The wind moved softly around them, carrying the faint scent of rain from somewhere far beyond the city. Cassandra slowed her steps slightly, her heels making quiet clicks against the pavement as they walked toward the car waiting at the curb. The evening lights of Riverage shimmered around them, casting long reflections across the polished streets. She glanced sideways at Princewill. His expression was calm, as always. But she had begun to recognize the subtle differences in him the faint tightening of his jaw, the quiet sharpness in his eyes, the stillness that meant he was thinking far deeper than he showed. “You sound like you're preparing for a war,” she said quietly. Princewill turned his head toward her. For a brief moment, the intensity in his gaze softened. “I’m preparing for anything.” His voice was low, steady but there was something underneath it. Something resolute and something immovable. Cassandra didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she nodded fa

The silence between them didn’t break, instead, it stretched and it was uncomfortable to those watching. But neither Princewill nor Mr. Finnegan looked away. Across the ballroom, Cassandra felt her heartbeat quicken. Her fingers tightened slightly around the glass she held, though she hadn’t taken a sip in minutes. Her father was here, in Riverage without telling her. And standing in front of Princewill, her gaze shifted briefly to Javier. He stood a few steps behind her father, calm as always, but she knew him too well. This wasn’t coincidence, this was calculated. He had brought her father here to add pressure. Cassandra exhaled slowly, forcing her emotions to settle. She trusted Princewill, but this… this was different. Her father wasn’t easily convinced, he didn’t trust quickly. And once he decided against someone… he rarely changed his mind. ***** Back in the center of the ballroom, Mr. Finnegan finally released Princewill’s hand. But neither step

Later that night, inside the quiet of the hotel suite. Javier poured himself a drink, calm but thoughtful. Mr. Finnegan stood near the window again. Riverage glittered below. Javier finally spoke. “Well?” Mr. Finnegan didn’t turn. “Well… what?” Javier studied him. “What do you think of him?” Silence followed. Javier expected criticism. Disapproval. Perhaps even hostility. Instead, Mr. Finnegan exhaled slowly. “He’s impressive.” Javier blinked slightly. That wasn’t the answer he expected. Mr. Finnegan continued quietly. “Calm. Controlled. Respectful. Confident… without arrogance.” Javier’s expression shifted slightly. “You admire him.” Mr. Finnegan turned slowly. “I respect him.” Javier’s grip tightened slightly around his glass. “That’s unexpected.” Mr. Finnegan nodded faintly. “Yes.” Javier’s voice lowered. “You don’t think he’s dangerous?” Mr. Finnegan’s eyes sharpened slightly. “Oh… he’s dangerous.” Javier’s gaze lif

The bridal showroom buzzed with soft excitement. Mirrors reflected elegance from every angle. Assistants moved quietly, adjusting fabrics, pinning hems, smoothing delicate lace. Jennifer stood still on the platform, her fingers lightly gripping the sides of her gown. Lisa circled her slowly, eyes narrowed in admiration. “I swear… Steven is finished.” Jennifer laughed softly. “Stop exaggerating.” “I’m serious,” Lisa said, folding her arms. “If he doesn’t stare at you the entire ceremony, then he’s not human.” Jennifer shook her head, but her cheeks warmed. The stylist stepped forward carefully. “Let’s try the veil.” Jennifer nodded. Lisa clapped softly. “Yes. This is the part.” The stylist gently placed the long veil over Jennifer’s head. The delicate fabric cascaded down her back like flowing mist. Jennifer looked at herself again. Her smile faded slightly. Not from disappointment. But emotion. Lisa noticed immediately. “You okay?” Jennife

Morning arrived quietly at the Milton residence. The large estate sat in calm silence, untouched by the buzz that filled other households preparing for Steven Kahuna's wedding. Inside, Sarah Milton walked down the staircase slowly, her robe loosely tied, her expression calm but distant. She hadn't slept well. She hadn't slept well in weeks. Ever since the announcement of Steven's wedding, something had been weighing heavily on her heart. She walked toward the sitting room just as the doorbell rang. She paused. The staff usually handled visitors. But something about the timing made her step forward herself. She opened the door. The mailman stood outside holding a sleek black envelope. “Mrs. Milton?” “Yes?” “This came for you.” She took the envelope. Her eyes immediately narrowed. The envelope was elegant, minimalist and quite expensive. And then she saw the name embossed in silver. Steven Kahuna Her fingers tightened around it as her heart sk