Chapter 1629

After the dishes were served, Valerie approached Abigail with a bright smile. "Abigail, just wait a little longer. There was some traffic, but Gideon's dad will be back soon." "It's okay, Mrs. Rhett, I'm not really hungry yet," Abigail replied shyly. "That's good to hear! Here, have some fruit to start!" Valerie said, enthusiastically placing an assortment of fruit in front of her. Though slightly flustered by the attention, Abigail picked up a piece of watermelon. Just then, footsteps echoed at the door, and Gideon's father, Lawrence Rhett, finally made his entrance. He held a briefcase in one hand and draped his suit jacket over the other arm. Dressed in a sharp suit and sporting gold-rimmed glasses, he embodied the image of a seasoned professional that Gideon had described. "You're finally back! We've been waiting for you!" Valerie exclaimed, stepping forward to help him with his belongings. Gideon and Abigail stood to greet him. "Hey, Dad." "Good evening, Mr. Rhett." Lawrence nodded curtly, his expression serious. "Let's eat." With that, everyone gathered around the table. Valerie continued to pile food onto Abigail's plate. "Eat up! Look how thin you are; it makes my heart ache! I simmered this soup all afternoon; it's delicious. You have to try it!" During pauses in the conversation, Valerie gazed at Abigail with admiration. "You're such a lovely young woman! Gideon is truly lucky to have you!" "Thank you, Mrs. Rhett," Abigail said, her cheeks flushing from the compliment. Her sweet response only made Valerie smile even wider. "So, when are you two planning to settle down?" Lawrence suddenly spoke up, breaking the lighthearted mood with his serious tone. Valerie offered a hesitant smile, quickly trying to ease the tension. "Lawrence just speaks his mind—don't take it personally, Abigail! But really, we older folks do have our hopes. If you have any plans, just give us a heads-up so we can prepare!" "But Mom, we haven't even talked about that yet," Gideon interjected. "Isn't that exactly what we're discussing right now?" Lawrence interjected sharply, setting down his cutlery and tapping his fingers on the table. "You're both in your 30s; if you don't marry and start a family soon, when will you?" He paused, casting a glance at Abigail before adding pointedly, "Once a woman turns 30, she's classified as high-risk for pregnancy. It's not just difficult for the child; it can pose serious risks for Abigail as well. Don't you two consider these things?" "I know you mean well, but times have changed. We have our own plans, so please let us figure it out," Gideon said, a hint of frustration in his voice. "I don't care about the times; continuing the family line is a fundamental duty. At your age, you should be doing what's expected. I'm laying it out clearly—you both have two years to marry and start a family!" Lawrence shot back, his expression darkening with agitation. Initially, Abigail had understood the elders' concerns and tried to keep her frustration in check. However, after hearing Lawrence's remarks, she could no longer hold back. Setting down her cutlery, she stood up and said, "I'm sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Rhett. Thank you for your generous hospitality today, but I'm not the daughter-in-law you're looking for. I don't plan on having children, so… please enjoy your meal. I'll be leaving now." With that, she turned and walked toward the door. "Abigail." Gideon held her wrist, trying to coax her back to the table.