"Ash! Ash!"
Lucien's voice pulled him back from the haze clouding his mind.
"Are you okay?" Lucien asked, concern in his eyes.
Ash forced a faint smile. "I'm...fine."
Lucien stretched out his arm. "Come on, I want to introduce you to my parents."
Ash hesitated but had no choice. He let Lucien guide him toward the room where Lucien's parents were chatting with Adrian's father and his mother, each holding a drink.
"Leclair, you're terrible," Lucien's father said with mock scolding as they approached. "Delaying to introduce me to your new son."
Lucien's mother added with a warm smile, "I'm glad Lucien asked for his hand. With such overwhelming beauty, it would be a shame if someone else claimed him."
Lucien bowed slightly, and Ash followed out of respect.
"Father, Mother, here he is," Lucien said.
Ash forced a polite smile. "Nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson."
"No need to be so formal," Lucien's father said warmly. "You're part of the family now. Feel comfortable."
