Nine o'clock came and went...

Followed by half past nine...

Yet, Waylen was still absent. Eloise’s patience waned, prompting her to pull Rena aside and whisper, “Why hasn't he arrived yet? Your father has been inquiring.”

Rena stepped out onto the terrace and dialed Waylen’s number.

To her dismay, his phone was powered off.

A slow pallor overcame Rena's face.

She mustered a smile for Eloise and reassured her, “Perhaps he's on his way."

Though Eloise clung to a glimmer of hope, she could discern Rena's embarrassment. She comforted Rena with tenderness, saying, “I'LL come up with something to tell your dad, Rena... Please don't take it to heart."

Rena nodded, acknowledging Eloise's support.

With Eloise's departure, Rena remained on the terrace, her thoughts wavering. After hesitating for a brief moment, she decided to dial

Jazlyn's number.

Jazlyn was taken aback by the unexpected call.

“Mr. Fowler left at 8:30," Jazlyn informed Rena.

Expressing her gratitude, Rena pondered that Waylen might be caught in a traffic jam.

Hope still lingered in her heart. She yearned for him to make a grand entrance at this pivotal moment in her life and utter those cherished words, “Congratulations, my Little morning dew."

But he failed to appear...

The dinner party pressed on, lasting until 10:30. Guests gradually departed, one after another. Even Darren and Eloise departed in their car, yet Waylen remained absent.

His phone continued to remain powered off

Rena understood Waylen's work and his cautious nature. He rarely switched off his phone.

A disconcerting feeling took root in her heart, yet she resisted believing it.

They had shared such harmonious days together. She refused to entertain the notion of him disrupting their equilibrium due to that person...

She longed to see him and speak with him at that moment.