Friends were genuinely sorry about the unexpected calling off of Tina and Phillip's engagement. Though it was a marriage more of convenience than passion, Tina and Phillip got along well. With her charming disposition, Tina had made everyone root for Phillip's happiness.
It was like a rare bloom on an unyielding cactus that withered before it could fully blossom.
The engagement party had been the talk of the town, and then, Phillip's breakup was just as buzz-worthy.
Phillip, the CEO of VectorVista and heir to the wealthy Richardson family in Stonebridge had been left at the altar twice.
Rumors about the breakup swirled. Some said Phillip was too obsessed with work and neglected Tina, leading her into the arms of another. Others argued that no matter how rich or handsome, he couldn't keep a woman.
Phillip never responded to these speculations. Since the breakup, he hadn't discussed Tina publicly.
But in the rare moments among friends, after a few too many drinks, he'd let slip a question that didn't sound like him.
"Is thirty-three too old for her?"
His peers would tease him. "Who are you hinting at?"
Snow had fallen over Stonebridge, and just like Phillip, Curtis and Leanne were navigating through their winter of discontent toward divorce.
After Christmas, Phillip traveled to the Capital City for business. Once done, he brought gifts to the Watson family, paying his respects to the elders despite the broken engagement and keeping up
appearances.
Hamilton welcomed him, cracking open a bottle of fine bourbon and sharing several glasses, and said with emotion. "How I wish I had a son like you. Tina doesn't deserve you."
Phillip countered, "She deserves anyone. She's just won the top prize at an international photography contest. You should be proud."
"What's the use of those awards?"
Hamilton sighed, impressed by
1.ne
Phillip's grace even after being jilted. "The media's been all over you, blaming you when it was Tina's fault. You've shown great character, not holding a grudge, but it's left me embarrassed."
Apologizing, Hamilton suggested, "I was thinking of family hierarchy then. Tina was unmarried, so she got the top priority. But now, I think you and her younger sister Bertha should meet. She's more agreeable than Tina. If you're still interested in joining the Watson family, can arrange..."
Phillip got the hint. A marriage of convenience mattered little about which daughter it was.
Three years ago, he might not have cared.
"She's still quite young. We likely have little in common," Phillip deflected.
Hamilton said, "Bertha's only a year younger than Tina..."
With a nonchalant shrug, Phillip replied, "I'm aware."
If Tina thought they lacked common ground, Bertha, being even younger, would be more so.
Seeing that his pressure wasn't working, Hamilton switched topics.
As Phillip left, the children were having a snowball fight in the yard. Oblivious to the broken engagement, Tina's young cousin eagerly shared, "Tina got grounded by Uncle Hamilton. She's kneeling in the family chapel as punishment!"
Phillip's visits to the Watson family had never included the chapel before.
Stepping onto the stone pathway and navigating the folding screen, he expected to find Tina in penance. Instead, she lounged on a cushion, idly folding paper airplanes.
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