Not Your Doormat Anymore

Kourtney looked pale, her body swaying as though she might collapse at any moment.

"What are you doing standing here?"

After finishing up with the guests, my concern for Kourtney still lingered. When I returned, I found her standing behind a pillar, looking upset.

She shook her head and was about to explain, but before she could, Mom interrupted.

"Are we the ones choosing a daughter-in-law or are you? I think that young woman is great. She's clearly sensible, unlike the other one. Seriously, enough with the comments. Our family doesn't need to rely on marriage alliances to maintain our status. If he loves her, we'll support him.

"Kourtney is the daughter-in-law we've chosen, and no one can change that!"

Kourtney hadn't expected Mom, who had only met her twice, to defend her so fiercely. Her mouth hung open in shock as she stood there frozen.

Seeing Mom's firm stance, no one else dared to speak up and simply nodded in agreement.

I simply smiled when I heard that. Even when I was with Casey and my parents didn't approve, they still respected my decision. They never forced me into anything and were always kind to me.

A sense of warmth filled my heart. I was truly fortunate to have parents like them.

From that moment on, I made the decision to argue less with Dad as a way of showing my gratitude.

"By the way, I heard your son is still practicing medicine. With such a large family business and no one lined up to take over, what's your plan?" someone asked, unable to hide their curiosity.

Mom's expression shifted slightly. "My son can do whatever he wants. We're in good health, and we can easily carry on for another 20 years. Even if he doesn't want to take over the company, that's not a problem. When he has children, they can take over.

"Now, now! Take care of your own business before you meddle with ours. Keep talking like this and I'll leave!"

Whether it was for Kourtney or for me, Mom was fiercely protective. Yet there was a hint of disappointment in her voice. It was clear she wasn't as happy as she appeared.

Kourtney and stood behind the

pillar in silence, and I began to reflect on myself. I had been so focused on pursuing my own so-called dreams that I hadnoveldrama

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overlooked my parents. Was that really the right thing to do?

"You're a great doctor," Kourtney said, holding my hand. I could feel the warmth radiating from her palm. She looked up at me and continued, "If it weren't for you, Dr. Ranford, i might not even be alive right now. It might sound selfish, but I really think it's wonderful that you're a doctor."

I looked at her intently. Kourtney's eyes were clear and sincere, without a hint of

self-interest. She was genuinely admiring me as a doctor.

I let out a deep breath and said, "Well, I appreciate the compliment."

"What are you two whispering about over here?"

We exchanged a glance and smiled, but I hadn't noticed when Mom had approached. She was now eyeing us suspiciously.

"Things were getting pretty hectic out there, Mom. I sneaked away for a quick break to chat with Kourtney," I explained, giving her a playful wink as I took Kourtney's hand.

Mom gently tapped me on the head. "You've always been the best at slacking off, ever since you were little!"

I chuckled and brushed it off.

Overall, Dad's birthday went well, though during the meal, Kourtney and I were constantly asked when we were getting married. Kourtney wasn't sure how to respond, but Dad quickly stepped in.

"When it comes to marriage, let things unfold naturally. He'll figure it out on his own. When he's ready to be a dad, he'll be the one begging Kourtney to marry him."

"Does that mean you were already thinking about becoming a dad when you married Eliza?" I shot back.

"You little rascal!"

Laughter erupted around the table, and the mood lightened significantly.