Zoe called me in the midst of the serious conversation they were having.
I felt uneasy about leaving Caleb alone with my parents, but he seemed to have a strategy, so I retreated to my room to take the call.
When I emerged, the sternness on my parents' faces had vanished, replaced by such wide grins it seemed their mouths could stretch from ear to ear.
I was so confused.
Could Caleb have magical powers?
I just took a phone call, and he somehow won over my parents?
After dinner, I hastily pulled Caleb out the door and interrogated him, "What did you do to my parents?"
Caleb chuckled, "What could I possibly do to your parents? Just winning them over, naturally."
"Like what?"
"Demonstrating my commitment to you."
"How?"
No matter how much I flirted or feigned anger, Caleb kept the details to himself.
It was only later, by accident, that I came across a screenshot of a chat between siblings in Zoe's phone gallery.
Caleb: [I have my eye on your friend.]
Zoe: [You know what to do.]
Below that was a notice of a transfer of 100 thousand dollars and a confirmation of the collection.
Zoe: [Sarah's into a sexy physique. I'll find a chance for you two to meet alone. Just remember, no shirt.]
Caleb: [Will I be treated like a scoundrel?]
Zoe: [I'll just create the opportunity. You handle the rest.]
So it turned out that the siblings had dug the trap. I jumped right in and felt happy.
I created a group chat for the three of us. I sent the screenshot and then went silent.
Zoe: [...]
Caleb: [...]
You see, the siblings were really in sync.
I didn't block them or anything. They were free to explain on WhatsApp, but I chose not to respond.
Meanwhile, a colleague at the company was pursuing me with great fervor.
The day Caleb showed up at the office happened to coincide with the day this colleague sent me ninety-nine roses.
Abandoning his usual demeanor, Caleb strode over to me, wrapped his arm around my shoulder, and staked his claim in front of my colleague, "I am Sarah's boyfriend."
My colleague was left embarrassed.
When he first confessed his feelings to me, I told him I had a boyfriend.
He didn't take it seriously and thought I was testing him.
Today, with Caleb's appearance and his undeniable advantages in every aspect, the colleague's hopes were completely dashed.
...
Seated in the Mercedes, I confronted Caleb with a stern expression. "What brings you here?"
Caleb replied simply, "I was looking for you."