted the banquet to end so she could corner her son.
When Karl arrived home and saw Linda’s expectant expression, he immediately knew she was already onto the news. Not that he thought she figured it out herself—her eyes flicked to Mos, who was pretending to read the newspaper as if nothing was happening.
Karl took a deep breath and decided to take control of the conversation. He sat down in front of them, ready to report.
"Marylin," he began, "female, twenty-nine, studied alongside Laurent and her classmates. Master’s from Manchester Foreign Language Institute. Previously employed in government, now resigned and returned to Burg Eltz."
He laid out all the details for his parents, then revealed his true feelings.
"I do like her," Karl continued. "I’ve confessed to her and plan to pursue her seriously. If you really have nothing better to do, you might as well start preparing for the wedding."
The sheer audacity of his words stunned Linda. She froze for a long moment before she could even speak.
"Where do you get the confidence to think you can win her over?" she asked, still wide-eyed. "Isn’t it a bit early to be talking about wedding preparations?"
Karl protested immediately.
"Mom, please, don’t crush me like that!"
He couldn’t believe his own mother sounded like she doubted his ability to catch her.
Then, as if to ease the tension, he added, "Besides, if I can’t win her, then just consider it a wedding prepared for your eldest son."
That comment lit up Linda’s face instantly. Her heart fluttered with excitement.
Of course—she could start planning a wedding now. Previously, her eldest, Morrison, had called, saying he needed to go to America. That could only mean he was chasing after Lilian.
Now that her eldest had news about Lilian, he wouldn’t give up this time. And her youngest had a target as well. Whoever succeeded first, it was only a matter of time before the Mos family had a wedding to prepare.
Mos, who had remained silent all this time, finally looked up from his newspaper as the mother and son’s conversation came to a pause.
"Are you sure she’s the one you want to marry?"
He didn’t want a repeat of what happened with his eldest—flaky behavior that left him and Linda embarrassed in front of the Daniels.
Another failure like that, and their family would be infamous in their social circle—raising two sons who broke girls’ hearts repeatedly.
Karl looked his father in the eye, firm and resolute.
"Absolutely."
"Because I’m certain she’s the one I want to marry, I’m determined to pursue her," Karl said, his voice steady yet sincere. "It feels like only with her by my side will this long, long life have color. Only then will it be worth living."
He laid his heart bare to his father, every word carrying the weight of his emotions. Mos listened, a smile of quiet satisfaction spreading across his face.
His youngest son—looking at him from any angle—was so much like him. Even in matters of the heart, their similarities were uncanny.
Both were the kind of people who, once struck by love at first sight, would never waver. They recognized "the one" immediately and devoted themselves entirely. In contrast, their eldest, Morrison, was different. He could only develop feelings gradually, through the mundane interactions of daily life.
On the surface, Karl seemed reserved, while Morrison appeared more outwardly passionate. Yet Karl’s love burned intensely beneath the calm exterior, whereas Morrison’s seemingly warm demeanor masked a slow-burning heart. He wouldn’t fall for someone at first glance, nor would he easily commit to marriage.
Mos had often analyzed Morrison’s mindset. Perhaps it was because years of scheming and manipulation in the business world had made him cautious in love. That caution had kept him from opening his heart to any woman for so long, leaving him to drift from one fleeting romance to another. This habit of retreating at the first sign of complication had led to his misstep with Lilian—a premature withdrawal that had cost him dearly.
Hopefully, that mistake had awakened him. Hopefully, he could win the young girl back and finally settle into a life of quiet, ordinary happiness.
Meanwhile... America.
Morrison had been waiting outside Lilian’s studio all day. When he saw someone step out from inside, he guessed it might be a break between shots. This was his chance. During filming, no one was allowed to watch, but at least during breaks, he could slip in.
The studio was surprisingly calm. Only a few assistants and the makeup artist were present. Morrison stepped in just as the makeup artist was touching up Lilian’s face. An older man with a thick beard stood nearby, holding a camera and giving her instructions in English—probably pointers for the shoot.
The moment the bearded man saw Morrison, his eyes flickered with recognition. He immediately asked Lilian who this was.
Lilian glanced at Morrison coolly.
"He’s my brother’s friend," she said, keeping him at arm’s length, refusing to tie him to herself in any way.
Morrison’s gaze darkened. She was still pushing him away, even now. He couldn’t help but glare at her.
The bearded man glanced at Morrison again, eyes lighting up with excitement.
"My dear lilian," he said enthusiastically, "I think for this new collection shoot, having this gentleman here beside you would make it absolutely perfect."
Lilian nearly lost it.
"Wait... you mean you want us to shoot together?" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of shock and disbelief.