At My Daughter’s Wedding, the Groom Called Me ‘a Disgrace’—Then She Grabbed My Hand and Did This...

What is this? My darling daughter is being married today! Upon entering the reception hall and finding my designated seat, I discovered a talisman and a pile of salt that were totally out of place for a wedding.

I was unable to comprehend what was taking place. The groom smirked as he walked up to me. As I stood there bewildered, a factory worker for a father, he struggled to contain his laughter, obviously finding the situation hilarious, and continued, "That's nothing but a disgrace to the family.

" I was so furious that my mind went blank. At that moment, my daughter, who was getting married, approached me and said, "Dad, let's go home. " She grabbed my hand and headed for the door.

Thomas is my name. I work at a factory and am 58 years old. My daughter is 27 years old.

She's bringing her fiancé around today so I can meet him. I therefore got up early to clean the house, even though it was my day off. All good; I have aired out the space and cleaned the entryway.

I should now prepare the tea so I can serve it immediately. I've been restless all morning because today is the first time my daughter's boyfriend is coming to visit. Hmm, maybe I should wear something in a brighter color.

The doorbell rang. As I looked at my entire image in the entrance mirror, I forced myself to be cool and opened the door, suppressing my anxious excitement. "Hi, welcome!

I appreciate you coming. " I pumped my fist in my head, thinking I had perfected the amiable dad persona. "Dad, sorry for making you do all this on your day off," remarked Emily.

I couldn't help but smile when I saw my daughter, who lives alone, looking happy and healthy after all this time. A tall, well-groomed young man stood next to her. "It's good to meet you!

My name is Brian. Emily and I are dating. " Emily gave him a hesitant grin as she looked up.

"The place is a bit messy, but please come in. " Emily led them into the living room, where I had done a lot of cleaning, and then she went to the kitchen to make tea. "So, what is the duration of your relationship with Emily?

" I asked. She never truly discusses these topics with me. "Almost 2 years have passed.

I knew she was the person I wanted to marry as soon as we began dating. " I was relieved to hear his courteous voice and to feel his friendly disposition. He must be a decent man if I will allow my beloved daughter to get married.

Brian has made a respectable impact thus far. "What are you two talking about? " Emily sat down next to Brian, pouting as though she felt excluded and carried a tray filled with coffee.

"Hi Emily! He strikes me as a very good man. You've discovered a decent individual.

" Emily smiled proudly at what I said. "All right, in times of need, he is dependable and incredibly caring. " "I understand.

That's comforting. What is your occupation, by the way, Brian? " "I work as an internist at a general hospital.

" As soon as I heard his line of work, I thought of an old friend in relation to it. My friend was also a doctor. "You're a doctor?

I see. It's a commendable career. " Brian smiled modestly.

"He works at Streetclair Hospital. " "What? Streetclair Hospital?

" I recognized the name and thought of a potential. "That's correct. Is there a problem?

" They both gave me a questioning glance, but I dismissed it. "No, it's nothing. Anyway, you two haven't had lunch yet, have you?

Let's order some food. A new restaurant opened nearby, and it's really good. " Even though this was just an introduction, it was still a celebratory occasion, so I decided to treat them to Emily's favorite dish.

"Wow, that was delicious! " By the time we finished eating, the initial tension had eased, and Brian and I were chatting more comfortably. "Dad," suddenly Emily turned to me with a serious expression.

"What is it? You're being so formal all of a sudden. " I had a feeling I knew where this was going, but I played along.

"Dad, thank you for raising me all these years. " Emily turned to Brian. "Brian, I haven't told you this yet, but actually, Dad and I aren't related by blood.

" Brian was momentarily stunned by Emily's revelation. "Emily is my best friend's daughter," I explained. "Your best friend?

Then, Emily's biological parents were her real parents? " "Yes, they passed away in an accident when she was four. She was about to be placed in an institution, and I couldn't stand by and watch, so I took her in at such a young age.

" "That must have been tough for you two. Are you married? " At his question, I shook my head.

I was a carefree bachelor with no intention of marrying, and then suddenly I found myself raising a young child. Every day felt like a battle. As I reminisced about those days, Brian turned to me with another question.

