Chapter 222 - Contrasting Lives

Trisha held onto Oliver's hand and stopped him. Oliver's mother was a bit direct and rude, but judging by her expression, it wasn't a personal attack. It was just her honest opinion and concern.

"I've seen a specialist and taken a risk assessment. My mother was one of nine children and she was the only one that's ever contracted cancer. My father's side has no history of it either. So, the doctor concluded that it isn't in my genetics and I am not at a higher risk than the average person. My mother was just unlucky," Trisha replied.

"I get regular body checks due to my job and I maintain a strict exercise regime and diet. I am healthier and fitter than the average person, so you don't have to worry about me."

Margaret nodded her head and placed a scone to her mouth. They were having afternoon tea inside a cute boutique hotel and a platter of cakes and scones were in front of them.

"What about your job? I heard Oliver say you were in law enforcement. Does that put you at high risk?" the woman asked.

Trisha glanced at Oliver and hesitated. "Yes, my job is very high risk," she replied with honesty. "But, life is a risk in general. I could walk across the road today and get hit by a bus."

"You can avoid that by looking properly before you cross the road, or even better, not cross the road at all. If you want to be with my son, I want you to avoid the risk at work by finding a new job. I don't want him to be left alone and brokenhearted one day when you're gunned down by some random criminal," Margaret instructed calmly. 

It appeared, this woman always got her way. She wasn't giving a suggestion nor a request, it was a firm order and she expected it to be fulfilled.

"Mom, Trisha's really good at what she does. If not for people like her that take risks on everyone's behalf, you wouldn't be able to enjoy the safety that you do. I cherish every day that I have with her like it's our last and I am satisfied with that. Even if she leaves this earth before I do, I will not be brokenhearted. I will remember what a brave and selfless person she was and I will be proud of her," Oliver said.

"You may say that now, but wait 'til you're old and alone like me. You will realize how stupid you're being right now. Trust me, I've lived longer than you have. Take my advice and stop acting like a child. This is real life, not a superhero comic. Let's talk again when Trisha's quit and found a safe and proper job," Margaret said as she stood up and turned to leave.

"You're lonely because you made yourself lonely!" Oliver yelled. "If you continue like this, you will end up losing me as well..."

Margaret stopped in her tracks and paused for a second. "You're my son and I will always be your mother, there's nothing you can do about it."

Trisha looked at the mother and son and sighed. How did things turn out like this? Did she just drive a wedge between them?

"Don't be like this..." Trisha said guiltily as she held back Oliver. "Don't argue with your mother. She gave birth to you and she is only doing this because she loves you." 

Although Trisha was born in London, she was brought up with traditional Chinese values and she had always been taught to be filial to her parents.

Trisha didn't have her mother anymore, so she didn't want Oliver to lose his mother as well. But, what was she to do? Originally, she was planning to transfer to the UK branch of Interpol and surprise Oliver once it was confirmed, but it didn't seem like such a good idea anymore. She would still be an agent and still taking risks every day.

Margaret was a stubborn person with old values, she would never accept her if she remained in Interpol. Oliver would just be put in a difficult position.

"Don't worry, Trish, I will speak to her. If she can't accept you for who you are, then I will break all ties with her," Oliver said.

Trisha looked at Oliver and sighed. Although she loved him, she didn't want him to do that for her. They were only in the early stages of their relationship. How could she tear him away from his mother who had been there for him his whole life?

That night, she thought long and hard about her options. She could either quit her job completely and start afresh in London, or she could retreat before she fell any deeper in love with the man and return to Hong Kong on her own...

Which option should she choose?

At that moment, her phone rang.

It was from Interpol headquarters...

"Agent Hua, we would like you to reconsider our offer. Are you sure you don't want to head the Hong Kong and Macau branch of Interpol? We can't think of anyone that's more suited to the role..."

...

The contrast was dramatic. While Trisha was struggling to please one parent in London, Sean was effortlessly impressing 5 parents!

Apart from Natalie's biological parents, Jeremy's parents had only one child, so when Jeremy passed away, they practically adopted Natalie as their own. Then, there was Halia's father. Because Halia barely returned to Guiyang City, he saw Natalie more than he saw his own daughter, so he practically treated her like his own as well.

"So when's the wedding?" Mother Shu asked as everyone sat down at the dining table and began to eat dinner. She had been completely charmed by the man. He was good-looking, smart, and most importantly, he had a stable and well-paying job in the government. What more could she ask for in a son-in-law?

Natalie blushed a little and looked down. She then held Sean's hand and glanced at him nervously. "I guess, it would be ideal to get married before my stomach starts showing..." she said quietly.

Sean's eyes opened wide in surprise, "Before...your stomach starts showing?"

Natalie nodded. She didn't just gather everyone to meet Sean today; she had something she wanted to announce, "Pumpkin's about to be an older brother...and you are about to become a father..."

The entire table fell silent.

Natalie looked around nervously. What was everyone thinking?