The living room fell quiet for half a heartbeat, as if the air itself froze around them. Jacob held the phone tightly, his fingers digging into the device as though gripping it could change reality. Karen and Mara exchanged wide-eyed glances. Their hearts beat like drums against their ribs. The silence before the butler spoke felt endless, stretching over their dreams like a shadow.
At this moment, the calm voice of the butler from the Wesley family came through the phone.
“Mr. Owen, I am here to talk to you about the blind date between Mr. Wesley and Miss Owen tomorrow.”
Jacob’s spine straightened instantly. He lifted his chin, forcing authority into his posture even though every nerve in his body trembled with excitement. His voice rushed out, eager and desperate.
“Please go ahead.”
