Eyes from all around were fixed on Tina as she made her way through the party, their gazes filled with curiosity, admiration, and flattery, but noticeably absent were disdain and scorn. In the latter half of the soirée, Tina, wearing flip-flops, navigated the crowded event alongside Phillip.

She was a daughter of the Watson family, groomed to the highest standard, more than capable of handling such a modest gathering.

Every glance that fell upon her mismatched footwear lingered a bit longer, but what did decorum matter when Phillip himself had fetched those flip-flops for her? No one dared to utter a word. In a rare moment alone, Tina couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you embarrassed?"

Phillip, ever unflustered, replied, "A man's dignity isn't measured by a woman's choice of shoes. Next time, pick something comfortable; no need to force yourself."

Tina found herself liking his response.

"So, I can wear flip-flops to any occasion?"

"If you want," Phillip said, not bothered, "We can even put that in the prenuptial agreement."

"Deal!" Tina exclaimed, "Let's add it when we get back. Don't forget."

Spending the evening side by side with Phillip gave Tina a chance to see him in a new light, slightly altering her preconceived notions.

Phillip carried himself with an authoritative ease and a deep, restrained presence, his emotions rarely surfacing. Yet, he was different from her father.

impose constraints on

golden cage for another, but this new keeper seemed different than

birthday celebration came to a close, she removed the

gently stopped her, asking a waitress to carefully retrieve the high heels she had been

heels in his hand,

her heart skipped a

replaced, but those elegant, noble hands

way out,

friends of their parents. Phillip continued to hold the heels while chatting with the elders as ifat were the most natural thing

in Phillip's car, Tina rolled down

drove down a tree-lined road, the air, filled with the day's

ne

her hand

freedom of

through her fingers.

belongs to

Phillip. "I've been in Stonebridge for quite some time, and you've yet to show me around. I'm still a stranger to this city." Phillip's gaze lingered

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