"What kind of work do you do? " "Me? I work at a factory.

" "Huh, you work at a factory? " When I replied, "Yes, I do," I couldn't help but notice a slight change in Brian's expression. It might have been my imagination, but he seemed less cheerful.

We continued making small talk, but I noticed Emily glancing at the clock repeatedly. "What's wrong, Emily? You've been checking the time a lot.

" "Well, actually, we have a meeting at the wedding venue today. I was just thinking we should probably get going soon. " Brian apologized with a slightly guilty expression.

"Sorry for the rush. I packed too many plans into today, even though it's my day off. " "Don't worry about it; doctors have busy schedules, so it's understandable.

" Emily urged Brian to stand up, signaling that it was time to leave. "All right, Dad. .

. " wedding is in 3 months. Take care of yourself.

Thank you for taking the time to meet us today. We'll see you at the wedding venue in 3 months. With that, the two of them left in a hurry.

Now, the reality of my daughter getting married finally started to sink in. As I looked around the house, which had fallen completely silent, I felt a small pang of loneliness, even though this should be a joyful occasion. Three months later, the long-awaited wedding day had arrived.

The formal wear I was wearing was actually borrowed from a coworker who had tailored it six months ago for his son's wedding. I had been too restless the day before, so I finished work early and got a haircut. Can't have the father of the bride looking unkempt!

I rubbed my freshly shaved chin in an effort to look more presentable. I even had my beard shaved off. I can't let Emily feel embarrassed because of me.

As I checked myself in the full-length mirror by the entrance, I heard the sound of an engine outside. As I stepped outside and got into the taxi Emily had arranged for me, the driver asked, "Whose wedding is it today? " "Actually, it's my daughter's wedding.

" His voice immediately brightened. "Oh, you're the father of the bride! Congratulations.

" As we chatted, I learned that his daughter had also just gotten married last month. A wedding is such a wonderful event; after all, it's the big day for the daughter you raised with so much love. You'd better prepare to shed a lot of tears!

Before I knew it, we had arrived at the venue. Hearing the driver's words made me look forward to the ceremony even more. As I entered the venue, one of the staff members greeted me with a cheerful "Congratulations!

" After letting them know I was the father of the bride, I was escorted to a room labeled "Family Waiting Room. " "Hello, I'm Emily's father," I introduced myself as I stepped inside, but the groom's family only gave me a brief glance before returning to their conversation. Since I was the only one representing Emily's side, I couldn't help but feel out of place.

"Before the ceremony begins, please take this time to introduce both families to each other," the staff member said with a bright smile, completely unfazed by the tense atmosphere in the room. Then, a middle-aged man with a dignified presence stepped forward to speak. "Nice to meet you.

I'm Brian's father, Richard, and this is my wife, Susan. We are both doctors, as you may know, and our son Brian also works as an internist at a hospital. " It turned out that Brian's entire family was made up of doctors.

Through Richard's introductions, I learned that there were also dentists and university professors among their relatives. It was clear that they lived in a completely different world from mine. Once they finished their introductions, it was my turn to speak.

"I'm Emily's father. I don't have a wife. I've been working in a factory while raising her on my own.

Please take care of my daughter. " I bowed my head as I spoke; however, the reaction from Brian's family was far from welcoming. When I lifted my head, I saw Brian's parents looking at me with cold, disapproving eyes.

They must have had their thoughts about my occupation and the fact that I was a single father, but I couldn't let anything tarnish my daughter's once-in-a-lifetime wedding day, so I forced a polite smile. "This kind of man is her father," I saw Susan glance at me before whispering something to Richard. The other relatives were also murmuring among themselves, though I couldn't quite make out what they were saying.

Honestly, it didn't feel great, but for Emily's sake, I had no choice but to endure it. With a heavy atmosphere lingering, the family introductions came to an end. "Now it's time to move to the ceremony hall," a staff member announced with a bright smile, as if trying to dissipate the tension in the room.

Relieved, I quickly left the waiting room. "I just had to endure this a little longer. " I entered the chapel and took my assigned seat.

