Chapter 1
**The Wedding Invitation from My Ex and Best Friend** The afternoon sun poured through the windows, warm but blinding. Elinor Howard sat at her desk, her eyes wandering to a lush hanging plant that swayed gently in the breeze. The leaves rustled softly, glinting like emeralds under the sunlight. But rather than enjoying the calming atmosphere, Elinor couldn’t help but think about the man who had gifted her that very plant—a guy she had shared seven years with, from the halls of high school to four years at college, someone she had envisioned marrying after graduation. Just weeks ago, they’d been lovers, but now... now it was over. The office of Brightridge Strategy Hall felt oddly serene as her colleagues either lounged at their desks or napped, blissfully unaware of the emotional turmoil that had recently unfolded within these walls. Just a week prior, the grand theatre of that breakup had played out here, complete with cries of regret as he and her former best friend publicly begged for her forgiveness. But the calm now felt surreal, like a thick fog hiding the chaos beneath. “Elinor,” a gentle knock on her desk jostled her back to reality. It was Lydia Whitaker, peering at her with an intensity that cut through Elinor's haze. “Hey, snap out of it,” she said, passing a package with a conspiratorial whisper. “Here’s your delivery—I signed for it when I passed the mailroom.” Elinor accepted it with a tense smile, her heart racing with the hope it contained important documents for a client. “Thanks, I really needed this.” She pulled out her trusty utility knife and sliced through the packaging with careful precision, but instead of paperwork, her breath caught in her throat. It was a bright red wedding invitation, embossed with the double happiness symbol, unmistakable in its celebratory tone. Her hands shook as she opened the card, and there it was—Leon Mitchell and Clara Sullivan—their names glaring up at her like a neon sign announcing her worst nightmare. The storm of emotions crashed over her, the names of her ex-boyfriend and her former best friend poking at the raw wound in her heart. “Lydia, look at this,” she managed to choke out. Lydia’s eyes flared with outrage as she caught sight of the card’s garish color. “Can you believe this? This pair has some nerve!” Her voice rose, the contempt in her tone piercing through the quiet office, waking the dozing co-workers with a jolt. Elinor’s heart plummeted. It was too much too soon; the scars from her heartache felt freshly re-opened as the flood of sorrow rushed over her. A week hadn’t passed since she learned just how badly she had been betrayed—her long-time boyfriend sleeping with the one person she thought she could trust. “God, they couldn’t even wait a week,” Elinor whispered, struggling to keep her composure. In a swift, furious motion, Lydia ripped the invitation in half, tossing it into the trash with contempt. “Forget them, Elinor. This sequel to a bad soap opera is not worth your time.” “I… I’ll be fine…” She said it, but the tears slipped down her cheeks, betraying her. Panicking, she stumbled toward Whispering Nook, seeking solitude from the pitiful gazes of her co-workers. Leon had been her everything—from high school heartthrob to college love. They had been on the brink of forever when Clara had turned her world upside down, betraying their friendship and Elinor's trust. His apology echoed in her mind, nothing but empty words wrapped in a veneer of remorse: “Elinor, I’m so sorry. It was my fault. Clara’s pregnant, and I need to take responsibility.” That public display of contrition, the two of them kneeling before her, seemed like a cruel joke that was still playing out. Staring at her reflection while splashing cold water on her face, she hoped to drown out the tears. She could clear her emotions with a little coolness, but the pain in her chest was unrelenting. Seven years of love and trust, all dashed away for a pathetic excuse of a relationship that had betrayed her. The office had moved on, but she remained—as the unfortunate one left carrying the weight of the world, filled with judgment and sympathy. Could it really be so easy for him? For them? Just then, she lifted her head and met the curious gaze of a man who stood behind her, towering at over six feet. His intense eyes seemed to slice through her, making her heart skip. He had an air of authority that was somehow both intimidating and intriguing. “Uh, can I help you?” she stammered, her thoughts racing. He turned slightly, his curiosity melting into something more neutral as he began washing his hands at the next sink. Elinor took a moment to gauge him. He was an unexpected sight in the office—a staggering blend of rugged charm and striking features, like a model stepped right out of a magazine. “Is… is this the right bathroom?” she asked, trying to regain some footing amidst her embarrassment. “Miss, I think you’ve got it mixed up. This is the men’s restroom,” he replied, nonchalantly drying his hands with a paper towel, his tone not unkind but firm. She felt the color drain from her face as the realization hit her. She had been crying and splashing water everywhere, completely oblivious to her surroundings. The reflection staring back from the mirror added to her mortification—disheveled hair, smudged makeup, a vision that screamed chaos beside this perfectly composed stranger. Oh, God—this was beyond embarrassing, more akin to a sitcom scene than reality. The hurt still clung to her, but the acute embarrassment was enough to make her wish for the ground to swallow her whole. With trembling hands, she grabbed a few paper towels, covering her face in a futile effort to disappear. As she slipped out of the bathroom, all semblance of poise shattered, she couldn’t shake the feeling that perhaps this new encounter was more than just an unfortunate mix-up.
