Charlie's grip on his fist intensified, his knuckles turning white with tension. "What if I am told I am not going to be present?" he questioned, his voice laced with defiance. The woman standing before him scoffed dismissively, her expression condescending. "Are you going to get people talking that you didn't attend your sister's?" she taunted. A wry smile tugged at the corner of Charlie's lips as he chuckled softly. "You know I never care about what anyone says," he declared with a hint of arrogance in his tone. "What I think matters, and not what people want to think." The words echoed in the room, underscoring his unwavering confidence in his own beliefs. Despite the potential judgment of others, Charlie stood firm in his convictions, unswayed by external opinions or expectations.Charlie leaned back in his chair, his brows furrowed with disbelief as he listened to the woman's explanation. Her words echoed in the air, heavy with the weight of expectations and societal norms. "I w

Charlie and Leo arrived at the designated meeting spot simultaneously, their excitement palpable as they hastily exited their cars and eagerly approached each other. Their anticipation was evident in their hurried footsteps as they crossed the distance between them.With a sense of urgency, Charlie immediately inquired, “Where’s he?” Leo swiftly produced his phone, dialing the boy's number. The call was answered promptly on the first ring, and the boy instructed them to meet him inside, setting the stage for the next chapter of their meeting.As Charlie and Leo entered the meeting location, they were immediately greeted by the mysterious boy wearing a cap and sunglasses, clearly intent on concealing his identity from prying eyes. A wave of intrigue washed over them as they approached him.Gesturing for them to join him, the boy exuded an air of secrecy that piqued their curiosity. Eager to delve into the exchange, Charlie wasted no time in opening the conversation. "What information c

The evening stars shimmered brilliantly in the dark sky, their soft light piercing through the cold, crisp air. Charlie and Leo stood outside, their breath forming small clouds in front of them as they eagerly awaited the arrival of Michael and Fiona. Despite the chill in the air, a sense of anticipation and excitement warmed their hearts.Impatiently, Charlie pulled out his phone and dialed Michael's number, his fingers fumbling slightly in the cold. Leo glanced over at his friend, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes as he wondered what plans Charlie had concocted. There was a hint of a secret, a glint of mischief in Charlie's eyes, but Leo sensed that his friend was not yet ready to reveal it.Fiona and Michael walked towards Charlie and Leo, their footsteps echoing softly in the cool night air. As they neared, a nervous energy seemed to ripple through the group. Charlie cleared his throat almost imperceptibly, a subtle signal that something was about to happen. Leo watched the inter

Leo's face reddened, a fiery flush creeping up his neck as his eyes blazed with anger. His jaw clenched tightly, but he managed to keep his cool, his emotions simmering beneath the surface. Charlie, sensing the tension, felt the urge to interject out of annoyance, but before he could speak, Leo firmly cut him off. "I may not be family, Michael," Leo began, his voice steady but laced with intensity, "but I've known Fiona and Charlie for a long time. I care about them both, deeply. I'm not going to stand by and watch you tear them apart," he declared, his words dripping with unwavering resolve. The room seemed to hold its breath, the weight of his words hanging in the air, creating a palpable tension. Leo's stance was unwavering, a pillar of strength in the midst of the brewing storm.Michael's sneer deepened, his disdain evident in the curl of his lip as he dismissed Leo with a derisive tone. "Do you care about them? You're just a loyal dog, Leo," Michael spat out, his words cutting t

As Leo carefully maneuvered the car into the parking lot of the elegant hall, Charlie couldn't help but feel a wave of conflicting emotions wash over him. Stepping out of the vehicle, the sunlight caught the subtle shimmer of Alice's wedding dress, making her look like a vision in white. Charlie's eyes flickered with a mixture of apprehension and resignation as he tried to summon up the expected joy for the occasion.Despite his best efforts, a sense of impending doom lingered in his mind as he forced a smile in Alice and Leo's direction. "Today's the day!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with a strange mix of excitement and dread. He glanced at Alice, whose eyes sparkled with happiness, her hand gently clasped in Leo's. The weight of Charlie's decision bore heavily on his shoulders, and he couldn't shake the feeling of regret gnawing at him from within."I wish I could stop this, but it has to happen anyway," he muttered under his breath, his words barely a whisper in the bustling atm