Normally, the father walks the bride down the aisle, but Brian had requested that he and Emily enter together. I wasn't sure why, but apparently, the plan had been changed at the last minute. Honestly, I was grateful—I wasn't sure I could keep myself from crying in front of everyone.

"Oh, the bride isn't walking in with her father? Is that normal these days? " I heard.

"I heard Brian changed it at the last minute, but isn't it obvious the father—" well, you know. . .

From across the aisle, I heard whispered comments from the groom's relatives. I tried to ignore them, lowering my gaze and waiting for the couple's entrance. A moment later, the officiant announced the start of the ceremony.

The music began to play, and the chapel doors at the back opened. The bride and groom made their grand entrance. The room erupted in applause, and I felt a wave of emotion well up in my chest.

Emily walked gracefully in her pure white wedding dress, and as I watched her, countless memories flooded back: the four-year-old Emily crying at her parents' funeral. Back then, I had thought to myself, "I have to make sure this child is happy. " "Dad, when I grow up, I'm going to marry you," she used to say things like that, making me laugh.

And now here she was on her wedding day. I wiped my tears with my handkerchief over and over again as Emily and Brian walked past me. Emily suddenly stopped.

I wondered if something was wrong and looked up. "Dad, I'm going to be happy," she gave me a bright smile before Brian gently urged her forward toward the. .

. "Altar. Emily looked more beautiful than I had ever seen her before.

I was incredibly proud. The ceremony proceeded without issue, and once the couple had exited, the staff directed everyone to move to the reception hall. Emily looked absolutely stunning.

Ah, I want to get married soon too! Is there anyone good out there? But hey, aren't all of Brian's friends doctors?

Maybe we have a chance too. I overheard Emily's college friends chattering excitedly. Hearing their conversation reminded me of the sense of isolation I had felt earlier.

I couldn't let Emily be embarrassed. Steeling myself, I headed toward the reception hall. At the entrance, I checked the seating chart I was given.

Since I had no other family present, they had placed me among Brian's relatives—perhaps out of consideration. They didn't have to go that far. "This is going to be uncomfortable," I sighed, but for Emily's sake, I convinced myself to deal with it and walked toward my seat.

Once this reception was over, that was the thought running through my head when my eyes fell upon something completely out of place for a wedding. "What? What is this?

" At my assigned seat, there was a small dish with a mound of salt and a talisman. I glanced around, but the other tables were set normally, ready for the meal to be served. What on earth was happening?

My mind went blank. "Hey, check that out! No way, who was that guy?

Didn't they mention it earlier? That's the bride's father! But why would they do something like that?

Damn, this is hilarious! " People were staring at me, confused by why I hadn't taken my seat. Some were whispering; their hushed voices filled with amusement.

I had no idea what to do. I just stood there, frozen. Then, as if unable to contain his laughter any longer, Brian approached me with an expression of pure amusement.

"Uh, Brian, what kind of joke is this? I mean, come on, this is a wedding! This is seriously inappropriate!

Or am I the one who's wrong here? " I tried to keep my voice steady, but the confusion and frustration bled through. Brian could no longer hold it in; he burst out laughing.

At the sound of his laughter, the groom's family, all seated at their tables, turned to look at us. I felt my face burning with humiliation. Then, with a cruel grin, Brian said, "A factory worker as the father of the bride?

That's just embarrassing for the family. " And then, once again, he laughed loudly. Around him, his relatives chuckled, snickering at my expense.

So this was it. This was how much they looked down on me for being a factory worker. The realization filled me with a deep, searing anger, but since he was my daughter's fiancé, I held my tongue.

Taking advantage of my silence, Brian continued, pressing the issue. "As you probably learned at the family introductions, all my relatives. .

. " he spoke loudly enough for everyone around to hear, smirking all the while. I was stunned.

Was this really the man my daughter chose to marry? "Having someone like you, a factory worker, among our guests would be humiliating if anyone found out. " "What are you saying?

" I couldn't grasp his intent and questioned him. "Even after all this, you still don't get it," Brian scoffed. "This is a problem.

