"Sorry, I'm not available."

Sanford refused without hesitation and started to walk away.

Jaelyn quickly caught up and grabbed his sleeve. "Sanford, I know you don't like me. I shouldn't have lied to you over and over again. After I leave this time, I won't come back or disturb your life ever again. But before I go, I just want to do something for you. Can you trust me one last time?"

Tears glistened in her eyes as she looked at him with sincerity, her voice breaking slightly.

Sanford paused and observed her face.

"What do you want to do?" he asked in a softened voice with a hint of wariness. Curiosity stirred within him despite his guarded demeanor.

"Come with me," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Her grip tightened momentarily on his sleeve before letting go.

At Beauty Apartments, Maggie busied herself cleaning up the living room after sending Jaelyn away. The scent of lavender cleaner filled the air as she meticulously tidied up, finding solace in the routine.

Once the room was spotless, she settled at a table to work on the wedding dress design. Her pencil danced across the paper, each stroke bringing her vision closer to life. Time passed quickly when she was immersed in her creation.

When she finally finished the draft, Maggie stretched, feeling the satisfying ache in her arms and back from hours of work. She glanced out the window and realized it was already dark.

The city lights sparkled against the night sky, a stark reminder that people who had been busy all day were now heading home.

Thinking of Sanford, she smiled softly, warmth spreading through her chest.

She wondered if he was busy.

After a moment of contemplation, she picked up her phone to send him a message, asking if he would come back for dinner.

Just as she was about to type, her phone beeped with an incoming message.

"Come to the Royarid Club," it read. It was from Sanford.

Maggie blinked in surprise but quickly replied, “OK.” She changed into a warm coat and headed out.

The cold night air nipped at her cheeks as she stepped out of the cab at the club. Her breath formed small clouds as she made her way inside. Reaching the private room, she pushed the door open, her anticipation palpable.

However, the sight that greeted her made her smile freeze.

Inside, alongside Sanford, sat Jaelyn.