Dusk settled in, draping the city in a veil of twilight as the streetlights flickered to life.
Nestled in a window seat at the Bluebell Bistro, Marguerite and Miley had a panoramic view of the cityâs glittering nightlife.
Opposite them sat Frederick and Robert, two dashing figures whose eyes were lowered as if the array of succulent dishes before them had lost all flavor.
The recent paternity test results had left Frederick and Robert in utter disbelief.
Meanwhile, Yuna, upon learning her true heritage, could barely contain her elation. She carried the esteemed Fitzgerald bloodline, she was the real heiress of the Fitzgerald clan.
No longer fearing her true identity would be uncovered, she was emboldened and convinced that she and Frederick were a match made in heaven, a perfect pairing of equals./
With brimming confidence, she turned to Hackett and Penelope-not so subtly addressing Frederick, âMom, Dad, Iâve redone the paternity test as Robert suggested. I am truly your daughter. So, shouldnât we start planning my and Frederickâs engagement?â
She was intent on leveraging the influence of the Fitzgerald elders to corner Frederick.
But before her parents could respond, Frederick, with Marguerite in tow, had already made a swift exit under the watchful eyes of the crowd, not even deigning to acknowledge the situation.
And soon, the group of four found themselves at the Bluebell Bistro.
Marguerite, propping her chin in her hands, gazed at Frederick with eyes as deep and stirring as a lake, her confusion apparent.
Miley leaned in and whispered to Marguerite, âYou know, staring at him like that⦠itâs a bi obvious, donât you think?â
Snapping back to reality, Marguerite turned to Miley, a hint of exasperation in her eyes. âNonsense, Iâm just⦠confused.â
âConfused by what?â
Marguerite couldnât help but steal another glance at Frederick before confiding in a low voice, âI get why Robertâs upset, but why is Frederick looking like heâs lost his best friend?â Miley shrugged, nonchalantly saying, âWhat else can it be? It must be because Frederick confirmed Yunaâs identity, which pretty much seals the deal on their arranged engagement. He probably doesnât want to marry her, right? I bet heâs trying to figure a way out of it.â
Mileyâs words were barely a whisper in Margueriteâs ear, but as she finished, they saw Frederick lifting his gaze, his eyes as deep and inscrutable as an ancient well.
He casually tapped on the table near Robert, his voice icy and expressionless, âYour lady sure has a lot to say.â
Miley stiffened, a chill running down her spine, and offered a nervous chuckle, âMr. Winston, you must have ears like a hawk! How did you even hear me? But Iâm right, arenât I? You donât want to marry Yuna?â
Frederick set aside his silverware and crossed his arms, his gaze leisurely fixed on Marguerite as if trying to read her expression.
Feeling scrutinized, Marguerite felt a chill-run down her spine. Thinking about Frederickâs supposed engagement to Yuna and his recent attentiveness towards her, she felt a tightness in her chest. He always seemed to play hot and cold, giving her a slap only to follow it with a sweet treat.
Her voice dripped with sarcasm, âWerenât you supposed to get married on the same day as mé? Now you donât want to marry her? Just as I thought, a manâs word is as good as sand!â
Frederickâs gaze remained calm and composed as he countered, âMarguerite, when did I ever personally say I wanted to have a wedding on the same day as you?â