Chapter 178

"Steven, are you sure this isn't too sudden? What if your mom doesn't like me?" Bria was equally nervous.

Steven wrapped an arm around her shoulders and gave her a reassuring squeeze. "She'll like you, Bria. I promise. Come on, let's go."

He hopped out of the car first, then came around to her side and carefully helped her out. Bria's leg was weak-she usually needed a wheelchair, but with a cane or a little help, she could manage a few steps.

Miranda forced a smile as she walked up to greet them. The car door opened, and out stepped a middle-aged woman with a noticeable limp. As Miranda looked closer, she saw that the woman was missing two fingers on her left hand and had a faint scar running along her cheek.

Miranda stared at her son, completely confused. "This is...?" For a second, she wondered if this was Steven's future mother-in-law, but the woman didn't look old enough.

Even with her disabilities, Bria still looked put together. Her short hair and smart outfit gave her a confident, capable vibe.

Steven led Bria right up to his mom. "Mom, this is Bria.”

Miranda's eyes went wide. "Bria?" She could barely believe it. Of course, she knew who Bria was; she'd done so much for the Heath family. But Bria had vanished more than ten years ago. How could she suddenly be here now?

Bria offered a small, polite smile. "Hello, Mrs. Heath. It's been a long time."

Miranda gasped. "Is it really you?"

Bria nodded. "It's me."

Marian and Shannon stood there in shock. For a long moment, nobody said a word. Then Marian rubbed her eyes, like she couldn't trust what she was seeing. "Bria? Is that really you?"

Bria smiled gently at her. "Yeah, Marian. I'm back."

Marian let out a shaky breath. "Bria, where have you been all these years? We all thought... we all thought you were gone."

Bria's smile turned a little sad. “It's a long story. I'll tell you all about it when we have more time."

Marian nodded quickly, holding back tears. “I'm just so glad to see you again. I never thought I'd get to."

She pulled Shannon closer. "Bria, do you remember Shannon? Shannon, this is your aunt. Say hello."

Shannon stood there, frozen, her nails digging into her palms. After a few seconds, she finally whispered, “Aunt Bria?" It had been eight years-she barely remembered having an aunt. All she could recall was that Aunt Bria used to spoil

her.

Bria's eyes widened in surprise as she looked at Shannon. "Shannon, you've grown up so much."

"Hasn't she? It's been more than ten years," Marian said, wiping at her eyes. She still couldn't believe her little sister was standing there.

Shannon's gaze lingered on Bria's injuries. "Aunt Bria... what happened to you? Why do you look like this?"

Before she could say anything more, Marian quickly pinched her arm. Shannon winced and fell silent.

Miranda finally pulled herself together, even though her eyes kept drifting to Bria's scars and missing fingers. She forced another smile. "Well... please, come inside. Let's sit down."

"Thank you," Bria said quietly, and followed Miranda into the house.

They all settled into the living room, making awkward small talk until Miranda finally spoke. Briants good you're here Steven's bringing his fiancee home today. You can help us check her out."

Bria's smile faltered for a second.

Steven's brows knit together. "Mom, Bria is my fiancée. That's why I brought her

here—I wanted you to know. We're planning to get married next month."

The room went silent. It was like

也

someone had dropped a bomb in

the middle of the living room.

Miranda's hand shook so hard that her mug slipped and shattered on the floor. Marian and Shannon just stared at Steven, speechless.

Wait. He's marrying Aunt Bria? Shannon's mind spun. How is that possible? Aunt Bria's so much older than him, and she's... How could she possibly be a match for Steven?

"Steven, are you joking?" Miranda finally managed.

He shook his head. "I'm not joking, Mom. I'm going to marry Bria. Didn't you say

you had a gift for her? Maybe you should give it to her now."

Miranda's heart was pounding, and she just stared back and forth between her son and Bria, who looked like she wanted to disappear. Bria krew this was going to happen. She'd known Miranda wouldn't approve.

"Steven, I..." Bria tried to say something.

He reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. "It's okay. We have to face this sooner or later."

"Steven, come here. I need to talk to you. Now," Miranda said, her voice tight.

"If you have something to say, you can say it right here."

"Steven. Now." Miranda's expression was icy.

Bria nudged him. "Steven, maybe you should go."

He let out a sigh, then got up to follow his mother into the other room.