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.

and ambitious

part in this. Whatever you ask as compensation, we'll do our

without any forewarning, Phillip found himself

but she wouldn't even look

from Tina.

just don't click," Tina said, looking up. "We have

convincing enough," Phillip countered. "You once said shared

Tina paused, surprised he

those words,

gaze. "That was before. After spending time with you, I realized having things

just too boring. I can't spend my life like that. Is that reason enough for

darkened as

Phillip valued respect in

a gesture of

family offered significant

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