"Yes, you should call Mio again later. Don't forget your best friend just because of a boyfriend. Remember, you can't throw away your friends for a man," Mr. Sheren said, looking at Lia seriously.
"Dad, I would never ignore my best friend because of a man. You know how close Mio and I are," Lia replied, looking at her father with clear dissatisfaction.
"I know. I'm just afraid you'll forget about Mio because you're always dating these days," Mr. Sheren said with a hurt tone.
"Dad, you love Mio more than me. And you know I'm not constantly dating, right?" Lia glared at her father, but he didn't seem intimidated.
"Of course, I love Mio—she saved your life. But that doesn't mean I don't love you too. When you're not out on a date, you're always working," Mr. Sheren muttered, returning to his breakfast.
"Dad, do you hate me that much?" Lia turned to her mother with eyes full of grievance. Mrs. Sheren caught the signal from her daughter and shifted her sharp gaze toward her husband.
"Why are you looking at me like that, honey?" Mr. Sheren asked, confused by his wife's angry expression.
"You can stop bullying Lia—right here, right now. You know you can't keep her locked up at home forever or forbid her from getting married. She won't be your little girl forever, honey," Mrs. Sheren said, her voice gentle despite her stern words.
Though she was clearly angry, she still spoke to her husband with a soft tone. Mr. Sheren looked at her with a pitiful expression, his invisible tail drooping, along with his imaginary puppy ears.
He truly looked like a sad little puppy abandoned by its beloved owner.
"I'm not bullying Lia. I just—"
Before he could finish, Mrs. Sheren cut him off.
"Honey, can you please shut your mouth?"
Her face remained calm, even as she stared at him with clear dissatisfaction.
"But I—"
"Don't make me repeat myself, honey. Just be quiet while I'm still speaking gently."
Mr. Sheren didn't dare say another word—he knew his wife was far scarier when she was truly angry.
"Lia, you should understand that your father is just depressed because once you marry Ken Phillian, you'll be moving out of the house.
He's only worried that you'll neglect Mio because of your busy schedule," Mrs. Sheren explained tenderly.
"I understand, Mom. I've never forgotten about Mio, even when I'm busy. I'll call her again later, so please don't worry.
Ken always reminds me to check in with her from time to time," Lia said softly.
"That's a relief then," Mrs. Sheren replied with a smile.
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