Son, it's time to marry you off!

Sitting around a table in the dining room, Hirvan along with his siblings and friends, stuffed themselves to the brim.

"Hey, what are you all doing?"

Mrs. Smith's surprised voice echoed in the house.

"Hi, welcome back. Have you had dinner?"

Hirvan greeted her warmly.

"Hi, Mum, this is so delicious! You should try it!"

Sheryl exclaimed while gulping down the food.

Mara froze, not knowing how to behave in front of her idol. From what she remembered, she liked to go to Mrs. Smith's store with her mother and wander through the racks of dazzling clothes. Even though there were lots of rumours about her, Mara and her family could see she was a talented and hardworking woman.

As she grew older, Mara realised the scope of Mrs. Smith's successful career was beyond her imagination. Considering her hardships, she had a great deal of respect for Hirvan's mother.

"Oh, I see new faces, and who might that be?"

Mrs. Smith looked at the two girls and guessed their identity.

"These are my friends, you know, Mara and Hannah. You talked to them on the phone."

"Ah, my son's friends! It's the first time you brought home some female company!"

Mrs. Smith grinned from ear to ear.

Hirvan's ears reddened, remembering the last time the original owner invited that jerk home.

Hannah nodded and said, "Hi, nice to meet you. I am Hannah."

"Hello, Mrs. Smith. Sorry for the intrusion!"

Mara stammered, greeting her shyly.

"No, no. You are more than welcome here!"

Mrs. Smith waved her hand, delighted by their presence.

Hirvan felt funny seeing her be happy because of this trivial matter. He stood and went to cook more food, trying to hide his elated feeling.

"I will be right back. The cooking process will not take long."

Mrs. Smith observed her children's faces and was thrilled to see them relaxed and at peace with each other. Immersed in a happy mood, she missed the meaning of Hirvan's words.

When a warm plate of food was placed in front of her, she was shocked.

"In which restaurant did you get this? This looks so appetizing!"

"Mum, guess!" Sheryl playfully said while putting her hands under her chin, focusing her attention on her mother's face.

"Is it from the new place that opened last month?"

Sheryl shook her head.

Mrs Smith was just thinking about where a new place opened recently in the neighbourhood when a voice cut in.

"You could never guess it, Mum. Give up!"

Bradly spoke suddenly in a matter-of-fact way.

Mrs. Smith's eyes opened wide, seeing her younger son talk like that.

"Is this so hard to believe I made it?" Hirvan complained to his mother.

"Yeah, if you have never moved your finger to do anything at home," Sheryl said.

" What? Is the sun rising from the west today?"

Mrs Smith said, amazed to hear that.

" You are all heartless!" Hirvan snorted and turned his head aside.

"Okay. let me have a bit from your first time cooking."

The taste was distinctive, not at all amateurish. Her heart trembled from sadness. By glancing at the happy people at the table, Mrs. Smith found comfort in looking at the bright side.

Mrs. Smith glanced at Hirvan's gloomy face and teased him.

"Ah, it is time to marry you off!"

With that remark, everyone erupted into laughter while Hirvan protested severely.

"No! Why do you always want to get rid of me?"

Mara grabbed her stomach, tears gathered in her eyes from laughing.

"You should be happy your mum did not auction you off for the highest bid until now!"

"Who would pay that much money for him? It would be better to put him on sale!"

Sheryl disagreed with her.

"A sale that brings joy." Hannah chimed in.

"One purpose: your satisfaction."

"Limited-time blow back sale."

"Come clean him out!" Mara ran out of ad-catchy phrases.

"Hey! Kids alert!" Mrs Smith warned them.

Hirvan didn't know whether to laugh or cry from their remarks.

"Joke aside, thank you, Hirvan. It was the best homemade meal I have eaten in a long time."

Mrs. Smith's emotions fluctuated saying that.

"I am pleased you like it, Mum."

Hirvan hugged her gently.

Mrs. Smith returned his hug, suppressing her joyful cry. It was the first time he had called her Mum after that accident. 

Hirvan's heart was warmed by the sight of his friends and family enjoying the meal so much. He experienced a sense of connection that had been missing since taking over Hirvan's life. Cooking for them made him feel more at home in this new existence.

As they finished eating, Hirvan cleaned up the kitchen, still buzzing from the positive feedback.

He joined the group in the living room, where they were having a lively discussion. Compared to his previous interactions with them, the atmosphere was light and cheerful, which was a major change.

"So, what's next on the agenda?" Hirvan asked, settling into a comfortable chair.

"Well, we were thinking of asking Mrs. Smith to show Mara her new design, while the rest of us watch a movie or play some games," Hannah suggested.

Mara, with puppy eyes, was looking at Hirvan.

"Why give me this look? Weren't you the one who suggested that nobody in this house wanted me and opted for either auction or sale? According to you, I am a nobody!"

Hirvan raised his eyebrow and pointed out.

"Please! Please! It's rude of me to ask your mother! Don't you want me to be your tutor? I even come to your house on the weekends. Okay?" Mara grasped Hirvan's hand and pleaded.

Hirvan reluctantly agreed to raise her request with Mrs. Smith.

"I'll go and talk to her."

Hirvan went to the study on the third floor. This area was where Mrs. Smith worked and most of the time was off-limits for them.

"Do you have a minute?" Hirvan found Mrs Smith focusing on her laptop while frowning.

She raised her head and put aside her glasses.

"What is it, sweetheart?"

"Mara wants to see some of your new designs in exchange for tutoring me. Is that okay? If you are worried about the leak, just show her the published ones. She will be very happy."

"Sure. Tell her to come up. I can use a pair of hands in here."

"Good thinking! Thanks."

Hirvan told the good news to Mara and settled down near Bradly.

"Did you agree on something?"

"Yeah. There is a new game that became popular recently. Come on, download it on your phone." Hannah said, engaging in playing.

"What is its name?"

"The Legend of Dalian!"

Hirvan froze and then laughed.

"What's with you?" Hannah asked, confused.

"Nothing. I just found the name sounds funny."

"According to Wiki, it was the former president of Ren Group who named it," Hannah said in a bored tone.

"Why do you know so much about this game?"

"My uncle works for this game company."

"Oh, good for him! There is a successful life waiting for him!" Hirvan said proudly.

Hannah raised her head, looking at him strangely.

Hirvan coughed and turned his head toward his sister.

"Is it good?"

"Yeah! This game is so fun," Sheryl chimed in, her face lighting up with excitement.

"Okay, let's play together," Hirvan agreed.

Over the next two hours, they played the game, laughed, and enjoyed each other's company.

By sunset, they were all tired but happy. Hirvan felt content spending his time with his new family and friends. He thought, Despite the challenges and guilt of taking over someone else's life, moments like these made it worthwhile.

As they prepared to leave, Mara turned to Hirvan. "Thanks for today. It was really fun."

"Yeah, thanks for cooking and hanging out with us," Hannah added.

"It was my pleasure. Let's do this again sometime," Hirvan replied with a smile.

Mara and Hannah left, and Hirvan was left with his family.

"You know, Hirvan, you're really different lately," Sheryl said softly. "In a good way."

"I like this version of you." Bradley agreed by nodding.

Hirvan felt a lump in his throat. "Thanks, guys. I'm trying to be better."

Before going to bed, Hirvan thought about the day's events. He knew the future would be tough, but he felt more hopeful and determined than ever. His strong relationships with friends and family gave him the courage to face any challenges.

Hirvan went to sleep with a smile, looking forward to more moments like these.

' Ah, This is the kind of life I always wanted!'