Rena then said softly, "Edwin and Leonel are studying abroad together.

They'll watch out for each other. Plus, Waylen, you'll be visiting them every month or so for work."

Cecilia expressed her wish that Mark had an office in Masrea.

Mark, after a moment's thought, responded, “Maybe it's time to expand our business there."

After pondering for a moment, Cecilia chose to drop the subject.

Decades seemed to fly by.

One early morning in Duefron, within a luxury apartment, a phone buzzed persistently by the bedside.

The young man, bathed in the morning glow, revealed a physique sculpted to perfection.

His features tightened when he saw the caller ID.

"Dad."

Mark, already dressed sharply for the day in his office, said, “Your mother and I will be in Duefron this Saturday. Get ready to meet the Smith family's daughter."

Edwin's expression darkened.

The topic of this arranged betrothal had been broached when he was 16. He hadn't minded then, but over the years, he'd pushed it from his thoughts.

"Dad, we live in the 21st century. Parents shouldn't decide who their children marry."

Mark's tone chilled.

"This was agreed upon. Whether you like her or not, you will at least meet her. She might just grow on you. And Edwin, your mother wonders why, at 26, you don't have a girlfriend and haven't shown the slightest interest in meeting the Smith's daughter."

Wrapping a towel around his waist and approaching the window, Edwin retorted, “For the record, Dad, I am into women."

As he moved to end the call, there was a stir behind him. A delicate arm emerged from the blankets.

The young woman beneath shifted, her face half-hidden by dark tresses.

Despite all the obstruction, one could easily tell she was beautiful.