My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 834

Mrs. Rivera smiled but said nothing. Mrs. Davis glanced at her, then chuckled, “That’s right—Tristan’s getting to that age. It really is time to start thinking about settling down.”

She hesitated, a wry smile creasing her face. “But honestly, Tristan’s never even shown interest in a girl. He’s never had a girlfriend, never even dated anyone. I’m really afraid he’ll end up a lonely old man.”

Tristan set his utensils down and spoke in a calm, even tone. “Mom, is this really necessary?”

Mrs. Davis shot him a look. “Don’t even start. If we left things up to you, you’d probably stay single for the rest of your life.”

Tristan glanced over at Steven, who sat at the head of the table, and gave a smile that didn’t quite reveal his thoughts. “Come on, aren’t you all determined to set me up with someone?”

Mrs. Davis’s eyes lit up. “Wait, does that mean you’re actually open to us setting you up?”

“Of course not,” Tristan replied.

Mrs. Davis glared at him. “Then why even say that?”

Mrs. Rivera interjected at just the right moment, “Maybe we shouldn’t pressure him so much. We should really respect what he wants.”

Cynthia, sitting quietly, looked at her mother in disbelief, as if she’d just been betrayed.

Mrs. Rivera didn’t return her daughter’s gaze, instead turning back to Mrs. Davis.

Steven looked unconvinced. “That won’t work. If we let him have his way, he’ll spend all his time running around and never bother to come home.”

Tristan gave a soft, dismissive scoff and leaned back in his chair, watching the family drama unfold with a touch of amusement.

Mr. Davis considered for a moment, then said, “If you ask me, Cynthia and Tristan are about the same age. Neither of them is seeing anyone, and they practically grew up together. They know each other inside out. Maybe they should give it a shot.”

Mrs. Rivera laughed. “That’s not up to me or her father. It’s Cynthia’s decision.”

Cynthia bit her lip, her eyes shyly flicking to Tristan’s profile.

He remained perfectly composed, showing no visible sign of protest, which made Cynthia’s heart flutter with hope.

Cynthia’s face reddened further, her heart pounding uneasily.

Screech—

The sound of a chair scraping loudly against the floor made everyone jump.

Tristan suddenly stood up, pushing his chair back.

Cynthia’s heart skipped a beat. She looked up at him, startled.

Tristan’s face was cool, his voice polite but firm. “Mr. and Mrs. Rivera, I think I need to make myself clear. I’m sorry, but I don’t want to ‘give it a try’ with Cynthia. From childhood until now, I’ve always seen her as Cynthia—nothing more. That’s not a reflection on her. The problem is with me. Whoever Cynthia ends up with in the future will be much more suited to her than I ever could be.

If the day comes when Cynthia brings a boyfriend home, I’ll be happy for her—as her brother. If you want, I’ll even contribute to her wedding. But if you’re asking me to marry her, I can’t do it.”

He was perfectly courteous, his words leaving no room for argument, and he took all the blame onto himself.