Chapter 9 - Wait and see

On the other side of the city, Tom and Rita Brown also saw the news.

Tom Brown and George Dayne were professors at Apex University and had been friends for over 20 years. Their families were close as well. 

George’s nephew, Maddox Dayne, got acquainted with the Browns while visiting his uncle and got to know Tom and Rita’s daughter Ellaria.

They became childhood sweethearts and were about to get married in 5 weeks. 

They had known Rosaline since she was a little kid. They had thought William and Rosaline would be a good match.

Both families had agreed to set them up during Max and Ria’s wedding. 

But seeing the news report, both Tom and Rita hesitated.

‘Although we have known her since she was a child, Lina studied abroad for the last five years, and five years before that, Lina was in a hostel. God knows what she has become these years.’ 

‘Maybe we should wait and see for the next few days before settling things.’

“Tom, what do you think about the news?” Rita asked, obviously worried. 

“I don’t know. It’s hard to think little Lina is all grown-up, much less news like this. But it can’t be all wrong since there are pictures.”

“She has always been a sweet, sensible child. I don’t think she would have grown up to be like this. Besides, she had always been smart. Smart people don’t get in newspapers within two days of coming back home after forever.”

“You do make a good point. Maybe Lina got caught up in someone else’s mess.”

“That’s probably the case.”

“I hope so. But still, let’s hold off on finalizing the engagement for a few more days.”

“You are right. Marrying in haste is never a good idea. Also, don’t bring it up in front of George. It won’t do us any good to suspect her like this.”

“You are right. Maddox loves her so much, even more than his sister. She will be Ria's family regardless of how she has turned out.”

Tom and Rita felt much better after discussing this matter and did not pursue this any further. 

On the other side, George and Elisa were on hot bricks the entire day. They kept thinking of what to tell the Browns if they asked about it.

It did not help that Rosaline took off after breakfast and did not even bother telling them where she was going.

While it was typical of her, given the circumstances, they could only feel more aggravated thinking of their only daughter.

‘Why can’t she be more thoughtful like her cousin Tina? Tina is such a respectful girl and never causes trouble.’

If only they knew what kind of person Tina was and saw through her tricks, they would not lose their daughter. But alas, some things can’t be changed, like some futures.