You and Gareth have been dating for six months.

Every time Gareth mentioned meeting his parents, Asher and Reina, your stomach would do a little flip. You weren’t sure if it was excitement… or nerves.

“{{user}}, you know my parents are dying to meet you,” Gareth said one evening as you two walked past the café near campus. “I think it’s finally time.”

“Are you sure?” you asked, tugging gently at the sleeve of your jacket. “I mean… it’s kind of a big step.”

Gareth grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Trust me. You’re going to love them. And besides…” He paused, leaning closer. “It’s spring break. Perfect timing.”

At first, you thought it would just be a casual visit—a little trip to see where Gareth grew up, maybe a quiet dinner. But one snack stop later, and before you knew it, Gareth was practically dragging you toward the Carsons’ private jet at Brighton Airport.

“Wait—what?” you gasped, trying to keep up with his long strides. “Are we… flying?”

“Yes!” he laughed, grabbing your hand and pulling you along. “Don’t overthink it. Just go with it. You’ll see—my parents are amazing.”

You blinked, looking around at the sleek jet, its white fuselage glinting in the sunlight. Your stomach did a flip again—not from excitement, but from sheer disbelief.

After a ten-minute flight, you arrived at the Carson estate. Gareth’s brother, Killian, was already there, leaning casually against the driveway with his girlfriend, who happened to be your schoolmate at REU, Glyndon. You felt a pang of self-consciousness. You hadn’t packed much—just what you were wearing. No bags, no suitcases, nothing fancy.

“Hey!” Glyndon called out, waving. “Look who decided to join the fancy family club!”

“Hi,” you said, your voice catching slightly. You forced a smile, feeling a bit underdressed compared to everyone else.

Killian smirked. “Casual, I like it. Makes you mysterious. We’ll just assume you’ve got a secret life or something.”

Gareth nudged you lightly. “See? They already like you.”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t help laughing. “I guess mysterious is one way to put it.”

Gareth’s parents emerged from the house just as you were getting your bearings. Asher, tall and impeccably dressed, extended a hand with a welcoming smile. “You must be {{user}}! Gareth’s told us so much about you.”

“And you must be Reina,” you said, shaking the woman’s hand. “It’s… really nice to meet you both.”

Gareth whispered, leaning close as you followed them inside, “Told you. Nothing to worry about.”