Chapter 2
**Awkward Introductions** *Three Months Later* On a sunny Saturday morning, Elinor Howard groaned, reluctantly tugging her blankets over her head as a loud knocking reverberated through her apartment. Her mother, Isabella Fairchild, was outside, urging her on. “Elinor, get up! Your aunt just called, and we can’t be late for the first meeting. Hurry up!” Rubbing her eyes against the harsh sunlight filtering through the window, Elinor mumbled an irritated, “Okay.” As she brushed her teeth, her phone buzzed. “Hey, just woke up. What’s up?” she murmured, toothpaste bubbling. “Elinor, guess what? You have another blind date today!” Lydia Whitaker’s bubbly voice came through. “Great, but get to the point. I’m busy here,” Elinor replied, trying to spit out the mouthwash. “Okay, okay! Just wanted to mention that if this one doesn’t work out, I've got someone else in mind—a buddy of my husband’s, a real military man. He’s tall, dark, and handsome, the full package! You’d love him.” Elinor spat out the mouthwash, eyeing herself in the mirror with skepticism. “A military guy, huh? Sounds a bit cliché. Seriously, if he’s so perfect, why’s he on a blind date? I doubt he’d be looking for me.” “He’s been back in town for three months, and his family is pushing him to settle down. I heard all this while my husband was on the phone, and I immediately thought of you. It’s a match made in heaven!” Lydia chuckled. Elinor sighed, rolling her eyes. “Great, I’ve got a backup plan for my blind dates now. Just what I needed.” A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts—her mother was at it again. “Lydia, I gotta go. Mom’s calling me.” “Good luck… sort of,” Lydia said, giggling before hanging up. Elinor felt a familiar sense of apathy creeping in. “Tall, dark, and handsome” had become a joke by now. She suppressed any hope for her upcoming date, reminding herself that the higher her expectations, the harder the fall. Just as she grabbed her purse, Isabella rushed in with a small red pouch, intricately stitched with gold threads. “Elinor, you almost forgot this! I told you to bring it. This was blessed by a fortune teller for good luck in love. We can’t have you going into a meeting unprepared!” “Mom, that’s ridiculous. You don’t really believe in this stuff, do you?” “I know it’s superstitious, but you just haven’t found someone you like yet, and I’m getting anxious! What else can I do?” “Mom, I’m only twenty-three, and I have plenty of time. No need to stress me out." She reluctantly placed the pouch in her bag. “Now can we just leave before we’re late?” “Absolutely! Let’s go!” When they arrived at the restaurant, Elinor settled into her chair, eyeing her date across the table. The man was...well, he was sporting a bald head topped by fringes of hair that hung over his ears trying to disguise an obvious receding hairline. She had to bite her lip to keep from staring in disbelief. “This is my sister-in-law, and her daughter, Elinor,” her aunt introduced her with an enthusiasm that felt a bit too forced. “She’s twenty-three, just graduated from college, and works at Everhart Consortium.” The table was immersed in tension as her aunt leaned forward, practically glowing with pride. “And this handsome fellow is Gordon. He’s the Deputy Director at Eldoria Transport Ministry.” Isabella smiled politely, “If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you, Gordon?” “Thirty-nine,” he replied. “That is quite an age difference,” Isabella hesitated, trying to play it cool. “Oh, come on! Men get better with age, right? Gordon has just been focused on his career. He was probably too busy to settle down sooner, but now he’s looking for the right woman, aren't you, Gordon?” her aunt beamed. Elinor thought, Great, just what I needed—an almost forty-year-old whose hairline is running for the hills. She couldn’t suppress a scoff. Gordon remained unusually quiet, letting his mother do all the talking. “You see, Elinor, my son has always been very responsible. He earned everything he has on his own—his car, his house, everything! Now he just needs a wife. But most girls nowadays just… don’t understand how important this is. Tell me, would you be willing to stay home and support my son if you two tied the knot?” Elinor blinked, flabbergasted. *Did she seriously just ask that?