" I didn't understand. What was he trying to make me do? As I stood there confused, Brian leaned in and spoke as if explaining something to a child.

"I want you to leave before any of the guests realize who you are. Now do you understand? " It felt like I had been struck in the head with a blunt object.

What was he thinking? I was still the bride's father. I clenched my fists, trying to suppress the rage and humiliation threatening to boil over.

Then I asked him, "If you wanted me to leave, then why did you invite me to the wedding at all? You could have left me out from the start! Did you just want to humiliate me?

" Brian, completely unfazed, replied smoothly, "Humiliate you? Not at all! Inviting you is my way of showing kindness.

" "Kindness? I mean, it would have been cruel if you didn't even get to see your daughter's big day, right? But now that you've seen her in her dress, you can go.

" I was so utterly degraded that I could no longer even form words. Did he really think this was an act of generosity? I felt pathetic knowing that this was the man my daughter had chosen.

"Brian is right. I don't support including you in our family," Thomas Richard joined in, sneering down at me. "Yes, I agree with my husband," his wife added.

"If at least you were a civil servant, we could have tolerated it. But a factory worker? That's simply too embarrassing to mention to others.

" Even his parents backed him up. I suddenly realized that the guests in the lobby were beginning to enter the reception hall. I wanted to attend the reception; I really did.

But staying here any longer felt impossible. "Thomas, do you still not understand? For today, please just leave!

We've already wasted enough time on this nonsense. " If I forced my way into the reception, I might end up making things worse—and if that happened, Emily could be the one they turned their ridicule on after the wedding. I couldn't let that happen.

Swallowing my pride, I made up my mind to leave. With Brian and his parents glaring at me, I was about to walk out of the venue in defeat when I suddenly found myself face to face with my daughter. She had changed out of her wedding dress and was now standing in front of me in a casual outfit.

"Emily, what's going on? Your dress? " Still confused, I felt her tap my hand.

"Dad, let's go. " Home. She gave me a sorrowful smile.

"Emily, one of the venue staff told me they overheard Brian and his family saying awful things to you. " Emily had found out what had happened, and she had come to stop it. Brian, now panicking, grabbed her by the shoulders.

"Wait, Emily, this is a misunderstanding! " He scrambled for an excuse. "A misunderstanding?

Are you telling me you weren't ganging up on my dad and making fun of him? What kind of grown adults find joy in belittling someone like that? I can't be part of a family like this!

Don't insult me! " "Hey, Emily, don't get so worked up! It was just a little joke, right?

Mom? Dad? " Emily's anger flared even more.

She shoved Brian's hands off her shoulders. "A joke? You think humiliating someone like that is funny?

You have no sense of decency, and you call yourselves doctors! This just proves I would never be happy marrying you. No way!

" "Come on! I'll apologize! Please don't tell me you're calling off the wedding!

" Brian was now desperate, clinging to Emily, but she pushed him away. "All you ever care about is your reputation! I will only marry someone who respects my father!

" "Emily. . .

" I felt my eyes well up. "Emily, you don't have to be so dramatic. " "Right?

" Susan tried to mediate, looking flustered, but Emily shot her a cold glance and spoke firmly. "I'm divorcing Brian. " Then she gripped my hand tighter and started walking toward the exit.

"Wait, Emily, you can't be serious! The reception is about to start! " "Hey!

" Behind us, Brian's frantic voice echoed, but Emily never looked back. "Emily, what are you doing? The reception is about to start, isn't it?

" "I'm sorry, but the wedding is cancelled. I appreciate you coming all this way. " At the entrance, we ran into Emily's boss, who was understandably shocked.

After all, the bride was walking out in casual clothes just before the reception. But after hearing Emily's explanation, he didn't scold her. Instead, he looked at us with sympathy.

Once we stepped outside, I spotted a taxi and quickly flagged it down. We hurried inside. I stole a glance behind us, but neither Brian nor his family had followed.

I exhaled in relief. "Hey, Emily, what is it? " "Dad.

. . " She looked exhausted, but I had to ask, "Are you really okay with this?

