nd gleaming silverware, setting the stage for a celebratory family dinner. Emma smoo

?" Her father Donald Montgomery winked at her bef

his phone, nodding distract

ut that damn phone away and join us properly. This di

ht smile. "You're right, Father. My apologies...I'm

ponsibilities must be overwhelming, dear. But tonight is about family, not flowers and guest list

James gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head - right, t

en bites of steak. "The entire city will have their eyes on this high-profile un

f course, Senator. James and I are fully committed

l. The Montgomery name represents generations of prestige.

y your partnership bring prosperity through new business ventures.

nce at James' inscrutable expression and wondered if anyo

phone buzzed harshly in his pocket. His fac

ing away right now!" The Senator bark

ess matter. I must take it." James rose abruptly.

rked into the phone. The others exchange

ce. "Well! That was...unexpected. Kids today are constantly jugglin

n. Was this a preview of her future married life - constantly

igated this new world. Yet he had disappeared without a

ret, darling. Once the newlywed bliss kicks in,

ted moments. She remembered her girlhood fantasies of finding transcendent love, undivided a

gruff voice sliced through her reverie. "I'll have a c

itical future. James understands certain...sacrifices are required when responsibilities of t

enator, she and James were mere commodities to be exploited for wealth and powe

n youthful hope and potential was extinguished. A hol

erse apology, she carefully refolded her napki

extend far beyond traditional spouses. From now on, we must compartmen

icker of uncertainty crossing his f

rimson liquid swirling. "To compartmentalization and sacrifice for

in the air. James' jaw ticked almost imperceptibly befor

lusionment settled over her like a pall. This marri

on was already tarnished, a forged shackle of obligation binding her to a l

to do so with resolution. She would play her role with detached refinement

d at the altar of family legacies. Only steel and marble would remain, an impenetrable facade t

begin," Emma s