From Broken to Beloved-Chapter 197- How dare you

Duke really was more perceptive than most. He understood his younger sister’s temperament well. If she liked a man, she would talk about him nonstop—back in school, whenever she had a crush, she couldn’t go three sentences without mentioning the guy. Yet recently, she hadn’t brought up any man at all.

That was why Duke was worried. He was afraid his sister might be deceived, or led astray by some unreliable man, which made this sudden announcement—that she was bringing her boyfriend home—feel deeply unsettling.

Riley was already on edge, and faced with the attitude of the three of them, her irritation finally boiled over.

"As for my boyfriend," she snapped, "you can ask him yourselves when he gets here. I’m not answering anything else."

She lowered her head and shoved food into her mouth.

But a wave of nausea churned in her stomach. Her first instinct was to cover her mouth and rush to the bathroom, but the thought of her mother noticing stopped her. She could only endure it miserably.

What a tragic life. She truly hated Ford right now.

After Riley came out of the bedroom upon hearing the doorbell, her father went to open the door. Her mother sat stiffly in the living room, tense as if facing a great enemy. Seeing Riley walk out dressed so casually only made her anger flare.

"Riley," she scolded, "your boyfriend is visiting today. Is it appropriate for you to be dressed like that?"

Riley glanced at her mother, who was dressed properly and neatly, at her father, clean and well-groomed, and at her brother, impeccably dressed. Then she looked down at her loose homewear and walked over indifferently.

"What’s inappropriate about it? If he doesn’t like it, that’s his problem."

Her mother was about to say more, but just then her father opened the door. She had no choice but to stop and look toward the entrance.

Standing outside was Ford, dressed in a black suit, holding gifts in his hands.

As a model, Ford’s physique was naturally exceptional—tall, straight-backed, and powerful. The suit fit him perfectly, sharp and refined, lending him an elegant air. His features were striking and well-defined, like one of those dazzling stars on television.

Unable to help himself, Riley’s father asked,

"Excuse me... who are you looking for?"

Riley: "..."

Ford: "..."

It wasn’t really the father’s fault. He simply couldn’t connect such an outstanding young man with being his daughter’s boyfriend.

Ford responded first, offering a polite smile as he introduced himself.

"I’m Riley’s boyfriend. My name is Ford."

Riley’s father froze for a moment, then quickly recovered and awkwardly ushered him inside.

"Oh—Young man, please come in, come in."

After Ford came in, he greeted Riley’s mother and Duke politely.

"Hello, Auntie. Hello, big brother. My name is Ford."

Riley’s mother had no idea how to describe what she was feeling. It was as if a massive gift had fallen straight from the sky and landed squarely on her daughter’s head. This young man was simply outstanding—too outstanding. And he was actually her daughter’s boyfriend!

Duke, however, frowned slightly as he stared at Ford, searching his memory for any information about him. Ford looked oddly familiar, but for the moment, Duke couldn’t recall where he had seen him before.

Riley was deeply dissatisfied with her family’s reaction. It made her feel as though she were the one reaching far above her station. Unable to help herself, she shot Ford a sharp glare.

Catching her annoyed look, Ford turned to her and asked gently,

"Have you been feeling unwell today?"

Riley nearly jumped out of her skin. Was he out of his mind? They hadn’t even sat down to talk yet, and he was already saying things that could be misunderstood. If her mother noticed anything and realized she was pregnant, she would be finished.

They had agreed to bring up the pregnancy only when the timing was right!

But Riley soon realized her worry was completely unnecessary. No one paid the slightest attention to Ford’s words. They were far too busy arranging seats for him, and Duke even went to make tea.

Once everyone had settled in the living room, Riley’s mother asked,

"So you’re Riley’s boyfriend? How did the two of you meet?"

She still couldn’t quite believe it. A young man this exceptional should be interested in a refined, demure lady from a respectable family—how could he possibly like her blunt, carefree daughter?

Ford nodded seriously.

"Yes, I am her boyfriend. We met through work. I’ve known Riley for over a year now. I really like her personality—she’s cheerful and straightforward. Being with her makes me feel relaxed and at ease."