" "What do you mean? " She played dumb, pretending not to understand. "You wanted to marry Brian, didn't you?

" Emily smiled at me. "I knew from the beginning that Brian didn't respect you. " "What?

From the beginning? " "Didn't you notice? When we visited the house for introductions, I saw his expression change the moment you mentioned you worked at a factory.

That's when I realized he looked down on you. He's the kind of person who values status and career above all else. " Her words made me recall the unease I had felt back then.

It was true that his attitude toward me had noticeably shifted the moment I mentioned my job. "You've known since then? " I wasn't sure what to do.

I knew his background, and I wondered if I should just go through with the marriage anyway. She let out a sigh. "His background.

. . it doesn't matter anymore.

It's over. " Her cryptic words intrigued me, but she didn't elaborate further. Instead, she looked me straight in the eye.

"But you know what, Dad? You raised me as if I were your real daughter, showering me with love and care. I want you to be happy too.

" "Emily, I can't be with someone who doesn't respect the person who means the most to me. There's no need to marry a man like that. " It was clear that in her heart, she had already made up her mind; nothing I said would change it.

So my stubborn daughter had already decided. I felt a mix of emotions—gratitude that she valued me so much and guilt for being the reason she had to make this painful choice. A few days after the canceled wedding, Emily moved back home from her apartment.

"Are you really moving back in, Emily? " I asked my daughter, who had returned with a suitcase full of provisions for a few nights' stay. "Why do you keep asking?

Look, the wedding's off, and I split the venue cancellation cost with Brian, so I don't have much money right now. I was planning to move out anyway after getting married, so I've already given up my apartment. I don't have anywhere else to go.

" That was true; she had already started the process of vacating her place, and by the end of the month, she would have to be completely moved out. Her workplace was still within commuting distance, so she didn't seem to mind. To be honest, I was happy to have my daughter living with me again.

"You know, Dad, that guy from the wedding, he's been treating me to lunch every day out of sympathy. I'm starting to feel bad about it," Emily said light-heartedly, as if she had already moved on. But every now and then, I caught glimpses of sadness in her eyes, and that worried me.

One evening after dinner, I was watching TV in the living room while Emily, just back from work, was reheating her meal in the kitchen. The doorbell rang. Since the intercom monitor was right next to the kitchen, Emily instinctively checked it while muttering, "Who could it be at this hour?

" "Our neighbors, maybe? " "Emily, who is it? " I asked, sensing something was off, but she didn't respond; she just stared at the screen in shock.

"Who is coming by at this hour? " I grumbled and walked over to check, and there he was—Brian. Not just him; his parents were with him too.

What was going on? What could they possibly want now? Emily and I exchanged bewildered looks.

Ignoring them wasn't an option, so we. . .

decided to at least hear them out. When I opened the door, Brian was standing there with a completely different attitude from before: humble and almost pitiful. "What do you want?

We've already called off the wedding, and I've cut ties with you," Emily asked coldly. At her words, Brian turned pale and looked flustered. "Is something wrong?

You seemed to be acting strange," he said. He was acting so strangely that I found myself asking out of concern. Then, to my shock, Brian looked at me, his eyes filled with desperation, and blurted out, "I had no idea you were involved in the development of that product.

" That product he was referring to was the remote surgical medical device I had spent years working on. Technically, I worked in a factory, but I wasn't on the production line; I was a research developer specializing in medical machinery. Emily's biological father and I had been college classmates.

He was in the medical faculty, and I was in engineering, but we had shared an apartment and become best friends. My decision to pursue medical technology was largely influenced by him. "Thomas, my dream is to save lives using the machines you create," he had always been my greatest supporter.

It was no wonder Brian was now in a panic. Yes, I was the lead developer on that project, but that was until recently; I stepped away from it a few days ago. Brian's eyes widened in shock.

"May I ask why? " "You should know the answer to that better than anyone. This is because of me, isn't it?

" he asked. I gave him a silent nod. Brian slumped, utterly dejected.

"If you hadn't treated me with such blatant disrespect, I wouldn't have done this. But even I have my limits. This is because I'm a doctor at Streetclair Hospital, isn't it?

