When love began to bloom, Cole's mental health noticeably improved. Lana became his second pillar of emotional support—right beside his father. You might wonder why Cole struggles with his mental health. Well, even though he often said he didn't care about being unloved by his own mother, deep down, her hatred did affect him.

Many nights, he found himself lying awake, wondering why she despised him so much. Was it really just the birthmark on his face? Or was there something else—something deeper—behind her cruel treatment? He tried to push those thoughts aside and focus on the one bright thing in his life: Lana. His light at the end of the tunnel.

As time passed, Cole fell more deeply in love. Lana felt the same. They started talking about commitment, about building a future together—a home, a family, children—once they both finished university.

But nothing is ever that simple.

Ethan, Cole's brother, never made things easy. He often bullied Cole, lied to their mother to get him in trouble, and even tried to sabotage his relationship with Lana. He flirted subtly with her, dragged her into awkward "hangouts," and tried to claim her attention for himself. Cole was bothered by it—but at least Ethan hadn't crossed the line. Not yet.

After graduating a few months later, Cole started job hunting. He needed money—enough to build a life with Lana and finally move out. But rent wasn't cheap, and the fear of not being able to provide for her loomed over him. Why would Lana's parents approve of their daughter being with someone who didn't even have a job?

But life, for once, didn't turn its back on him.

He finally landed a job as a barista at Costa Coffee in George Square, working the afternoon shift for about six hours a day. The starting pay ranged from £8.60 to £12.60 an hour—just enough to start covering rent. He even picked up extra hours to save up for food and other essentials.

But peace never lasted long.

As soon as Ethan found out where Cole lived, he began bothering him again. Cole never quite knew what Ethan's intentions were. Was he just being a jerk, or was this all just a calm before a storm that about to approaching?

(Author's note: I know what you're thinking.)

Sometimes, Cole couldn't help but wonder... What is going on in his brother's mind? All the lies, the subtle manipulations, the way he tries to monopolize Lana's time — it all feels calculated, but Cole can never quite tell if it's genuine malice or just another twisted game.

As a supportive and open-minded partner, Cole does his best to trust Lana and give her the freedom she deserves — even if that means spending time with Ethan. He knows Lana is independent and capable of setting her own boundaries. Sometimes, she simply isn't in the mood to hang out, or she's busy working extra hours at the local library. Either way, Cole refuses to let Ethan pressure her or make her uncomfortable. He watches from the sidelines, careful not to interfere, but always ready to step in if Lana ever feels threatened.

Just when Cole thinks things can't get any more overwhelming, Lana brings up something that shakes his nerves — she wants him to meet her parents.

Suddenly, all of Cole's insecurities rise to the surface. What if they don't like me? he wonders. What if they think I'm not good enough for her? What if they don't approve of us, and try to keep her away from me?

He knows meeting her family is a big step, and a difficult one — especially for someone like him, who already struggles with his sense of worth. But deep down, he also understands this is a chance. A chance to prove himself, to win their trust, and most importantly, to take one step closer to a future with the woman he loves.

Later that night, after pulling a long shift at the café, Cole sits on the edge of his bed. The room is quiet except for the ticking of the wall clock. He buries his face in his hands, exhausted — not just physically, but emotionally. After a moment, he lifts his head, lets out a heavy sigh, and stares at the darkened ceiling.

Tomorrow could change everything. He needs to be ready.

He wanted to look decent—like someone who could truly take care of their precious partner. Cole couldn't afford to lose Lana, not like this, not just because of her parents' disapproval. If they didn't like him, that could be the end. He might never get another chance to be close to her again.

He silently hoped that Ethan wouldn't ruin everything. And his mother... No. He told himself not to care about that woman. He had grown up believing he didn't really have a mother—not in the way most people did. A mother like her... was better left behind.

What he did have was a father. A father who had given everything for him, who had worked tirelessly to give him a future. Cole wanted to be that kind of parent—strong, reliable, loving. He dreamed of having children with Lana someday, raising them in the warmth and care he never got to experience. He would give them what he never had.

That's why he needed Lana's parents to see the good in him. He needed them to see past the surface—a blond young man, of average height (about 5'11"), decent-looking, polite... with a birthmark he couldn't hide and a humble job as a barista at Costa Coffee. He knew he wasn't the most impressive man on paper, but that wouldn't stop him. He was determined to marry the love of his life.

Cole blinked, snapping out of his dreamy thoughts and pulling himself back to reality. He had an important event to prepare for, and every detail mattered. He carefully laid out his outfit on the bed—something clean, neat, but still him. Then, with a deep breath, he stepped into the shower, letting the water wash over him as he readied himself for one of the most important meetings of his life.