her mother sat around the elegantly set dinner table. Tonight marked a significant occasion, and

ged her slender figure, the intricate lace details adding an air of sophistication. The capped sleeves and a sof

en perfected-perhaps too perfect fo

purpose. Her phone, confiscated by her mother to ensure full attention, left her with nothing

they a

nd a woman took their seats across from Avery and her mom. Avery kept her

," Mrs. Downs chirped,

ething within her, though she immediately masked it with disdain. The

hazel eyes-similar to her own-exuded confidence. Dressed in a tailored nav

l found his cha

ologised with a charming smile t

dogs wouldn't let me leave, so I had to m

e to roll her eyes. "What kind

ponded awkwardly, trying to keep the conversa

with a warm smile. "You must be Avery.

offering not

ry, this is Mrs. Emma Park and her

ed flatly, her ton

llowed, broken only by Mrs.

ght, you know...those womanly issues,

tic smile. "Oh, I've been th

ward, his tone soft and ir

ng your best. We can always

dness felt rehearsed, fake. It felt l

," she rep

e only sound filling the room. Avery sipped on her pineapple juice, fin

hroat, commanding the a

t down to busin

ning to Mrs. Downs with a sly smile. "I think they

Mrs. Downs e

nge a few dates, let them get to kno

d respond, Avery cut i

ding across the room. "A bad idea?" she

no need to waste time getting to know each

an eyebrow,

...meaning

get married. Skip the dates. We

e air, and David leaned back in his chai

interjected, expec

nd said, "No, actually. I was going

balance. His unexpected response left

she echoed, her

ncing with mischief. "Why wait? Let

down, crossed her arm

idened. "No, n

short to plan a wedding

rs. Park said, signaling Mrs. Downs to

w furrowed.

, locking ey

u can handle it. Let's g

chless, her mind racing as she tried to gauge