Eyes from all around were fixed on Tina as she made her way through the party, their gazes filled with curiosity, admiration, and flattery, but noticeably absent were disdain and scorn. In the latter half of the soirée, Tina, wearing flip-flops, navigated the crowded event alongside Phillip.
She was a daughter of the Watson family, groomed to the highest standard, more than capable of handling such a modest gathering.
Every glance that fell upon her mismatched footwear lingered a bit longer, but what did decorum matter when Phillip himself had fetched those flip-flops for her? No one dared to utter a word. In a rare moment alone, Tina couldn't help but ask, "Aren't you embarrassed?"
Phillip, ever unflustered, replied, "A man's dignity isn't measured by a woman's choice of shoes. Next time, pick something comfortable; no need to force yourself."
Tina found herself liking his response.
"So, I can wear flip-flops to any occasion?"
"If you want," Phillip said, not bothered, "We can even put that in the prenuptial agreement."
"Deal!" Tina exclaimed, "Let's add it when we get back. Don't forget."
Spending the evening side by side with Phillip gave Tina a chance to see him in a new light, slightly altering her preconceived notions.
Phillip carried himself with an authoritative ease and a deep, restrained presence, his emotions rarely surfacing. Yet, he was different from her father.
He didn't impose constraints on her.
Tina had thought she was merely trading one golden cage for another, but this new keeper seemed different than she had expected.
As the birthday celebration came to a close, she removed the mask she had worn all evening, ready to leave.
"Wait." Phillip gently stopped her, asking a waitress to carefully retrieve the high heels she had been wearing.
Holding the glittering heels in his hand, he walked back to her.
Tina had to admit, her heart skipped a beat at that moment.
A pair of shoes could easily be replaced, but those elegant, noble hands were meant for signing contracts, not for carrying a woman's heels.
On their way out, they bumped into
members of the Perez family, close friends of their parents. Phillip continued to hold the heels while chatting with the elders as ifat were the most natural thing in the world.
Once in Phillip's car, Tina rolled down the window to enjoy the breeze.
As they drove down a tree-lined road, the air, filled with the day's dust and the scent of verdure, brushed against her face. She
ne
stretched her hand out the window,
relishing the freedom of the
slipping through her fingers. Content
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"Do you have plans tomorrow?" she turned to ask Phillip. "I've been in Stonebridge for quite some time, and you've yet to show me around. I'm still a stranger to this city." Phillip's gaze lingered on her radiant face for a moment before responding, "I'll arrange something."
Over the next two days, the busy
CEO made time to personally show her around Stonebridge's landmarks, acquainting her with the city's rich history and cultural heritage rivaling even that of the Capital City.
S
Following those outings, Tina began to spend more time at home, and Phillip started coming home earlier, possibly for her.
Their relationship had thawed slightly, just slightly.
When both were home, they didn't talk much, given their few common interests.
Mostly, they did their own things-Phillip in his study, working, and Tina in her room, sorting through her photography, occasionally stepping out to grab some fruit or nuts.
If she was in the living room, Phillip would join her, working on his laptop across from her without much conversation. Their presence was company enough.
To the outside world, Tina was the epitome of grace and propriety, but in private, she was far more relaxed, often lounging on the couch in various, sometimes odd, positions. Initially, she tried to maintain her poise in front of Phillip, but eventually, she grew tired of the pretense.
After all, he was going to marry her regardless of how she presented herself, so what was there to fear?
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