" Brian asked hesitantly. "You do know that without my expertise, not only is the development of that product impossible, but even its maintenance will be a challenge, right? " His face turned even paler as he grabbed my arm in desperation.

"Please, what would it take for you to return to the project? " The medical device I had developed was essential in surgical procedures. However, as an internist, Brian had little direct involvement with it, so why was he so desperate?

"Wait a second! Brian, you're an internist. This shouldn't directly impact your work.

Why are you so panicked? " Brian hesitated, avoiding my gaze. "Because I'm actually part of that project.

" "What? You are? You're aware that the project is led by Dr Smith, the hospital director, right?

" I nodded, and he continued, "He was a guest at my wedding. Later, I found out that he was looking forward to meeting you once he learned you were my future father-in-law. " "Ah, yes, it's been a while since I last saw him.

" Brian swallowed hard. "And then, after the wedding fell apart, I had to explain to him what happened. " His voice grew weaker, filled with regret.

"He was furious when he found out what I had done. He told me, 'How could you do something so foolish? I didn't know who you really were; you just said you worked at a factory.

'" His voice trailed off as he let out a deep sigh. "So you're here now because Dr Smith scolded you, and you want to make amends. You sound like a child.

" Brian flinched at my words and tried to argue, "You don't have to put it that way. " "But it's the truth, isn't it? " He had no response, simply looking frustrated and defeated.

"But more than that, I was blamed for you leaving the project," Brian muttered, his shoulders slumping in defeat. The confidence he once had was completely gone. Emily watched him in silence, biting her lip; I couldn't read her expression.

At the sound of my voice, he jerked his head up, his eyes filled with a mix of desperation and expectation. "I'll say this upfront: I have no intention of ever associating with you again. " Brian's eyes widened in shock.

"What? Why can't you forgive me? What about the project?

" "I can't entrust my daughter to someone who judges people solely by their status. " "I know I was wrong. I deeply regret it, and I'll change.

" I let out a deep sigh. "Even if you regret it now, who's to say you won't do something like this again in the future? " I looked at him, his face full of disappointment.

"I worry about my daughter's future far more than you realize. Blood ties don't matter; I refuse to do anything that would dishonor her real parents. " Brian visibly slumped, his shoulders sinking with resignation.

After taking a deep breath, he began to speak in a slow, halting voice. "It may be too late, but can you at least hear me out? " His expression had changed; he looked troubled, like he had been holding something in for a long time.

I raised an eyebrow. "You still have something to say? " Brian shook his head and then continued, "As you know, both of my parents are doctors.

My grandfather was also a doctor. My father's side of the family has been in medicine for generations. " I had initially thought he was just boasting, but his tone didn't carry any pride, only weariness.

"Because of that, from the moment I was old enough to understand, I was told I had no choice but to become a doctor. " "Of course, you're part of this family; there was never any other option! " his mother interjected.

"Mother, please be quiet," Brian said sharply, making her expression stiffen. "As you can probably guess, I became a doctor because my parents and relatives told me to; my own desires never factored into it. " "Ha!

What nonsense," Richard scoffed. "Father, be quiet," Brian said, raising his voice for the first time. Flinched in surprise, "I did as they expected and became a doctor, but the truth is, I never really wanted to be one.

" Brian's face contorted with pain; he had probably wanted to say this for years. "Brian, what are you talking about? Calm down; you're just upset, that's all," Susan said, attempting to soothe him.

"I'm completely calm, mother. " "But you aren't. For years, I carried the crushing weight of your expectations.

No matter how much I did, it was never enough. You expected excellence as a given. Do you have any idea how many times I wanted to quit?

" "Brian, that must have been hard. " With my words, Brian gave a small bitter nod. "But becoming a doctor wasn't enough.

My parents made it clear that I had to accomplish even more after that. " His face twisted in frustration. "As an internist, my work doesn't bring the same prestige as a surgeon.

No matter how many papers I published, it never seemed to matter," he continued, his voice heavy with regret. His parents looked at him with disapproval. "That's why I joined Dr Smith's project.

