Chapter 4

With that, I hung up.

My laptop was still open on the side table. The screen showed the wedding planner's portal.

The header was clear: [Wedding Details Confirmation: Mr. Vance & Miss Carter].

I had been so excited to send this to her weeks ago, but she had brushed me off with a "let's wait a bit." I hadn't opened the tab since.

The night dragged on, and I couldn't sleep.

My phone lit up again.

It was a text from my dad. He was still awake too.

[How did it go? What did Chloe say? Your mom was so upset she barely ate dinner.]

[Both families already agreed on the date. We can't change it now, Ethan. It would make us look foolish in front of everyone.]

What did she say?

She didn't say much of anything.

In this world, not every plan comes to fruition.

Not every renovation gets finished.

A moment later, another text from my dad popped up:

[Sigh. If Chloe is really being difficult, don't force it. I'll figure something out. Son, I know you're stuck in the middle.]

[Never mind. I understand your situation. Let nature take its course.]

My fingers hovered over the keyboard for a long time.

Finally, I typed back: [Don't worry, Dad. I won't let you down.]