Marvis's POV
The house smelled like jasmine and fresh-baked bread. It felt too warm, too peaceful too far from the world I lived in.
Melody stood beside me, quietly admiring the family portraits that lined the walls of my parents' home. She looked calm on the outside, but I could tell she was nervous. Her fingers were playing with the edge of her sleeve.
I leaned in slightly. "You okay?"
She nodded quickly. "Yes. Just... trying not to trip in these flats."
I smiled. My Melody always trying to look strong even when she felt unsure.
Before I could say more, my mother entered the living room with her usual grace. Still dressed in her favorite pale green lace and gold jewelry, she looked elegant and warm.
"Welcome, my dear," she said, extending her hands to Melody. "You must be Melody."
"Yes, ma'am." Melody smiled politely and gave a slight bow, the way she always did when she was being respectful.
My mother beamed. "Ah, no need for ma'am. Call me Mama Clara."
Melody blinked, then smiled wider. "Yes, Mama Clara."
It was such a simple thing, but it made my chest feel tight.
My father, tall and serious as ever, walked in behind her. He nodded at me, then gave Melody a small smile. "You're welcome here. Sit, please."
Melody sat carefully on the couch, smoothing her dress and folding her hands neatly in her lap. I sat beside her, our shoulders brushing lightly. Even in this quiet family home, I couldn't help but feel protective of her.
The room filled with soft conversation. My mother asked Melody about school, about how she found law interesting. Melody answered with thoughtful, respectful words. She mentioned my name once or twice. My mother didn't miss it.
After a while, Melody stood up politely. "Excuse me, Mama Clara, may I use your bathroom?"
"Of course, my dear," Mama Clara said, pointing down the hallway. "Last door on the left."
As soon as Melody left the room, I felt the air shift.
My mother's expression changed from pleasant to quietly serious.
She leaned forward slightly, resting her hands in her lap. "Marvis," she said gently, "she's beautiful."
I nodded. "I know."
"She's also kind. Soft-spoken. But there's something strong in her. She's been through a lot, hasn't she?"
I met her eyes. "Yes."
There was a long pause.
"Is she the one you want?" she asked softly.
My throat tightened. I glanced toward the hallway where Melody had gone. "I-"
Mama Clara raised a hand. "You don't have to rush the answer. But I'm your mother. I know your heart even when you hide it."
I looked down at my hands. "She makes everything feel different. Lighter. Like... I don't have to be this version of me all the time."
My mother nodded slowly. "That's important. Very important."
"She's not part of the mafia," I added. "She doesn't want that life. But she's... more fearless than anyone I know. She's smart. Sharp. She thinks two steps ahead of me, sometimes."
Mama Clara smiled faintly. "She doesn't need to be in the mafia to be family. But marriage, Marvis... it's not a business deal. It's not about names or power."
"I know," I said quickly. "And I'm not thinking about rushing anything."
She tilted her head, watching me with calm eyes. "But if the time came, if she ever looked at you and she said 'yes', would you be ready?"
I opened my mouth. Then closed it. Would I be ready?
I had seen death more than life. I had been taught to protect, not love. I had buried parts of myself long before Melody came into my world. But when she walked into my life, she brought pieces back I didn't even realize were missing.
"She's already made me better," I said quietly. "Even when she doesn't try. Even when she's just sitting beside me. That... that has to mean something."
Mama Clara nodded again, her eyes softening. "Then you know your answer. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow. But someday, you'll know if she's the one you want forever."
Before I could respond, I heard soft footsteps returning.
Melody returned the room, adjusting the sleeve of her dress and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Did I miss anything?" she asked, smiling.
Mama Clara stood, reaching out to take her hand. "Just some quiet mother-son talk," she said with a wink. "You didn't miss much."
Melody glanced at me, raising a brow. I gave a small smile and shook my head.
Nothing she needed to worry about. Nothing yet.
Later, as we walked toward the car, Melody slipped her hand into mine.
"What were you two talking about?" she asked curiously.
I looked at her.
At her calm face, her steady walk, the strength behind her soft words.
"Nothing bad," I said. "Just... family things."
She smiled gently. "She's lovely. Your mom."
"She liked you," I said.
She laughed. "I was so nervous."
"You didn't have to be."
She looked up at me, her eyes catching the light. "Would you have still held my hand if they didn't?"
I didn't answer right away. Then I squeezed her hand gently.
"Every time."
And I meant it.