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.