* She clenched her jaw, feeling anger bubbling inside her. “Um, I just graduated, so I’d like to build my career first. I’m not interested in being a housewife right now, thank you.” Gordon’s mom's smile faltered, and the atmosphere turned stiff as they sat in silence. Twenty minutes in and they’d already hit a conversational wall. Eventually, they excused themselves awkwardly, Gordon hardly speaking through the entire ordeal. “Elinor, you can’t be this picky! He has a good job and a stable life. Why wouldn’t you want to marry someone like that? You’re young, but you won’t stay young forever! When you hit twenty-five, the tables will turn, and suddenly you’ll be the one being interviewed for your qualifications.” Elinor’s hands tightened into fists. “Aunt, did you even see how Gordon acted? He has zero opinions and follows everything his mother says, and just because he has a career doesn’t mean he’s the right fit for me.” Her aunt’s voice rose, frustration spilling over. “You’re seriously being unrealistic! Gordon is a good catch, and he’ll take good care of you! Why do you keep turning your nose up at opportunities like this?” Elinor shot back, “You really think I should settle just because he’s got a title? No thanks. I’m not sure if you noticed, but he barely said a word, and I refuse to marry someone just because he has a nice car!” “A little gratitude wouldn’t hurt! I’m doing my best to help you!” “Thanks, but I think I’ll manage on my own.” “Just don’t tell me you’ve got a crush on Brighton or something, you hear? Your mom had her eye on my brother, remember? Don’t go expecting to snag a guy like Victor Beckham.” Elinor rolled her eyes, her patience wearing thin. “I’m not chasing after anyone. Stop worrying." With that, the conversation dissolved, leaving behind an uncomfortable silence filled with unspoken words and unresolved feelings from both parties.
Chapter 3
**A Fork in the Path** Elinor Howard's lips trembled with anger as her aunt's words escalated into venomous barbs. Unable to contain herself any longer, she stood up and retorted, “You can rest easy. Even if I never marry, I won’t ever entertain any thoughts about my brother. Victor Brighton is just that—my brother, and always will be. Mom, I’m going to hit the shops. You two go on home.” Isabella Fairchild’s expression darkened. Torn between her husband’s sister and her own daughter, she sympathized with Elinor in her heart, but the words escaped her lips. Wandering the streets like a ghost, Elinor moved aimlessly as people rushed past her, oblivious to her turmoil. Ahead, a young couple in matching school uniforms strolled hand in hand, and for a brief moment, she saw echoes of herself from seven years ago. Back then, she and Leon Mitchell had walked together on lazy Saturday afternoons, sharing ice cream and laughing without a care for anyone else's judgment. How quickly time slipped away. Leon was no longer the boy she once knew. Her aunt had a point: what good was a handsome face? Even if he didn’t have wandering eyes, what could one man do against the insatiable temptations of the world? Who could truly vow to stay loyal forever? “Elinor Howard, don’t even think about going after the Brightons. Your mom has married my brother, so don’t get any delusions about snagging Victor Brighton.” Her aunt’s words echoed painfully in her ears. It was sobering to realize how malicious whispers had spread among family members. When she was just thirteen, her father had died in a car accident, and the heartache at that young age was unfathomable. Yet, just six months later, her mother remarried. At first, she resented her mother for it. But now, as an adult woman, she felt empathy for her struggles. The new family dynamic wasn’t terrible; her stepfather was a solid, upwardly mobile civil servant who’d just retired, bringing stability to their lives over the past decade. Elinor had even gained a brother in the process—Victor Brighton. Leon Mitchell and Clara Sullivan’s betrayals had left her feeling desolate. Add to that the complicated presence of Victor Brighton, and it pushed her into a cycle of blind dates at the ripe