"Dan, you''re putting me in a tight spot here," Jason struggled to find the right words.


    Dan clutched Jason''s hand tighter, his eyes brimming with tears, "Jay, Will was my only son. It''s like a nightmare outliving your child. How long can you look after us? We only have this one wish, that you marry Alisa. Be the son I lost, give me some peace of mind." Empty promises of care couldn''tpare to the bond of family.


    Dan was guilt-tripping Jason using histe son.


    Barely able to stand from the alcohol, Jason shook his head to clear it, "Uncle, I can''t. I''ve got a girlfriend, but I promise, I''ll always be there for you."


    Their conversation didn''t escape Alisa, who was pretending to clean nearby.


    So, Jason was with Monica.


    Hearing this, Dan''s face fell, disappointment etched into his features as he let go of Jason''s hand, his heart heavy with grief.


    "Uncle, I''m so sorry," Jason, seeing Dan''s pain, quickly added, "I''ll take care of you like I always have."


    Dan poured another drink in silence, "Stay for a few more drinks with me."


    Jason couldn''t stomach another drop, but he couldn''t bear to hurt Dan further and reluctantly agreed.


    After downing half a bottle of whiskey, Jason was out cold on the table.


    Dan, more used to drinking, was still somewhat coherent.


    Malia, helping him, said, "Why drink so much? You need to rest. Alisa, can you take care of Jay for me?"


    "Sure thing," Alisa put aside her work and approached Jason, her demeanor softening as she looked at him, unconscious.


    With some effort, she managed to get Jason to bed, removing his shoes and jacket.


    Sitting by the bed, Alisa couldn''t take her eyes off Jason. It had been years since she had the chance to quietly observe him.


    Malia came in with a bowl of hangover soup, hinting to Alisa, "Drunk men are a handful at night. Alisa, your dad and I are heading to bed. You take care of Jay. I will sleep in our room tonight; don''t worry about her." Alisa was surprised, realizing Malia was acknowledging her and Jason''s situation.


    "Mom, you and dad get some rest," she said.


    Malia left the soup and closed the door behind her.


    It waste into the night.


    The house was quiet by ten, and when Malia left, she thoughtfully closed the door behind her.


    Alisa, unable to resist, gently touched Jason''s face, cherishing the moment she had longed for, to simply watch and touch him.


    Jason''s phone buzzed again with a message from Monica: "Jason, if you don''t reply, I''ll be upset. Are you taking me for granted now that we''re together? My mom wants to meet you this weekend." Things were getting serious.


    Seeing the message, Alisa felt a rush of urgency.


    Recalling Jason''s words to Dan, she knew she had to act if she wanted to marry him.


    Holding Jason''s hand against her cheek, she whispered, "Jason, I truly want to be your wife, and I''ll be a good one."


    With that, Alisa began to unbutton her shirt...


    Monica waited all night for a reply that never came, assuming Jason was caught up with work, she didn''t overthink it.


    In the early hours, half sober and parched, Jason felt stifled and woke up.


    Realizing something was off as he opened his eyes, he found an unexpectedpanion in his arms.


    Panicking, Jason stumbled out of bed, under the dim light, he recognized Alisa and almost fell off the bed. Awakened, Alisa looked at him confusedly, "What''s wrong? It''s still early; we can sleep a bit longer."


    "Ana... Anastasia..." Jason stuttered in shock, realizing both of them were undressed.


    Regret washed over him as he quickly got dressed, at a loss for words, "Anastasia, I was drunk, I''m so sorry. What did I do?"