Ben's parents were not easygoing, especially when it came to his marriage. For them, the most important thing was that any future spouse came from the right background. And now, Ben intended to marry a woman with neither wealth nor status. There was no way they would accept it.

"No, I haven't told them yet. And don't forget, the last time you got into trouble abroad, I was the one who had to clean up the mess. Don't tell me you're thinking of outing me now," Ben said, his eyes on Jake.

Jake quickly shook his head, showing his loyalty. "Come on, Ben, you know me better than that! We're like brothers. I'd sell out my own dad before I'd sell you out. This secret goes with me to the grave. But...

"But they'll replace out eventually," he continued, looking around uneasily. "Even if I stay quiet, you know they're gonna get wind of it at some point. They've already got matchmaking plans in motion. When they replace out, it'll be like a bomb going off."

Ben nodded, giving Jake's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "That's why I didn't invite anyone else from the family today. Just you. Don't let me down."

Jake's shoulders tensed, a defeated look on his face. "Got it, Ben," he muttered, slumping into his seat. He glanced around the room, feeling the weight of the day's chaos.

And just then, his phone pinged with a message from his aunt, Ben's mother: "Jake, I'm scouting for suitable matches for Ben. Can you lend a hand? I have no clue what you young folks replace appealing these days."

In rapid succession, a stream of photos filled his screen, one woman after another, each with a polished, poised look. There were cute, glamorous, and sophisticated types, but all shared one trait which was impeccable family background.

Jake scrolled through the photos briefly, his gaze drifting to Winnie, who looked lovely in her gown. He replied with as much diplomacy as he could muster: "Honestly, I think marriage is all about replaceing someone Ben truly likes. Even the prettiest match won't mean much if he's not interested."

His aunt was unyielding: "I'm willing

to let him pick one from these, but I'm not letting him run wild. Now, help me out here and give me a solid recommendation."

Jake sighed and continued to placate her, knowing she wouldn't easily budge on her principles. Her conviction in "socially compatible" unions was deeply rooted.

Setting his phone aside, he noticed the ceremony had begun. Ben stood beside Winnie, holding her hand firmly.

Two pairs of eyes remained fixed on the couple throughout the engagement ceremony.

One belonged to Jake, who couldn't help but envision his aunt's reaction and the chaos that would surely ensue when she found out. The mere thought was enough to make his head spin.

en Narugi

The other gaze was Jamie's. Her nails dug deeply into her palms, yet she felt no pain. All she wanted was to rush up there and stop everything, but fear held her back.

She knew her sister too well. If Winnie found out the truth, she would likely end the pregnancy and cut ties with Jamie for good.

In her anger, Winnie was capable of anything, and Jamie couldn't bear to be the one to push her to that breaking point.

As the emcee's words drifted by,

Jamie's mind remained a haze, her plate untouched. She felt numb, lost in the swirl of emotions, barely registering when the ceremony finally ended and the guests began to leave.

After the room had mostly cleared, Winnie walked over, nudging her gently. "Jamie, what's on your mind? I noticed you were spaced out up there."

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