old age of twenty-three. All she wanted was to find someone “suitable” and settle down. But how hard could that be? She knew her stepfather’s family pressured her mother heavily, and her aunt’s message couldn’t have been clearer. The Brighton family would never truly accept her, no matter how long she lived under their roof. Elinor couldn't change her fate; all she could do was navigate the reality of her life. With every blind date, she held out hope that her “another village” would soon appear. “Hello, Lydia Whitaker… Yeah, you’re right, another one bites the dust.” Lydia Whitaker laughed, but it wasn’t out of malice; her enthusiasm for playing matchmaker was genuine. “Perfect! Lunching with a handsome guy—Falmer Highhall, eleven sharp. Don’t keep us waiting.” “Geez, can I catch my breath first?” Elinor sighed. “Strike while the iron's hot! My husband just set it up; we’re already on the way. Hurry!” “Ugh. Wait, wait.” Elinor blinked at her phone, stunned. How eager was Lydia to set her up? This guy better be decent. --- Walking into Falmer Highhall, Elinor spotted Lydia waving her over. “Elinor, over here!” Following Lydia’s call, she set her gaze on the young man sitting diagonally across from her friend. He exuded an undeniable air of authority, bred from a military background. His features were striking, and his broad shoulders filled out a classic white shirt and black suit combo just right. But it was his neat, jet-black hair, slicked back with effortless coolness, that truly set him apart. In her mind, Elinor thought, *He looks promising, but guys like that don’t come without some baggage, right?* The remnants of her previous blind date still clung to her, and she wasn’t about to pin any hopes on this encounter. Lydia stood up, cheerfully introducing them. “This is my good friend and colleague, Elinor Howard. Elinor, meet Ellis Ellison, the big boss around here.” “Cough, cough,” Ellis broke in, clearing his throat while standing. “Hi, Miss Howard. Nice to meet you.” Classic opening line, and he was clearly no stranger to awkward introductions. Still, standing tall, she had to tilt her head slightly, especially in her heels. “Good to meet you,” Elinor replied, her throat tightening. In the back of her mind, she thought, *Gordon, Ellis… it’s like I’m cycling through names. But here’s to hoping this one’s a keeper.* Maintaining the politeness, Ellis frowned slightly, glancing at Lydia. “Bennett? You didn’t mention you were bringing a friend.” Clearly displeased, he was only masking his annoyance with good manners. After three months back home, he was sick of being dragged along to these dates by his parents. Today, he’d just wanted a break with an old friend, but here he was, stuck on another blind date. Still, his upbringing prevailed, and he redirected the focus. “I never show up empty-handed—next time, just give me a heads-up.” Elinor sensed his shrewdness—and it made her uneasy. He was charming but seems to be taking this all lightly. “Don’t just stand there! Take a seat!” Lydia urged, drawing attention back to them. “What do you want to drink, Elinor?” “Coffee, like you guys,” she replied, the familiar bitterness creeping in again. Lydia flagged down a waiter. “Same for her, plus a menu, please.” Once seated across from Ellis, she shot him a quick glance. He was certainly attractive, his polished demeanor hinting at a life of privilege. Yet while he nattered on about his experiences abroad and military anecdotes, it felt like he was talking to the walls. Every attempt Lydia made to shift the conversation to Elinor was deftly sidestepped. It was clear: Ellis had zero interest in her. “Ugh.” Suddenly, Bennett whimpered, clearly having received a keen kick from Lydia under the table. The room thickened with tension. At long last, Ellis shot a question Elinor’s way—but it was about Lydia instead. “Miss Howard here also works in proposals?” “Yep, Elinor started at our firm after me. She’s got an incredible ability to adapt and learn. The bosses love her. She’s also gorgeous, and all the single guys in our office are chasing her.” Lydia discreetly nudged Bennett, who met her gaze with confusion, before hurriedly nodding along. “Right?” Lydia pressed. Elinor felt heat in her cheeks. *Why did Bennett even need to know our office drama?*
Chapter 4
