~ At Sophia's Hometown ~

Matthew was able to bond with Sophia's parents and some of their neighbors. He seemed like a superstar that visited a small town as the people in Sophia's neighborhood began admiring Matthew's handsome features.

They knew he was a City Boy with his get-up and appearance. They assumed that he was rich and wealthy just because of his car.

To their surprise, Matthew was very humble and approachable, unlike those arrogant wealthy men who were too pretentious.

They immediately liked Matthew's down-to-earth attitude as he didn't look down on them although they only had an average status in the society. He was not fussy about things. He was so simple and friendly.

Their neighbors were talking to Sophia's parents as they watched Matthew helping Sophia in sprinkling organic fertilizers on their crops.

"Solena, Philip, you are so lucky to have a son-in-law like Matthew. He is kind, handsome, and very caring. He is good for Sophia," One neighbor said, complimenting Matthew.

"Son-in-law??!" Philip reacted right away. "Sophia is too young to be married. He is just her boyfriend. We are not sure if they will end up together. What if Matthew finds a better woman than my daughter? I know he is sincere towards her. But  I am afraid that he will change in the future. And my Sophia will get hurt."

Solena shook her head helplessly before patting her husband's back.

"Were you not listening a while ago, Philip? Matthew asked our permission and blessings if we will approve him to become our daughter's husband. He even mentioned marrying our daughter after her graduation. I think he is serious about it," Solena said, defending Matthew.

"What?! Did he do that? Aigoo! It looks like he is so in love with Sophia!" Another neighbor said in awe.

"Of course! My daughter is beautiful, smart, and has a good heart! She is a complete package too even though we are not rich!" Solena proudly said, smiling broadly.

Philip could only smile. His wife was always optimistic, unlike him who thought about negative things more often. 

He could feel that Matthew was a good man. But he couldn't stop himself from worrying about Sophia. He's a father and as her father, he just wanted Sophia to be happy. He is protective of their only daughter.

It was already 5:00 pm when Sophia and Matthew finished working on the farm. Matthew enjoyed it so much. It was very tiring but it's all worth it. Now, he could understand how hard it was for Sophia's parents to work in the ricefield.

But this was the only source of their incomes. They raised Sophia well and sent her to a prestigious university using their sweat and blood. He admired Sophia's parents for that.

"Matt, do you want to take a shower first?" Sophia asked him as they entered the house.

Matthew's lips curled up into a playful smile and said, "Why Love? Are you going to bathe me?"

Sophia's cheeks reddened as she blushed upon hearing that. She hadn't seen Matthew's naked body. With his last remarks, she imagined how Matthew's body looked like without a shirt.

Sophia bit her lower lip. 'Gosh, why am I thinking about this indecent thought?'

Sophia hit his chest and said, "You are already an adult! You can take a bath on your own!"

Matthew chuckled when he saw her blushing face. He couldn't help but give her a peck on her cheeks and lips.

Sophia stood frozen in her spot as Matthew turned around, going to the bathroom. He just stole another kiss from her when she was not expecting it.

"Matthew is becoming more shameless each day," Sophia mumbled, tracing her lips while looking at Matthew's back.

Sophia helped her mother in the kitchen while her father cleaned and prepared Sophia's room. They only had two rooms in the house, one for Sophia's parents and one for Sophia.

Since Matthew was there, Sophia's parents suggested that Matthew could sleep in their room while the husband and wife would just sleep in the living room.

But Matthew didn't agree. He told them that he would prefer to sleep in the living room tonight.

"Sophia, dear, is it okay for Matthew to sleep on the sofa? I'm afraid that he can't sleep tonight. He is our visitor. I want him to be comfortable while he is in our home," Solena expressed her thoughts with Sophia.

Sophia also nodded her head. She was also worried that Matthew would be having a hard time sleeping in the living room. It was also cold there at night.

"Don't worry, Mother. I will ask him again and try to convince him to sleep in your room," Sophia said.

But Solena just gave her a small smile. She knew that Matthew would not let them sleep in the living room because he was thoughtful, considerate, and a gentleman.

So Solena disregarded Sophia's suggestion. "Sophia, don't bother to ask him. I know Matthew will not agree."

Sophia took a deep sigh and nodded her head. She knew Matthew. Her mother was right. Matthew would choose to suffer and sacrifice his sleep rather than letting her parents sleep in the living room.

"I know your father is against letting Matthew sleep in your room. But I guess, he will be more comfortable if he will sleep with you inside your room besides your bed is spacious and I trust him. Why don't you let him sleep in your room once your father falls asleep," Solena suggested while winking at her.

Solena's suggestion made Sophia blush. Her heart started pounding rapidly inside her chest just thinking about Matthew sharing a bed with her.

"So what do you think about it, Sophie?" Her mother asked her again when she didn't respond.

"I'll think about it, Mom!" Sophia said shyly, biting her lower lip.

Solena just let out a soft giggle while giving her a teasing look. She could tell that her daughter was still reserved and conservative, unlike those ladies who changed a lot after staying in the big cities.