London's POVEveryone in the house was bustling around, cleaning cooking, and decorating, in preparation for Sophia's boyfriend's visit that evening. Her mother had been especially excited, fussing over every detail, making sure everything was perfect. I could tell she was eager for Sophia to be married and move out of the house, to start her own life. Oliver walked into the dining room, taking in the scene before him. "What's the special occasion? Everyone looks so serious," he said, his voice light and teasing.Sophia turned to face him, a frown creasing her brow. "Where have you been? I've been trying to reach you all day," she said, a note of concern in her voice. Oliver shrugged, a sheepish look on his face."Sorry little sis. I've been busy making plans for our future," Oliver said, giving George a sly, knowing look. It was clear that whatever it was that kept him so busy had something to do with George, and it was something that could hurt George if he knew. As usual, George

CHARLOTTE'S POVI tried to sneak into the house, hoping to avoid any interactions with my dad. But as I opened the door, I saw him sitting in his favorite chair in the living room, reading the newspaper. He looked up as I entered, and I could see the question in his eyes."How did it go?" he asked, his tone stern and unwavering. I could tell he was waiting for an answer."I'm still working on it," I said, trying to sound confident. But I could hear the uncertainty in my voice, and I knew he could too."I thought you said you were going to get it done today," he said, his voice laced with disappointment. "Dad, please," I pleaded, trying to keep my voice calm. "I'm doing everything I can. It's just not that simple."But he wasn't listening. "Your best isn't good enough," he said, his voice rising. "And you're taking too long. I thought you could get this done quickly, but it's been six years and you're still not done."I could feel my frustration mounting, but I didn't want to lose my

SOPHIA'S POV, I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the sleeves of the black gown. It was a gorgeous dress. It was much longer than I was used to, and the thought of wearing it made me feel a bit nervous. But I also knew that I had to look my best for Ken. I wanted to make a lasting impression on him, to make him see me as the kind of woman he would never forget. I wanted him to be completely and utterly smitten with me."Excuse me, miss?" a waitress said, her voice hesitant. I turned, annoyed, my brows furrowed in irritation. She was a nuisance, interrupting my thoughts. I didn't want to be bothered by her."What is it?" I asked, trying to hide the irritation in my voice."Mr. Ken asked me to escort you to your table," she said, giving a little bow. "If you'll follow me, please.""Oh!" I exclaimed, my heart leaping at the sound of his name. "Take me to him, then!" I said, unable to hide my eagerness.She led me to the private corner of the hotel, it was a spacious room decorated

OLIVER'S POV "Cassandra, what are you doing here?" I asked, my words coming out in a jumble. "Why didn't you call me first? Why are you here?" Cassandra's expression was unreadable, but her eyes were bright with emotion. "Is that how best you could welcome your girlfriend you've not seen in months?" Casandra said, her voice sharp."You've been ignoring my calls and messages for months. You didn't even bother to respond when I told you I was coming to see you. How do you think that makes me feel?" I knew she was right. Since I had come back from the state, I had been avoiding her calls. My mother had insisted that I shouldn't contact her again and that it was for the best. But now, as I stood in front of her, I realized that I had been wrong. I should have reached out to her and should have made an effort to keep our relationship alive. even when my mother's plan was still on. Cassandra and I have been together since my first year in college. "You suddenly lost your ability to talk

LONDON'S POV"Thank you..." George said immediately I closed the door to our room that evening, "for defending me," he added looking into my eyes, As I stared back at him I saw it sparkling with sincerity, and for the first time ever, genuineness was written on his face and I knew they weren't feigned."Hey!" his gentle call pulled me back from my thoughts, I was taken aback by the change in his demeanor and didn't realize I had stared at him longer than I had intended,"Oh! It's nothing." I responded, pulling my eyes away from his, I wasn't used to this side of him so I felt a little uncomfortable,"Why... did... you do that?" He asked, from the hesitation in his voice I knew he was trying to pick his words with care, he was not the type to be unsure of his words whenever he spoke, neither was he the type to put into consideration, the feelings of others or how they might be affected by his words, it was so unusual and unlike him, and I was beginning to get uncomfortable in that situ