“I’ve got to bounce,” Elinor declared, her fingers tapping anxiously on the table as she tried to mask her irritation with a forced smile. Ellis Ellison remained unfazed, smoothly switching the topic back around. “Bennett, sounds like your married life is quite the adventure.” Bennett blushed under Lydia’s eager gaze, his eyes darting to Elinor as he fumbled, “What’s the deal with Elinor? Where’s my coffee?” Lydia shot him a look before stepping in, “Ellis, what do you usually do for fun?” “Shooting, horse racing, camping, boxing, and the occasional trip to the sea,” he answered flatly, his tone dismissive. “...” Lydia was determined to keep the conversation alive. “Oh, do you like movies? There’s a cinema nearby. After dinner, we could all catch a show together. Elinor loves movies when she’s not working—super classy choice.” Ellis arched an eyebrow, almost amused. “Sorry, I never waste my time on meaningless things.” The air chilled instantly, sharp enough to cut. Elinor felt like a live wire, on edge but trying to play it cool. She had faced dozens of blind dates but this smug, arrogant guy was something else entirely. She thought she’d built up a wall of indifference in the speed-dating chaos, ready to take on any loser, but he was pushing all the wrong buttons. She was fiery by nature, and this well-dressed man across from her, with his smug tone and condescending gaze, made her blood boil. Having just dealt with an infuriating aunt, she had bit her tongue for her mother’s sake. But this insufferable man? That was too much. Just then, the waitress arrived, bringing coffee along with menus. Elinor waved a hand dismissively. “Keep that for them,” she said, pulling out two crisp hundred-dollar bills and slapping them down on the table. “My treat for the coffee. As for dinner, I’ll skip out—I’m short on cash and time. Enjoy your meal.” “Elinor, don’t go!” Lydia said, mortified, and grabbed her arm. “Sorry, Lydia. I’ve got to bounce.” “Bounce?” Elinor smirked, shooting a pointed glare at Ellis, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Yeah, this date is beyond pointless. If we’re wasting time, I’ve got to rush to my next one. See you at the office tomorrow, Lydia!” With that, she strutted away, her heels clicking sharply against the tiled floor, leaving the three of them in stunned silence. Ellis’s eyes flared with curiosity as he watched her leave. Behind her icy facade lay a woman who, despite having just cried in the bathroom like a hot mess, possessed a sharp wit he hadn’t expected. --- The bustling street corner was alive with activity. Elinor's day took a sudden turn when her high heel caught on the pavement, prompting her to glance towards the hospital entrance. There stood Leon, looking worse for wear—his usually immaculate appearance betrayed by a scruffy beard and a yellowed collar on his white shirt. Seeing him struggle brought a flicker of joy to her heart, a small satisfaction in his apparent misfortune. Perhaps it was the blaze of midday sun or the brisk evening breeze, but Elinor surprised herself by how calm she felt confronting him. There were no lingering regrets, no internal battles. “Elinor! Long time no see… um, hey,” Leon stumbled over his words, clearly caught off guard by their encounter, hope and hesitation flickering in his eyes. “Elinor… how have you been?” He carefully stepped on scattered cigarette butts on the ground, attempting to mask his shock at running into her. Elinor couldn’t help but smile wryly. In a matter of weeks, he had swiped her ex-fiancé and was now busy with their wedding plans. Her life revolved around sleepless nights and forced socializing with strangers while dodging set-ups. Maybe “good” was a stretch. “Oh, I’m great! Work’s keeping me busy, and I’ve made a bunch of new friends. Just meeting someone nearby; actually on my way now,” she said, her back straightening, projecting confidence she did not feel. Leon’s lips pressed together, searching for the right response. Yet, some things were better left unsaid. “That’s good to hear… I uh, have things to do too, so you should get going. Don’t want to keep anyone waiting.” “Right.” Elinor's