Chapter 730 - Wilkins Family Gathering
~ At Wilkins Family Villa ~
Grandpa Solomon was waiting for Matthew to arrive. He told him that he was bringing a special someone with him tonight but he didn't mention Sophia's name. Matthew wanted to introduce her to his family face to face.
Maribel was also excited for tonight's family dinner. Yuri was already there, being entertained by Matthew's younger sister.
Matthew's parents were assisting in the setting up of the table. It's been so long since the last time the Wilkins Family had this kind of gathering.
The other relatives, Matthew's uncles, aunties, and cousins already arrived. They were surprised to see Yuri. They knew her because of his close relationship with Matthew in the past.
Matthew's cousins also started teasing Yuri after knowing she was still single. They were looking forward to seeing the touching reunion between the two childhood sweethearts.
Everyone was interested to see Matthew's reaction the moment he would see Yuri. She appeared to be a fine lady and independent woman now. She was no longer the small girl who always stayed by Matthew's side.
They were hoping that Matthew's and Yuri's love story would continue since she returned for good. They could see them as a good match.
Even Matthew's parents were very fond of Yuri. She's beautiful and smart. She also had a great profession as a doctor. They were looking up to her.
Everything was now prepared. They were only waiting for Matthew to arrive. Sophia and Matthew dropped by the Davis Family Mansion first to see Zhen-Zhen and Alveena. That's the reason why they were a little bit late.
Zhen-Zhen and Tristan joined Matthew and Sophia. Matthew also invited the couple as representatives of the Davis Family.
Every family gathering of the Davis Family, Matthew was always invited. This time Tristan would be the one attending his best friend's family gathering.
Sophia felt more at ease now since Zhen-Zhen was with her. She would not feel scared because she had her friend's support.
While they were on the way to the Wilkins Family Villa, the four of them talked about what happened to the Davis, Sy, and Miller families. It felt so different hearing the real story from the people who directly experienced it.
Sophia was really glad to know that Alveena and Zhen-Zhen were just fine. Bianca's condition was also stable and she was recovering in the hospital. Another good thing was that Hannah and her family were punished accordingly.
They also discussed Sophia's job as Tristan's secretary in the Heavenly Star Enterprise. Zhen-Zhen and Tristan teased the couple as they could see the progress and improvement in their relationship.
Sophia was no longer shy and reserved when expressing her affection to Matthew as compared to before. They were happy for both of them.
After a fifteen-minute drive, they arrived at the Wilkins Family Villa. Sophia suddenly felt nervous upon seeing the large mansion. Zhen-Zhen smiled at her, telling her to be confident and calm.
When Matthew's car entered the villa, the head butler informed the family about their arrival.
Everyone was now anticipating seeing something wonderful between Matthew and Yuri. When four people entered the dining hall, all eyes were on them.
The Wilkins Family recognized Tristan and Zhen-Zhen but not Sophia. Grandpa Solomon and Matthew's parents stood up beside the table, waiting for Matthew to come over.
Sophia roamed her eyes around her surroundings. Her heart pounded so fast seeing different faces in that spacious dining hall.
'All of them… are Matthew's relatives. Will they like me?' Sophia asked herself.
Sensing that Sophia was very anxious and tense, Zhen-Zhen grabbed her hand, gently squeezing it to comfort her.
Matthew was about to grab Sophia's hand to pull her when Maribel suddenly appeared in front of Matthew. She was grinning from ear to ear.
She pounced on Matthew while saying, "What took you so long, brother? Someone is waiting for you. I mean, everyone here is waiting for you." Maribel said those words meaningfully. She was referring to Yuri.
Matthew wanted to introduce Sophia to his younger sister, however, before he could even speak, Maribel already pulled Matthew toward the direction of Yuri.
Tristan, Zhen-Zhen, and Sophia just watched Matthew being dragged by his sister. The other members of the Wilkins Family were also watching Matthew who was now approaching Yuri.
Yuri stood on her spot, holding her breath as she gazed at Matthew. He became taller in person than in the photo. His physique was also excellent. Overall, he looked so gorgeous.
There was a hint of admiration in her eyes as she continued staring at him. Her heart skipped a beat the moment her eyes met Matthew's eyes.
Matthew looked at her but he didn't recognize her. He was confused why Maribel suddenly pulled him and stopped in front of a beautiful stranger.
Matthew turned to his side, giving Maribel a questioning look.
Maribel smiled brightly before introducing Yuri. She could tell that his brother didn't recognize Yuri at all because of his blank expression while looking at the girl.
"Brother! Don't give me that silly expression. Are you really clueless? Can't you recognize this pretty lady in front of you?" Maribel said, teasing her brother.
Matthew could only frown as he had no idea what she was talking about. After a while, Maribel clicked her tongue while shaking her head.
"Brother! I couldn't believe it. You can't recognize your first love?! Your childhood sweetheart?"
Maribel's voice was loud enough for others to hear. Even Tristan, Zhen-Zhen, and Sophia who were following them behind, also heard Maribel's words.
The other members of the Wilkins burst out into a peal of laughter as Maribel teased her own brother. The frown on Matthew's forehead deepened.
Maribel could no longer stand her brother's 'I-know-nothing' expression.
"Brother! This is Yuri Chou! My big sis, Yuri! The love of your life! Your childhood sweetheart!"
Matthew: "..."
Sophia: "..."
Tristan: "..."
Zhen-Zhen: "..."
The four of them fell silent after hearing Maribel's last remarks. They didn't expect any of this.
'What did she say? That woman is Matthew's love of his life.... his childhood sweetheart?' Sophia's eyes reflexively moved on Yuri's figure, assessing her from head to toe.