His reply was simple, but the meaning behind it was anything but. Every sentence subtly conveyed the same message: he liked Riley, and he liked her exactly as she was.

That indirect confession only shocked Riley’s mother even more. She glanced at her casually dressed daughter sitting beside her and couldn’t help asking,

"Are you sure you weren’t hired by her to fool us?"

Riley rolled her eyes hard. Her mother’s imagination really knew no bounds.

As if she needed that. Her mother would be perfectly happy if she never dated or married at all. And now Ford had her on the verge of exploding from stress.

Ford couldn’t help but laugh. No wonder Riley’s personality was so endearing—she came from such an adorable family. Ever since they saw him, her parents and brother had worn the same stunned expression, as if utterly incapable of believing that she could win the heart of a man like him.

Curling his lips into a light smile, Ford said,

"Now I finally understand where Riley’s adorable personality comes from. It turns out she grew up in such a lovely and warm family."

His words not only reaffirmed his affection for Riley, but also subtly praised Mrs. Du’s personality as being "cute" as well. Instead of feeling flattered, Mrs. Du was so embarrassed that she didn’t quite know how to react.

Riley, meanwhile, couldn’t help protesting from the side,

"Hey, do you even know how to talk? You call this cute?"

"This is a straight-up attack on me, okay?!"

What kind of family was this? Instead of thinking their daughter—or sister—was the most precious, one-of-a-kind girl in the world, they were all acting as if she didn’t deserve him. Shouldn’t they believe that no man was good enough for her? Shouldn’t they be putting this guy through hell for daring to take her away?

Riley’s blunt tone earned her a look of disdain from her mother.

"Can’t you be a little gentler?"

Riley: "..."

From then on, Riley was completely ignored during the conversation. After Duke returned with the tea, something finally clicked in his mind.

"You’re that famous male model, right? The one who was in a TV drama recently—Ford?"

Ford smiled and nodded.

"That’s me."

Duke recalled some gossip he’d heard from celebrities and industry people who went to his gym.

"They all say... your family is pretty wealthy?"

As soon as the question was asked, Riley’s parents stared at Ford in shock again. His looks and demeanor were already impressive enough—if his family background was also outstanding, then their daughter must have saved the Milky Way in her previous life.

Ford chose to answer modestly.

"No, not really. My parents just run a factory. We’re comfortable, that’s all."

He didn’t dare be too honest about his background. He wasn’t worried they’d look down on him—he was worried they’d think he was completely out of their daughter’s league and refuse to let her marry him.

That would be awkward in a whole different way.

Riley, of course, decided to stir the pot.

"That’s not true. His family owns two factories and a company."

Her parents were now thoroughly stunned. Ford’s head started to ache as he hurriedly tried to explain himself.

"Uncle, Auntie, please don’t worry. I’m physically and mentally healthy, with no hidden issues whatsoever. I truly love Riley. Just because my family has money doesn’t mean it belongs to me. I prefer to earn my own success rather than rely on my parents."

He felt that if he didn’t clarify things, her parents might start suspecting that he had some serious flaw—that he couldn’t find a girlfriend and had therefore settled for their daughter.

Riley, delighted by the chaos, added fuel to the fire.

"What do you mean it’s not his? He’s their only son. They’re waiting for him to go back and take over the family business."

Ford felt his soul leave his body. He shot Riley a fierce glare, then unleashed his ultimate move. Straightening his posture and turning solemn, he declared,

"Uncle, Auntie—Riley is already pregnant with my child. Whether you agree or not, I am absolutely going to marry her."

Riley: "..."

She never expected him to be this ruthless. When he couldn’t out-argue her, he went straight for the nuclear option.

She jumped up from the sofa and darted away to hide, afraid her mother would start throwing things. Getting hit herself was one thing—she was terrified of anything hurting the baby.

Knowing her mother all too well, Riley wasn’t surprised when Mrs. Du snapped out of her shock, grabbed the tissue box off the table, and hurled it in her direction in fury.

"Riley!"

"How dare you get pregnant before marriage!"

Seeing the situation spiral out of control, Ford immediately rushed forward, blocking Mrs. Du and shielding Riley behind him.

"Auntie, please calm down. It’s all my fault—this is entirely my responsibility!"