smile brightened despite her insincerity, masking everything she felt deep down. Leon raked a hand through his hair, his frown deepening as he turned away, heading into the hospital. His back was almost pitiful in its solitude. In that moment, Elinor realized she'd underestimated her own healing; pain surged through her as he walked away. The rush of memories spilled forth, overwhelming her at the sight of him. Seven years—it had woven into her very being the hopes, dreams, and relentless ache of what once was. She’d learned to not shed any tears over it, and surely she wouldn’t mourn what was lost anymore. --- Brightridge Strategy Hall The next morning, Lydia bounced into the office, spotting Elinor already at her desk. “Hey Elinor! You’re gonna love this news!” “Did you step in gum or was your swipe badge late?” Elinor teased, not lifting her gaze. “Come on! I know I messed up by asking you out with Ellis without a heads up. But get this... he totally wants your number.” Lydia couldn’t suppress her grin. Elinor rolled her eyes, barely stifling her irritation. “Seriously, Lydia? Yesterday was a disaster. You really think I’m interested?” “No, seriously! He wants it! He asked for it!” “Yeah, okay right,” Elinor said, dismissing it. “Hard pass. I’m not about to grovel for his attention.” “Aren’t you curious? He’s got connections—my husband says he’s a big deal in the military. Sure, he’s cocky, but he’s got the resume to back it up. He’s got power, way better than Leon.” The mention of Leon stung like a sharp jab. Elinor had never compared her blind dates to him, but her mind betrayed her. Their years together set an unyielding standard. She’d thought she hid her feelings well enough; turns out, it was all denial. It was undeniable, however—the fact that this Ellis bloke was leagues ahead of Leon in all those “practical” ways. But love wasn’t something you could put on a ledger; comparing was a losing game. Lydia bit her lip, realizing her blunder. “Uh-oh, maybe I shouldn’t have brought up his name…” Elinor forced a smile, weary but resolute. “Fine, if he calls, I’ll chat with him for a bit—but don’t think this means I’m interested in a high-and-mighty soldier. Not my style.”
Chapter 5
Leon Mitchell. Half a month later, on a Saturday, Elinor Howard was taken aback by an unexpected phone call. “Hello. Who’s this?” she answered, her curiosity piqued. “Hi, Miss Elinor, it’s Leon Mitchell. We met at the restaurant a while back.” His voice was deep and magnetic, calm and collected. “When was that?” Admittedly, she couldn’t quite remember which blind date he was referring to out of the countless she had gone on. “About two weeks ago.” Suddenly, a vivid image of a bald man popped into her mind. “Oh right, the Mediterranean,” she blurted out before she could catch herself. “What Mediterranean?” Leon’s voice was laced with confusion. “Nothing, nothing! Just a slip of the tongue. You… you’re the deputy director of something, right?” She felt a bit embarrassed calling him the Mediterranean when he was just bald. On the other end, Leon was left speechless. Not only had the highly regarded Miss Elinor completely forgotten who he was, but she had also mistaken him for someone else entirely. Talk about insult to injury. A bitter edge crept into his tone as he responded, “Miss Elinor, if you’re trying to get my attention, I’m all ears. By the way, did you bump into Kingsley on your way to your next blind date that day?” Now it was Elinor’s turn to be stunned. In hindsight, the man she had met—an older, immature kind of guy—didn’t speak like this at all. Oh wow, he was Leon, not Gordon! What a blunder! “Wait… you are Leon, right?” Embarrassment washed over her as she finally connected the dots. Leon’s mood darkened. After two meetings, and this woman still had no clue who he was? It felt humiliating. He replied curtly, “Yeah.” “Ha ha, are you looking for something?” The intention behind his call was obvious; he liked her and wanted to hang out. Her question was rhetorical, really. “I was wondering if you’re free tonight for dinner?” “Dinner? I can’t.” First off, this high-profile military guy was not her type at all; second, she genuinely didn’t have time that evening. An