Alden''s expression grewplicated as he nced at me before looking away. It felt as if he was weighing his options.


    I could sense his tunnil and pain not just because of Hailee in front of us, it was also a result of his choices and uncertainty toward the future. were clear


    "Hailee, calm down," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. But his fatigue and frustration were c


    He added, "This isn''t the right ce to talk. Shall we have a proper conversation some other time?"


    Hallee''s face remained tense, but she seemed to recognize that this wasn''t the ideal setting for such a confrontation. She took a deep breath and struggled to regain herposure.


    "Fine, but I want a clear answer from you right now. What do you think about our marriage?"


    Alden paused briefly before saying, "I know I owe you an exnation, but I''ve never tried to escape the engagement. I just need time to get my thoughts in order. The family business and our future aren''t decisions that should be made lightly." The anger in Hailee''s eyes seemed to subside a little. It was reced by a mixture of hurt and confusion.


    She studied him for a moment before ncing at me. In the end, the sighed.N?vel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.


    "Fine, I''ll give you time, but need an answer from you as soon as possible. We''re not kids, and there''s no turning back once certain choices are made."


    she turned to leave but stopped just before stepping away. There were someplex indescribable emotions in Hailee''s eyes and something I couldn''t quite decipher.


    "I don''t care if your


    you two are just ssmates or something more, but you''d better leam to keep your distance when a man is engaged."


    Her voice cut through me like a life. Since when did I be the third wheel in this situation?


    Halle added, "Don''t think you can do whatever you want just because you''re pretty."


    I couldn''t help feeling amused and hurt. Was sheplimenting or belittling me?


    "That''s enough, Hallee. If you keep making baseless usations, we should really reconsider our rtionship."


    The café went silent for a moment after Alden spoke, and his words seemed to have frozen the atmosphere. Haller trembled slightly and was shocked that he''d question their rtionship in an open setting.


    She turned, and her eyes which were once brimming with anger now had a look of hurt and incredulity. "W-What did you just say?" Her voice shook, and each word wasced with disbelief.


    Alden took a deep breath. His eyes were determined yet throwing the me around.


    sorrowful. "Hailee, there are problems between us, and they can''t be fixed just by avoiding them or


    *Tadmit that I''ve been dodging the tople of our engagement because deep down, I know that I''m not ready for this responsibility. But that doesn''t mean I don''t respect you or not care about our rtionship." He paused and tumed to me with an apologetic look in his eyes.


    "Ew, I''m sorry for dragging you into this. What''s between me and Hallee should be dealt with by us alone"


    I nodded softly and tried to maintain a calm smile despite the churning inner turmoil. "I understand. You both need space to work this out. I be honest with each other and not leave regrets no matter what the oue is," I just hope that you can


    Chapter Jon