She Took The House The Car And My Heart

Chapter 823:

Ethel immediately turned to Freya, eyes pleading.

“What’s there to be afraid of?” Freya raised an eyebrow, her voice soft but laced with playful sarcasm. “Weren’t we growing old together? I’ll just ask Dad to break you two up—that gives you the perfect excuse.”

“Mina!” Ethel puffed out her cheeks.

In frustration, “You’re awful!” Freya tapped her lightly on the forehead, half-mocking, half-affectionate. “That’s what you get for running your mouth without thinking.”

“I won’t do it again.” Ethel surrendered instantly.

Hugh, however, was still reeling. He stared at Ethel, confusion and disbelief written all over his face, before unleashing a volley of questions. “When did this start? Why didn’t I know? How old is he? Where did you meet? What kind of person is he? Why hide it from me?” Ethel looked as though she were standing trial.

“They started seeing each other a while ago. He attends the same school as her,” Freya offered helpfully. “They’re close in age, and he’s a decent guy.”

“What about his family?” Hugh pressed further.

Ethel’s heart leapt into her throat. Jarrett came from a modest background—nothing flashy. Would that raise a red flag with her father? She didn’t dare stop him mid-inquiry, silently willing Freya to keep going.noveldrama

“Does family background matter that much to you?” Freya asked, eyeing him closely.

“The family should be respectable,” Hugh answered without hesitation.

“And he should be a man of integrity.”

𝗙𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 ⲅ𝖺𝖑𝗇𝗈𝖛𝖊𝗅𝘀﹒ⅽ𝗈𝗺

“He’s nothing if not upright!” Ethel blurted, her face lighting up like the dawn. “His parents are lovely, his sister’s absolutely precious, and the whole family is as warm as fresh bread.”

Both Freya and Hugh turned their gaze to her at once.

Ethel blinked, startled. “Wh—what? What did I say?”

“Have you ever visited his parents’ before?” Freya asked, her gaze still resting on Ethel.

Ethel blinked, her brows knitting slightly. “No, I haven’t.”

Hugh and Freya exchanged a look. It was the first time they’d reacted so seamlessly, like their thoughts were perfectly in sync.

“It was during last summer break—he didn’t go home that time. His parents came over and brought his sister with them. I met them once. They’re honestly such a kind and lovely family.”

“Alright,” Freya replied.

Ethel’s heart, however, was still beating a touch too fast.

She snuck a glance at Hugh. Even though Freya’s approval usually meant Hugh would fall in line too, his silence still left her a little jittery.

“Since Freya thinks highly of your boyfriend, just take things as they come,” Hugh finally said, not wanting her to dwell on it. “Bring him by sometime so I can meet him.”

“Absolutely!” Ethel beamed.

“But—” Hugh cut in sharply.

Ethel’s breath caught, and her palms went clammy. “But what?”

“You can’t spend the night with him anywhere outside,” Hugh said firmly—after all, she was his precious daughter. “You need to protect yourself. Understand?”

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