Hamilton and his wife sat with Tina's grandparents, Eva and Harry, and they all looked clearly uncomfortable. Donning a sleek, elegant purple dress with her makeup flawlessly applied, Tina was the only one who seemed at ease as she smiled warmly at Phillip.
"Hey, Phillip," Tina greeted him, her tone casual yet distant.
The difference was subtle but significant.
Aside from Tina's nonchalance, the atmosphere was thick with tension.
As Phillip took his seat, Hamilton began, his voice grave, "Maddox, Jennifer, we've come to Stonebridge today to offer our sincerest apologies. Tina's mother passed away early, and I've been too busy with work to discipline her properly. And her grandparents have spoiled her rotten. It's our fault she's turned out so headstrong and irresponsible."
"We haven't done right by our daughter, and for that, I am ashamed," added Hamilton.
Jennifer had been fretting over it for days. The entire town of Stonebridge was buzzing with the news of the eldest Richardson boy set to marry the Watson family's darling from Capital City. The wedding preparations were well underway, the custom gown ready for fitting, when Tina called off the engagement.
The marriages of both her sons had been fraught with difficulties. Though visibly distressed, Jennifer said, "Tina is a good kid. She just isn't meant to be with Phillip."
Phillip glanced at Tina, absentmindedly playing with a fish-shaped porcelain napkin ring, seemingly detached from the conversation.
Eva sighed, having been quite fond of the mature and ambitious young man her granddaughter was supposed to marry.
"Phillip, we are deeply sorry for our part in this. Whatever you ask as compensation, we'll do our best to accommodate," she offered earnestly.
Caught off guard and without any forewarning, Phillip found himself in an awkward position.
He wanted to ask Tina why, but she wouldn't even look up from the napkin ring she seemed so fascinated with.
"Why?" he finally asked, seeking an explanation from Tina. "I deserve to know the reason."
"We just don't click," Tina said, looking up. "We have nothing in common."
"That doesn't seem convincing enough," Phillip countered. "You once said shared interests weren't important if the benefits aligned."
Tina paused, surprised he
remembered those words, and met
his gaze. "That was before. After spending time with you, I realized having things in common is
important. Being with you is just too boring. I can't spend my life like that. Is that reason enough for you?"
Phillip's eyes darkened as he looked at her.
"Surely you don't want to force me into this. That would be pointless," Tina added, knowing that Phillip valued respect in all his relationships, as he had shown in the past. Finally, Phillip looked away. "I respect your decision."
As a gesture of regret, the Watson
family offered significant
concessions on joint ventures to the Richardson family. Even without the marriage, it was crucial not to ruin the close business relationship between the two families. S
Tina remained silent for the rest of the meal.
The restaurant, known for its legendary drunken crab, had been a favorite for years, yet Tina barely touched her food.
As they were wrapping up, Tina excused herself to the restroom. When she came back, Phillip was there. She wasn't sure if it was coincidence or if he planned it that way.
He noticed fresh bruises on her arm as she adjusted her sleeve after washing her hands.
"My dad did it," she explained briefly.
In the stuffy, windowless hallway, a heavy silence fell over Phillip.
"You'd rather face that than marry me?"
"Sometimes, you have to suffer a bit for being stubborn," she said indifferently, looking as if the pain. meant nothing. Then, looking at him, she added, "Sorry for wasting three years of your time. I hope you replace someone who's a better match. You're a good guy, Phillip
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