I wanted to accomplish something significant. Most of the team was made up of surgeons, but I learned a lot and felt fulfilled for the first time. " "I see.

That explains why we never met," I said. "I mostly interacted with the surgeons when I visited the hospital. I had no idea you were involved in the same project.

" "My apologies. I was just as surprised when Dr Smith told me about you. I had no idea who you really were, and I treated you horribly.

" "Brian, I understand now. You've had a difficult life. " Brian nodded solemnly.

"But you know blaming your upbringing can only take you so far. " He looked down, face stalled. "I can't deny that your circumstances pushed you toward that choice.

I sympathize with that. " Brian hesitated. "Then, does that mean.

. . " "But at the end of the day, you were the one who made that choice, weren't you?

" Brian inhaled sharply and fell silent at my pointed remark. "I struggled with my own choices for the future when I was younger too," I admitted. "You did?

" His question was laced with surprise. I chuckled, nodding. "I graduated from a national university with a degree in engineering and started working for a major machinery manufacturer, though not the one I work for now.

" "You went to a national university? Haha, I don't exactly look the part, do I? " "But let me continue.

" He nodded, still taking it in. "I was working in industrial machinery development, but to be honest, it wasn't what I truly wanted to do. " I reflected.

"So what was it that you really wanted to do? " "I wanted to develop medical devices. My parents passed away from illness when I was young.

Nowadays, with advancements in medicine, early detection greatly increases survival rates. But back then, medical technology was far less advanced. " "I see.

That's why I thought about what I, as someone who wasn't a doctor, could do, and the answer was clear. I wanted to build medical equipment. " It was a simple reason: I wanted to create machines that could save lives with my own hands.

Brian's parents listened to my story with clear disinterest, their expressions practically dripping with boredom. I ignored them and continued speaking to Brian. "But at the time, it was the era of rapid industrial growth.

The demand for industrial machinery was incredibly high, and companies were constantly pushing for new technological advancements in that field. " I noticed that even Emily, who had never heard the full story before, was now listening intently, her expression serious. In contrast, there was almost no demand for medical equipment.

Medicine was entirely reliant on the skill of doctors; the idea of machines assisting in treatment was something out of a science fiction story. I remembered how people used to mock me whenever I said I wanted to develop medical devices. The world's evaluation of what I wanted to do was unbearably low.

But in the end, I still wanted to pursue medical equipment, so I quit the company I was working for at the time. "What? You changed jobs?

" "Yeah, but I didn't have another job lined up, so I just quit. I had to start by looking for a company that would let me do what I truly wanted. " Brian looked surprised, as if he hadn't expected me to be that bold.

"If I had been alone back then, I probably would have stayed in the same company, stuck in a routine. " "What changed? " "There was someone who supported me, someone who pushed me forward.

" I glanced at Emily as I spoke. "Her father, my best friend. He was the one who encouraged me, who gave me the push I needed.

Thanks to him, I was able to refine my skills and challenge the world. I owe him everything. " Emily's father.

Brian looked puzzled, as if trying to understand the connection. Her biological father was an outstanding surgeon; her mother was a dedicated nurse. Both of them were incredibly compassionate people.

As I recalled them, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. "What? Emily's father was a doctor?

I never knew that. " "Well, I don't really remember much about my biological parents," Emily admitted. "Even if someone tells me they were doctors, it doesn't really mean much to me.

And now the dad in front of me is my father; that's all that matters. " She turned to me and smiled warmly. "Because of him, I am who I am today.

If I hadn't had the courage to follow my dream, I wouldn't have created the technology that has helped save so many lives. " "Stop running your mouth! Are you trying to manipulate my son with your sentimental stories?

" Suddenly, Richard, who had been quiet until then, came at me. "Manipulate? What are you talking about?

Don't you see what you've—" Done. You've ruined my son's career! He was finally making a name for himself in that project, and now, thanks to you, it's all fallen apart.

Susan joined in, her voice shrill, "Yes! You humiliated Brian in front of everyone! How dare you?

It's disgusting to think that someone like you was almost part of our family! " Their furious accusations rained down on me. "Enough!

