CHAPTER 37

Engfa was watching TV in the living room while Charlotte was in the kitchen making hot chocolate for her fiancé, Engfa Waraha. Tonight, they both had no plans to go out because they were both tired from their respective jobs today so they were just having dinner at home tonight.

After finishing making hot chocolate, Charlotte went straight to Engfa and handed her a cup of hot chocolate. Engfa accepted with a sweet smile on her lips.

" Thank you, baby "

Charlotte sat next to Engfa who was still intently watching TV. Her thoughts were a little confused because this morning her mother called, telling her that this Wednesday they and their family wanted to plan to celebrate her father's birthday. Even though she had been in a relationship with Engfa for a year, she still didn't dare bring her fiancé to meet her family. She was worried that her family would misunderstand that her engagement to Mew broke off because of Engfa. But since Engfa had also proposed to her and they had also started planning for their wedding, this made Charlotte feel confused.

Engfa began to notice Charlotte's silence a moment ago, she turned to the woman and asked.

" Char, are you okay ? If you're tired, go rest first "

Charlotte shook her head. She took a deep breath and replied

" Hmm I'm okay, it's just..."

Engfa realized Charlotte was trying to hide something, she started to gently pull the woman's hand and asked again,

" Hmm why is this babe ? Is there anything you want to tell me ? "

Charlotte turned her gaze to Engfa. She was actually very lucky because Engfa didn't force her at all. This matter was also never brought up by Engfa because she always said, if one day Charlotte was really ready to take her to meet her family, just tell her because she would always be ready.

" Hmm my mom called, she said this Wednesday, our family is having a birthday party for my dad so I think your family must be there too right ? When I think about it, I think maybe it's time for us to tell everyone about our relationship, babe "

Engfa was a little surprised. Finally, the moment she had been waiting for had arrived, Charlotte was finally ready to announce to everyone about their relationship.

" Hmm babe, are you sure about this ? "

" Yes Engfa, I've thought about it. After all, how long do I want to hide our relationship ? We're engaged and living together. Furthermore, we've already started planning for our wedding. I think everyone should know about all this, including our friends, they still don't know that you proposed to me "

Said Charlotte who felt that this was their chance. Apart from family, this engagement was also not yet known by their close friends although lately their friends have been suspicious because the ring that Engfa gave her was always on her finger.

" Okay, if you think that's the best choice, I'll go with it, babe. The important thing is that everyone can accept our relationship "

Engfa replied who didn't want to put pressure on the woman. Charlotte nodded her head to show understanding and agreement.

" I hope so, if that's the case I'll invite all our friends to my father's birthday party later "

" Okay baby, I can't wait for that day "

" Me too "

-

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Tonight, Charlotte couldn't wait to take Engfa to meet her family. Although they had both met their families before, this time was completely different because each would introduce themselves as fiancés. And this was quite scary for Charlotte and Engfa. They really hoped that their relationship would be approved by both their families.

Charlotte couldn't hide her worry, immediately turned to Engfa and asked her

" Babe, what does your family like the most ? I have to prepare everything to make a good impression "

Engfa smiled reassuringly, while gently holding Charlotte's hand.

" You just have to be yourself. My parents are very simple as long as they see you happy and polite. Besides, you've met my parents so you don't have to worry too much "

Said Engfa who was also a little nervous to meet Charlotte's family. Since she often met and dealt with Mr. Aus, this somewhat reduced the nervousness in her chest.

The car stopped in front of Charlotte's family house, the two of them got out, walked in together. Once there, they saw their two families chatting while their friends were having dinner at the corner table.

Charlotte and Engfa waved to them all before heading towards their families. Upon arrival, they each hugged each member of their family and Charlotte then handed her a gift to her father, Mr Aus.

" Happy birthday Papa ! "

Charlotte gave her father a soft kiss on the cheek and then Engfa gave him a gift

" Happy Birthday Mr Aus, this is for you "

Mr Aus accepted happily and moved.

" Oh gosh, thank you both of you, well since everyone is here, why don't we start this party ? "

Mr Aus began inviting his family members to the stage, Engfa and her family headed to the table prepared for them.

