chapter 59

Rose shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her fingers tightly clutching the fabric of her dress. "But what if it's not just a phase? What if his feelings for her are real? I saw the way he looked at her, how he ran after her without even thinking. I can't compete with that." Her voice wavered, the insecurity creeping back in.

Mark's mother's eyes sharpened, her tone turning more commanding. "Don't be foolish, Rose. Men can be easily swayed by passion and infatuation, but those feelings don't last. What you and Mark have is built on family and status—on the future we've planned for him. That girl doesn't fit into that future."

Rose bit her lip, unsure. "But what if he refuses? He already made it clear he doesn't want to marry me."