Imperfect Desires

Birthdays had never been Darren's favorite. Especially his own that seemed to have become a reminder that he was abandoned by the same person who was supposed to bring warmth to him. 

No, he never pitied himself for that.

The reason was the woman before him; Francesca Salvay. He really didn't know what he had done to deserve a mother like her. God was really not unfair to him. If he was abandoned by one mother than he was gifted with an even better one. No, he was gifted with the best mom in the world.

With a big smile, Francesca hugged her son who was a lot taller than her. "Happy Birthday, my bestest boy! Also, congratulations!"

When she sniffled, he shook his head, "Mama, you promised not to cry."

Francesca pulled away cheerfully as she said, "I'm not crying. Who said I'm crying?"

Darren squinted his eyes at her but didn't continue this topic. "How do you know about our marriage? I was just about to tell you."

Francesca smiled cheekily as she glanced at Xiu and pinched her daughter-in-law's nose saying, "This adorable daughter of mine had already asked for my permission. How else would I know?"

Darren's eyes turned to Xiu as he said, "You really are quick to take actions."

Xiu rubbed the side of her neck saying, "I couldn't possibly marry you without her permission. Even if I knew she won't have any issue, I still thought it's best to ask again. After all, she is our elder."

Francesca clapped her hands saying, "I feel blessed to have such a sensible daughter." Then she held the hands of both of them and pulled them towards the sitting area. 

Earlier, she was indeed going to Qiu Family House but with Xiu's message, she forgot all about it. She took the same elevator back up and troubled Ying to deliver the stuff to Qiu Family House. As for herself, she decided to wait for the newlyweds.

As she made them sit down, she looked at her hand as she started, "I have prepared some words." Both Darren and Xiu were curious about what she was doing as she began, "May you have a harmonious union that lasts one hundred years." Xiu pursed her lips while Francesca continued, "May you live together until your hair turns white with old age brimming with mutual love and respect for each other." She turned her hand and added joyfully, "Also, may you soon give birth to a son. Oh, wait! I don't mind a daughter as well. Just a handful of grandchildren are all that's missing for now."

Xiu who was trying to hide behind Darren's body buried her head in Darren's chest in embarrassment. Darren laughed at her reaction while giving his mother a thumbs-up. "I wish all you said comes true as soon as possible." Xiu hit his chest. "But mama, did you looked up your words from the internet?"

Francesca scratched her chin as she asking, "Was it that obvious?"

Just like that, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and happiness. However, one couldn't find any difference in their relationship. The three of them were still like the same small family that was filled with warmth, love, and respect for each other. The only difference was that, now this was her family as well. In a genuine way, she also had a home now and a family that was just hers. This feeling was pure bliss that was beyond any other feeling Xiu felt.

After a change of clothes when Darren and Xiu sat down for dinner with Francesca, Darren couldn't help asking, "Mama, you didn't try to cook in your happiness, did you?"

"I wanted to," said Francesca honestly. Darren's expressions shifted visibly. "But I didn't want both of you to end up on a hospital bed on your wedding night. So, I discarded that plan."

Darren heaved a sigh of relief while Xiu pointed at the dishes on the table asking, "Then all of this..."

"Oh, these..." Francesca drawled her words mysteriously before patting Xiu's head as she went on, "Isn't this all because of you?"

"Me?" Xiu was confused. She certainly had done nothing then why?

Francesca chuckled at Xiu's adorable look of confusion as she said, "Brother Zimen asked his personal chef to come here to prepare this feast for you and Darren. I assume he already knows about your marriage."

Xiu had a look of realization before her lips curled up. "He knows. But I didn't know he'd do something like this as well." Xiu really had no idea what was she feeling right now. She already knew that Xin Zimen was exceptionally good to her but now it seemed like she really couldn't fathom just how good he was to her. Was it all because he now knew that she was his niece? 

"As long as you're not the one who cooked this all, then all is well."

Darren earned himself a smack on his head from his mother for that remark and glare from his wife. He already knew that his wife was gonna take his mother's side in the future but did she have to start so soon? 

As they ate with gusto, Xiu was lost in the taste of the delicious food. She didn't know how Xin Zimen got to know what she liked to eat but everything on the table was exactly the way she liked it. His thoughtfulness was really touching which urged Xiu to eat without any care. And just as Darren had noticed before, there was a very clear increase in her appetite. 

"Xiu, who else knows about your marriage?" questioned Francesca since Xiu had clearly told her to keep it a secret from everyone else for now.

"Apart from you and Ah-Xin, only my Clara mom and Uncle Jing knows. Since they both had been very caring and loving, I had to ask for their permission as well." Xiu knew what she owed or to whom she owed. If Clara and Jing Ge had treated her like their own daughter, it'd be wrong to go behind their back when taking such a big step in her life. That's why she chose to inform them beforehand. 

Even though Jing Ge was clearly a bit reluctant to let her marry just like that. Her persistence eventually bore fruit.

Francesca nodded in agreement, "That reminded me, I have to meet them as well. Let's visit them tomorrow. You both have to pay your respect as well."

Xiu pressed her lips together before nodding her head, "Clara mom invited us over tomorrow."

Darren silently listened to the mother and daughter pair talking without any intention of interrupting. He really liked this comfortable atmosphere. Finally, his family was complete.