After deciding on the match, Phillip's grandmother declared she was tired and had Sarah escort her back to her room for some rest.

Tina was left alone in the garden, well, not entirely alone - the table still held photos of the women who didn't make the cut.

She admitted to herself, perhaps a bit begrudgingly, that her judgments had been harsh and petty. After all, anyone considered by Mary to be a suitable match for her grandson had to be exceptional. Especially the one ultimately chosen - a lady of grace and elegance, seemingly born to be the matriarch of the Richardson household.

Unable to contain herself, Tina messaged Phillip in the early evening.

"Free for dinner tonight, big bro?"

Phillip replied ten minutes later: "Busy tonight."

Fine. Just fine.

Phillip came home late.

Tina was lying on her bed, gaming, glancing at the clock more times than she cared to admit, until finally, around ten, she heard Phillip's car pull into the driveway.

She muttered under her breath, "What kind of dinner lasts until now?"

Her friend, speaking through the headset, teased, "Must've been more than just dinner, right? Maybe a movie, a walk... isn't that how these dates usually go?"

doesn't like movies,"

with him. Maybe he enjoys them but never had a chance with you around, always trying

side of justice!" her

"Justice, my foot."

and peered out the window, seeing Phillip's black car

room was bathed in a warm, amber light, and

of footsteps

grew louder as Phillip made his way up. Tina turned off her mic and exited the game, listening to

was on the opposite side, but his footsteps

a gentle knock:

it to find Phillip standing there, dressed sharply in a dark suit:

word,

his tie, pulling

swiftly shutting the

them and

his

set aside what

chest

spun her around against the door, leaning in for a

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