Both of you! Just stop! " Brian's outburst stunned Richard.

"What's gotten into you? You never saw me as your son, did you? I was just a tool to maintain your reputation," Brian said, lowering his gaze; his voice turned cold.

"What are you saying? That's not true! We only wanted what was best for your future, right, Richard?

" Susan clung to Richard's arm, her voice pleading. "Yes, exactly! What nonsense are you talking about?

Everything we did was for your future! " They had never imagined that Brian would defy them. Now, caught off guard, they scrambled to justify themselves.

"Rebelling against us like this? What's gotten into you, Brian? This isn't like you!

" "And what exactly is like me, huh? Being the son who blindly obeys whatever you say? I knew it!

This is all because of Emily! I had my doubts from the start. She's not right for you.

You need someone more obedient, someone who knows her place! " Anger flared up inside me at his words, but before I could speak, Brian beat me to it. "Father, stop insulting Emily!

" "What are you saying? You were never this defiant before! That woman has turned you against us!

" "Mother, just be quiet! " Brian silenced his mother with a firm tone. At his words, she visibly slumped, her shoulders dropping as she fell into silence.

"She is an incredible woman. I truly believe that meeting Emily changed my life," Brian looked at Emily, his eyes filled with emotion. "If you continue to speak ill of her, I will never forgive you!

" "What are you saying all of a sudden, Brian? That's right! This isn't like you!

Come back to your senses and be the obedient son you always were! " His parents were visibly shaken by his defiant attitude. Seeing their reaction, Brian made a firm declaration.

"Father! Mother! Thank you for raising me all these years.

" "What are you talking about? Why? Why are you saying that now?

" "That's only natural! Because we're your parents! " "No!

I just wanted to say it because this will be the last time. " "Last time? What are you talking about?

" "I've decided to leave you both behind and live my own life. " "Wait! What do you mean by 'leave'?

You're both doctors, yet you're surprisingly slow to understand! " Brian's words clearly rattled his parents. Susan looked flustered while Richard's face grew tense.

"I'm saying that from today onward, I am cutting ties with you both. We are no longer family. We are nothing more than strangers!

" "What? That's absurd! You are our son!

Take that back! " "Father, I have a heart of my own! I am not your puppet!

What do you take me for? " "Enough already! If you understand, then don't ever show your faces again!

" With that, Brian grabbed both of his parents by the arms and forcefully pushed them out the door. He locked the entrance behind them. For a while, they pounded on the door and rang the intercom repeatedly, but eventually, they gave up and left.

Brian, feeling uneasy, lowered his head. "I am truly sorry. Everything I told my parents applies to me as well.

I regret my actions more than I can say. " "Brian, from now on I will change and work hard to earn your approval. " Brian looked at me with unwavering determination.

For the first time, I saw a real sense of resolve in his eyes. "When that time comes, please allow me to marry Emily again. I don't know how long it will take, but I will do whatever it takes.

Please, I beg you! " "Brian, perhaps I was too harsh as well. I regret my actions.

" "Wait, does that mean I acted rashly by quitting the project in anger? But if I leave things as they are, it will only cause problems for the medical field. I'll return to the project!

" "Tell Dr Smith. " "Are you serious? " "Yes!

And Brian, I'd appreciate it if you helped with the development as well. " "Of course! Thank you so much!

And one more thing. " "Yes? " "I'd rather you call me 'Father'.

" "Wait, does that mean I'm entrusting Emily to you? " "I think now you are someone I can rely on. " "Thank you, Father.

Dad, thank you! " And so I returned to the project. Brian worked alongside me in the development.

Later, Emily and Brian got married. "Emily, you don't have to come visit me on your days off! Spend some time as a couple!

" "But I like coming here! Besides, Brian enjoys talking with you, and I love seeing you two getting along! I also find your research fascinating, Father.

I'd love to hear more. " They bought a house just five minutes from mine. They visit often, sharing meals with me as if making sure I never feel lonely.

And now, with Emily's due date approaching, I eagerly await the arrival of a new grandchild, looking forward to a lively and joyful future.