Morning sunlight streamed through the hotel room curtains.

Jenna Roland skipped her planned trip to Beverly Hills. Instead, she found a quiet breakfast spot near the hotel. The steaming soy milk and freshly fried dough sticks offered temporary solace.

After breakfast, she inexplicably drove to an orchard on the outskirts of town.

Peach trees bore unripe fruit. Jenna rolled up her sleeves and joined the farmers in pruning branches. Sweat trickled down her face, yet she felt strangely at peace.

"Jenna."

That familiar voice made her turn. Ethan Roscente was approaching with a group along the mountain path.

As they drew closer, Jenna's breath caught. Behind Ethan stood his parents—and grandparents.

Her pruning shears clattered to the ground.

Grandma Blanche stepped forward first. "Child, Ethan told us everything. It was my decision to conceal his identity that led to your divorce."

The elderly woman grasped Jenna's hands with wrinkled fingers. "In all my years, character matters most. Your grandmother always praised your kindness—that's why I arranged this."

Grandpa Harrison tapped his cane forward. "The Roscentes never choose brides for their lineage. Your grandmother said you were thoughtful and filial—that sealed our approval."

Jenna's fingertips trembled.

Benjamin Roscente sighed. "We were wrong to hide the truth. But please believe our family genuinely welcomes you."

Grace Roscente gently took Jenna's hand. "Ethan's always been reserved—never showed interest in any girl. Until you."

Sunlight glistened on Jenna's damp lashes. "But I—"

"Silly child." Grandma Blanche pulled her into an embrace. "Do you know what Ethan said after first bringing you to meet us?"

Jenna looked up, bewildered.

"'She's the one.'" The old woman wiped tears from Jenna's cheeks. "This boy's been stubborn since childhood—once his mind's set, nothing changes it."

Ethan stood a short distance away, his gaze burning into her.

A mountain breeze swept through the orchard, rustling leaves into emerald waves. As Jenna studied the sincere faces before her, something icy in her chest began to thaw.