"We heard that the bride-to-be is stunning looking. It would help if you felt very lucky to have her. We are so happy for you. Congratulations!" Two mid-aged women enquired tentatively while thinking The girl is extremely fortunate to be engaged to Spencer Davidson. He's the richest guy in Miami. What's special about this girl? I'm curious. Is she exceptionally beautiful? Does she know how to snare men?

However, Spencer never gave them what they were looking for. He simply replied with a silent smile.

​​

James' parents just arrived, holding hands. His mother was known as a good mother and wife, but his father's affairs with other women had been talked about in town. They congratulated Spencer, then James' mother asked, "Where are your parents?", surprised that she didn't see them there.

It was expected that parents would be present at such an important event. She, herself, would be happy helping about and even arranging the whole party if it was her son getting married.

Steve let out a silent sigh. Why can't she ask about something else? Asking the wrong question again. Come on. Mum.

Spencer wasn't angry or upset. He replied politely. "They have something very important to take care of and can't make it today, but they have sent presents."

"Presents? That's it?" James' mother was shocked. They are the parents, not guests. "It's your engagement party. What's more important than their child's engagement party? I just don't..."

Though she had heard that Spencer and his parents didn't get along very well, this was more than she expected. Poor kid.

James noticed that Spencer's face had changed, and he looked a bit distressed, so he quickly interrupted his mother and said, "Mum, come, let me get you a drink." he held her arm and led her inside.

About half an hour later, the venue turned alive. Guests were drinking and chatting. Spencer went inside and sat down, looking a bit down. Steve noticed and went up to him with a mysterious smile. "Hey Spencer, seriously, you want to marry that arrogant girl? I suggest you give it a second thought..."

He had Spencer's attention straight away. Spencer glared at him and said, "Don't you call her that arrogant girl." He sounded rather annoyed.

There he goes. Steve thought triumphantly, and he went on teasing, "I'm sorry. I'm soooo sorry. She's not an arrogant girl at all. Your lovely, cute, pretty darling is the best girl."

"Of course, she is." Spencer said sharply while thinking, who are you to call her 'darling.'

Patrick laughed and joked, "Hahaha, Steve, you sounded so sincere. I believe every word you said." but he was instantly stopped by Spencer's glare. His laughing face froze, and he said timidly, "I mean, she is very special and different, isn't she?" He looked at Steve, hoping to find some support, but only to see Steve covering his mouth with his hand trying not to laugh out loud.

Just then, Patrick caught sight of Matt, and he knitted his brows. "How come he's here? Spencer, you invited him?"

Spencer and Steve followed his indication and saw Matt walking in briskly. He was wearing a white suit, looking smart, cheerful, and upbeat. Spencer frowned and looked at him indifferently.

Matt didn't mind Spencer's indifferent look, but greeted him with a smile, "Congratulations! Spencer."

"You are not invited," Spencer said coldly. Those that should be here are not here and those that shouldn't are.

It seemed like Matt was prepared for such a response, and he didn't care at all. "I've invited myself. No worries. I'm just here to congratulate you and will stay for a little while." He said and went in to mingle with other guests.

He came with a purpose.

The two brothers were like two opposite extremes. Steve knew well about Spencer's family. He watched Spencer carefully, and it was rather obvious that Spencer was fuming with anger. "Now, he is an Arrogant one." He commented and patted on Spencer's shoulder to comfort him, "Don't get upset for people like him. It's not worth it."

"Yeah. It's your party today." Patrick supported.

In the make-up room, Nathalia was surrounded by a group of professional wedding hair and make-up artists who had been busy working for a couple of hours. Makeup, hair, dress, accessories, nails... from top to bottom, head to feet, every detail was taken care of.

When it was finally done, Sophie saw Nathalia in the mirror and almost drop her jaw. "Nathalia, you look so beautiful. You are the most beautiful bride-to-be I've ever seen." She said with a bright smile.

Nathalia turned around and smiled at Sophie happily. Radiant and ravishing.

"You are beautiful too. How come you seem to be more nervous than me?" She teased. Sophie blushed, "I don't know. Oh, no, I want to use the bathroom again. I will be back." She said and hurried to the toilet.

It was understandable that Sophie was feeling nervous and a little bit stressed as it was a very important event for her best friend and herself. It was said that there would be a lot of tycoons, superstars, politicians and all sorts of important people.

Watching Sophie scurry away, Nathalia shook her head and smiled. Silly girl. What's to be nervous about? Then she turned around to see herself in the mirror and wondered how everything looked like a dream. Is this real? Am I getting engaged to Spencer?

"Nathalia."

A voice awakened her from her thoughts. She turned around and was surprised to see Matt. "Matt, it's you. Thanks for coming." Matt's here. Does that mean Spencer's parents are also here? She thought, still hoping that they could get the parents' blessing.

Matt looked into her eyes as if he wanted to say something, but somehow words were not coming out. He took a deep breath, then said, "It's not too late yet."

"Not too late? Not too late for what? What do you mean?" Nathalia stared at him, puzzled.

Matt frowned, his heart feeling heavy. "Don't get engaged to Spencer. Don't marry him." Nathalia seemed to be truly happy, but he could sense the worry in her eyes.

Different emotions surfaced in Nathalia's heart, but she smiled calmly and said, "There's no reason not to."

Matt felt the weight grow heavier in his heart. "Is this what you want? You don't even have the parents, the family's blessing. No one agrees to the wedding. It's just a game. It's not real. No one thinks it will last between you two."

Hundreds of guests had arrived, said their wishes, and congratulations, but no one truly felt

happy for the couple. No one thought it would last; neither did Matt. Neither of the family

supported them.

He really didn't want to see her hurt again.

Nathalia felt kind of embarrassed, helpless, and upset as if a hidden secret had been unveiled. True, we don't have our parents' blessings. However, she was more calm and certain. "So what? Even if it's a game, as long as Spencer's willing to play, then I want to play along."

Seeing her clear eyes and calm face, Matt suddenly realized that Nathalia knew everything, that she understood the whole thing, and that she was very clever, but she chose not to think about the future, not to worry about the possible consequences.