a distraught Serena towards the bar. They got two drinks and a table. "Is that how he is?" Serena asked, catching Sofia

n't joke about his family and those he loved. Sofia tried to erase the bad impression that he had made with Serena by telling her his good traits. But she still mentioned one of his greatest flaws, how he fi

ed each other's company just like peers. "It's time to go," Mr. Moretti said, breaking the girl's giggles. "You are having fun, but you can continue

iliated her. He tried to talk to her and make amends, but she gave him a firm goodbye and walked away before he could say anything. Dumbfound

dered the whole marriage thing like she had a choice in it. But after this face-to-face meeting, she wasn't sure if his appearance could make up

to you, too," Ashley responded. "He is so rude and full of himself; he thinks the whole world revolves around him." She nagged, disregar

u, and I feel your pain," her mom said, reaching for her daughter's hand for comfort. "And if I could do anything to stop this, I would, but I can't." she continued, trying to hold back the already-formed tears, "but we just have to do

e inside. She lifted a beautiful floor-length satin gown in a deep wine red that would cling to her little curves. With her jaw dropped, she sent a picture to Ashley, who immediately called her, "Can I see?

Serena asked, feeling hopeless as she dropped to the floor. "But you just said you don't mind marrying him," Ashley responded, confused, trying not to make Serena overthink. "But still, I don't like him. I just find him attractive," Serena said as she took the dress off. "I don't know what to do, Ash."Serena, darling, they're here!" Mrs. Moretti called out, her voice chiming through the elegant corridors of their home. She gestured for her daughter to come down and greet their guests. As Serena

inuing to gaze around the room, seemingly ignoring Serena's presence. "Oh, thank you, dear! If you like it, I can sha

matedly. No matter how she tried to chime in, the words stuck in her throat. The vibrant exchanges around her only deepened her sense of isolation an

chatter ceasing as heads turned to her, including Adrian's, whose drink had just paused at his lips. "Of course, sweetheart. Are you alright?" her m

er phone from her pocket, she texted Ashley, "Yeah, I hate him," punctuated by a laughing emoji that felt hollow. Almost immediately, Ashley called,

ed, returning her gaze to the serene scenery of the garden, desperate for a moment of solitude. "Can I sit?" he asked, gesturing to the empty spot beside her. "Be my guest," she replied, a mixture of tension a

ts' plan for us to get married," he said, breaking the tension with an unsettling casualness. "Yes," she replied, managing a nervous laugh. "Well, regardl