" Hello everyone, first of all I would like to thank all the guests who came to my birthday celebration. Actually I am too old for this but thank you for my wife and children for all the preparations. I really liked it. So I hope you are all happy and enjoy all the food served tonight. Have fun guys ! "

Said Mr Aus who finished his words by cutting the cake. After the cake was cut, Charlotte slowly took the microphone, confusing everyone, especially her family members. She took a deep breath before saying.

" Hello everyone, can I get everyone's attention for a moment ? As everyone knows, today is my father's birthday so I want to make a little announcement since everyone is here "

Charlotte paused for a moment, her eyes looking at Engfa and her family members who were just smiling at her and then she looked at her friends who could already guess what she was going to say.

Charlotte then looked back at her family who were still confused about what she was going to say.

" Papa, Mama, I know you are still shocked that Mew and I broke off their engagement and I apologize for all of that. For your information, Engfa Waraha and I are in a relationship and we just got engaged two weeks ago "

Mr Aus and Mrs Christin were a bit surprised by what they heard. So were Mr War and Mrs. Emma. But not to their friends because they already knew that the ring Charlotte was wearing was their engagement ring. They all cheered happily.

" Babe, come here "

Charlotte called Engfa to go up on stage. Engfa looked at her family first and gave a smile before she went up on stage.

Charlotte held her fiancé's hand and said again

" Actually, Engfa and I have known each other for a long time, we studied at the same university and we were in a relationship for 3 years before the relationship broke off. At first, I didn't think I would be able to see Engfa again but fate has written this way for me and Engfa. I apologize for keeping this relationship a secret from everyone because I don't want everyone to think the reason for my engagement breaking off was because of Engfa "

Charlotte's voice trembled as she finished her words, Engfa next to her tried to calm her down so she took Charlotte's place.

" So for both of our families, we hope that our relationship will be well received by both parties. We apologize for hiding this relationship and engagement, including our friends. We are truly sorry "

Mr Aus and his wife were still stunned, a bit hard to believe because he had actually planned with Mr. War to introduce Charlotte and Engfa but didn't think the two of them were already in a relationship. This immediately relieved them.

" Oh my goodness Charlotte, you're not kidding, right ? Engfa is really your fiancée, right ? "

Ask Mr Aus who was still in disbelief

" Yes Papa, she is "

Replied Charlotte who still didn't let go of Engfa's hand. Unexpectedly, Mr Aus hugged Charlotte and Engfa together until they looked at each other before each returned the hug. Mrs Christin just smiled.

" Do you know, Papa has wanted you two to be together for a long time and I'm happy you two are together. This is the best birthday present in my life "

Mr Aus's words made Charlotte and Engfa feel moved. They felt relieved because they didn't expect such a response. Engfa then turned her gaze to the family at the table.

" What about you, daddy mummy ? do you approve of us ? "

Mr War and Mrs Emma stood up and walked towards them then hugged them both.

" As Mr Aus said, we really hope you two are in a relationship and we are grateful that you two are together. Of course, daddy and mummy are happy for you "

" Thank you daddy, thank you mummy "

" So when do you plan to get married ? "

Asked Mrs. Emma who couldn't wait to make Charlotte their daughter-in-law.

Engfa and Charlotte exchanged glances before answering

" As soon as possible "

" Oh my god, I can't wait. Finally, we will be a family "

Said Mrs Christin. They hugged each other, grateful. The guests who saw each other gave each other applause including their friends, Apo, Nudee, Chompu, Tina and Heidi who also headed to the stage.

" Engfa ! Char ! congratulations. We are so happy for you both "

Engfa and Charlotte also hugged their friends.

" Thank you guys "

-

-

On the way home, Engfa drove while frequently glancing at Charlotte who was resting next to her, her eyes half-closed due to a little tiredness. Without saying anything, she gently squeezed Charlotte's hand.

Charlotte smiled faintly, leaning on Engfa's shoulder, feeling at peace as if her worries had subsided.

Engfa had also made a strong determination to always be by Charlotte's side, no matter what life's challenges might bring. Both are silent but in their hearts, they felt a deep and sweet happiness that was more complete than before. And although neither of them said it out loud, they both knew that from now on, they had found their true home in each other.