irritation flared up inside Leon, but he inhaled deeply, trying to keep his cool. It was the first time he’d reached out to someone from a blind date, and the first time he’d been flat-out rejected. He knew he probably didn’t even crack Miss Elinor’s list of suitors. After hanging up, Elinor tossed her phone onto the couch without a second thought. “Mom, you need to use the restroom? I’ll clean it now.” —— After enduring a dreary half-month in Eldoria, a sunlit Saturday finally broke through. Griffon Borough was the jewel of Eldoria, a place where property values soared beyond reach for those without serious cash. Power players, especially politicians, flocked here, putting immense value on swanky interiors. The Ellison family’s villa lay in the heart of Griffon Borough, serene amid the chaos, providing a peaceful haven amidst the bustling energy. Zachary Ellison, a retired bureaucrat, and his wife Fiona Fletcher sat on the sofa, flipping through a well-curated photo album brimming with eligible young women from well-to-do families in Eldoria. They were on a mission to find a match for their son. Hearing a car pull into the driveway, Fiona quickly stowed the album away. “Our son is back! Honey, hide that before he sees it; he’ll throw a fit!” Zachary grumbled, “What’s the problem? If he cared about dating, should we worry at our age?” Despite his words, the stubborn man placed the album out of sight. Before long, the door burst open, and Leon strode in, clad in military gear, standing tall and proud. “Hey, Mom. Dad, I’m back.” After a month-long mission in a remote, rugged area, he had returned a bit ahead of schedule. He was worn out; after a quick greeting, he headed toward the stairs. “Son, perfect timing! We’re meeting the Kingsley family tonight,” Fiona called after him. Leon frowned slightly, neither agreeing nor refusing. “Your new custom suit is in your wardrobe; make sure to change before you head out.” He paused for a moment before stating, “I’m really tired. I just want to shower and crash. I don’t want to go.” “Oh come on, you’re not a kid anymore. I’ve heard the Kingsley’s daughter, Sophia, is stunning, and she’s a grad student at Peking University, just four years younger than you. You should at least meet her.” “I’m not going.” Leon’s expression darkened. This was just the latest in a series of blind dates his mother insisted on every time he returned to Eldoria. Not long ago, he had been rudely rejected by Elinor—her name felt like a passing thought at this point. “You have to go, son, whether you like it or not.” The authoritative voice of Zachary filled the room. Were it not for the bullet scars sidelining him from duty, he would’ve never retired early. After spending a lifetime in the military, commanding in the field, he projected an unyielding presence at home. “Not going means not going! I’ve gone on your blind dates before! I just got back, I’m still in my clothes, and I’m exhausted.” Zachary stepped forward, his tone stern. “To settle down, you need to date. This is good for your career. You’ve seen the men in your troop—not one of them is still single. You’re thirty-two! By my thirty-two, you were already out in the field with a rifle in hand.” “Times have changed! Marrying at forty is totally fine; men gain value with age.” Fiona, pressing a finger to the corner of her eye, urged Leon not to clash with his father. “Both of you have good points… Son, your dad’s right. A good wife could benefit your career, and your family status could play a huge role in promotions. Sophia Mitchell is the only daughter of the Kingsley family—her brother Caleb holds a notable position in the military, too. Kingsley was the director at the Bards' Guild; he’s from an esteemed literary family. After sifting through all possible matches, I think Sophia is the best fit for you. Just meet her; I’m sure you’ll hit it off.” Leon shot back, “Mom, you say that about every girl! If everyone was compatible, might as well marry them all!” Zachary interjected, “How dare you speak to your mother like that? Just because you’ve got some medals doesn’t give you the right to be disrespectful. You’re going tonight, and that’s final!”
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