The Press Release

Both Daniel and Elijah were surprised by Noah's reaction.

"Woah, what's wrong, bro?" Elijah slightly furrowed his eyes.

Noah had been acting weird since the day he asked Elijah to help him pass a document to the head of the bureau office of marriage registration. When Elijah asked what it was for, Noah explained that it was an urgent document that needed to be passed. As Elijah was close to the head of the bureau office, Noah asked him for his assistance in the matter.

"Nothing, it's just I have a lot on my mind lately and it gave me a headache," Noah gave an excuse that obviously didn't clear the suspicions in both of his best friend's eyes.

"All right," After Elijah's response, an awkward silence descended upon them.

"Sir," Matthew rushed to Noah's side and leaned to his ears, "You need to see this," Matthew handed over his phone.

Reading the news on Matthew's screen, Noah frowned. "I already asked him to wait, why couldn't he listen for at least once," he mumbled in anger.

The news of Noah's marriage to Grace was finally released. A picture of them in the wedding boutique was released, and it made him sneer. He was sure the picture was from his father because his face was not even visible. The picture only showed Grace looking happy, smiling at him while showing the dress she tried on.

"What is it?" Elijah asked, peering at the phone's screen. "That is fast?!" He was so surprised because Noah had never mentioned it to him. "Is this why you asked for my help the other day?" An unsatisfied look crossed Elijah's face.

"What is fast?" Daniel stood up and took the phone from Noah's hand. "Next month?!" He expected Noah's wedding would be held in four or five months as it was supposed to be held next year.

"I don't know!" Noah yelled, feeling annoyed. His heart was filled with frustration.

"Can't you have any say in this?" Daniel asked.

"Are you serious?" Noah raised an eyebrow. "Do I look like I'm in the mood for a party?"

"What? Did I say something wrong?" Daniel, being oblivious to the tension, looked at Elijah, hoping for an answer.

"Enough," Elijah intervened, attempting to prevent the situation from escalating further.

"I get it, you don't want to be tied down with marriage, but I think Grace is not that bad," Daniel continued, disregarding Elijah's warning and feeling the need to voice his opinion.

"Then why don't you be the one getting married to her?" Noah's voice was on the verge of erupting. He was losing his patience, burdened by the thoughts weighing on his mind.

"Nope, thanks. I prefer Sarah," Daniel casually replied, igniting Noah's anger. In a burst of frustration, Noah lunged forward and grabbed onto Daniel's shirt.

"Stop, stop, stop!" In a state of panic, Elijah quickly stepped in between them, attempting to release Noah's grip from Daniel's shirt.

"Don't you think you're at an age to stop playing around?" Daniel, growing annoyed, showed no signs of backing down. In his mind, Noah's refusal to get married stemmed from his persistent playboy behaviour.

Noah scoffed and then laughed, "You seriously sound like a clueless old man!"

"And you," Daniel retorted with a sharp stare, "behave like a fifteen-year-old boy in the midst of puberty."

Noah clenched his jaws and tightened his grip, staring at Daniel for a moment before finally releasing his hand from his shirt and pushing him away.

"I didn't come here to argue with you. I'm leaving for now," Noah said, his voice filled with frustration. He walked towards the door, realising that it would be best to remove himself from the situation. His emotions were unstable, and Daniel's behaviour at that moment would only further fuel his anger.

Noah raised his hand in a dismissive gesture. "Never mind," he replied, determined to continue his departure.

"You can't just leave like that," Daniel said, turning to Elijah with a meaningful look.

"Yeah, you're right," Elijah agreed, understanding Daniel's intention. "Let's go get drunk." He nodded, knowing that they needed to find a way to mend the situation and lighten the mood.

Three hours later, Elijah's house fell silent. They had decided to drink at his place instead of going out.

Noah raised his chin, locking eyes with Daniel. "Bro, how much longer will it take for you to finalise the transfer?"

"Ah, you've just killed the vibe. I finally got a break from work, and now you're reminding me about the job?" Daniel sighed, clearly frustrated.

Noah clicked his tongue before pouring another glass of whiskey. "It's just I don't think I could hold any longer, that old man is testing my patience."

"Give me three months," Daniel swirled the drink in his glass, "I am at the last step, that is why I am here," taking another sip, he put down the glass.

Noah took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. "Three months," he repeated, his tone laced with frustration. "I've been waiting for so long, Daniel. I hope you understand how important this is to me."

Daniel nodded, a serious expression on his face. "I know. I promise I'll do everything I can to expedite the process. Just give me a little more time."

Noah sighed and nodded reluctantly, taking another sip from his glass. The tension in the room was palpable, and the weight of their unresolved issues hung heavy in the air.

<><><><>

The loud knocking on her bedroom door jolted Sarah awake from her sleep. She frowned, struggling to open her eyes as drowsiness clung to her. As another round of knocks echoed through the room, Sarah's grogginess gave way to a sense of alarm. Something was not right—someone was forcefully trying to enter her bedroom.

Covering herself with the blanket, Sarah's heart raced as she glanced at the wall clock. It read one o'clock, and the late hour only added to her growing fear. Who could be breaking into her house at this time of night?