Chapter 8

Caleb wasn't playing around when it came to meeting my parents. He set a date, gave them a heads-up, and then arrived with an armful of gifts, making a grand entrance.

Zoe called me in the midst of the serious conversation they were having.

I felt uneasy about leaving Caleb alone with my parents, but he seemed to have a strategy, so I retreated to my room to take the call.

When I emerged, the sternness on my parents' faces had vanished, replaced by such wide grins it seemed their mouths could stretch from ear to ear.

I was so confused.

Could Caleb have magical powers?

I just took a phone call, and he somehow won over my parents?

After dinner, I hastily pulled Caleb out the door and interrogated him, "What did you do to my parents?"

Caleb chuckled, "What could I possibly do to your parents? Just winning them over, naturally."

"Like what?"

"Demonstrating my commitment to you."

"How?"

No matter how much I flirted or feigned anger, Caleb kept the details to himself.

It was only later, by accident, that I came across a screenshot of a chat between siblings in Zoe's phone gallery.

Caleb: [I have my eye on your friend.]

Zoe: [You know what to do.]

Below that was a notice of a transfer of 100 thousand dollars and a confirmation of the collection.

Zoe: [Sarah's into a sexy physique. I'll find a chance for you two to meet alone. Just remember, no shirt.]

Caleb: [Will I be treated like a scoundrel?]

Zoe: [I'll just create the opportunity. You handle the rest.]

So it turned out that the siblings had dug the trap. I jumped right in and felt happy.

I created a group chat for the three of us. I sent the screenshot and then went silent.

Zoe: [...]

Caleb: [...]

You see, the siblings were really in sync.

I didn't block them or anything. They were free to explain on WhatsApp, but I chose not to respond.

Meanwhile, a colleague at the company was pursuing me with great fervor.