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Three Months Later
Daniel & Tracy's POV
"What do you mean he's getting married?" Daniel asked, his voice sharp.
"Yeah… if what he told me is true," came the answer.
"But what about Tracy?"
"I'm sure my sister convinced my parents that he loves her. Since our families are friends, my parents probably think it's the perfect match."
Daniel dragged a hand through his hair, frustration boiling. "Hmm… what are we going to do now?"
"We?"
Ignoring the jab, Daniel pulled out his phone and called Mirabel. She picked up on the second ring.
"Mirabel, I know you've heard, but please—I can explain everything."
Her tone was ice. "What's there to explain? You're getting married… to Lucian's bratty sister."
Lucian, who had been in the room, arched his brow at her choice of words but stayed quiet.
Daniel sighed. "Yeah, but I'm doing my best here. Please, could you pick Tracy up from the airport and drop her at my mansion?"
"You want me to pick her up? What—are you so busy with your fiancée that you don't have time for Tracy anymore?"
"No, it's not that. I'm with my parents, trying to convince them. Her plane lands in five minutes."
Mirabel exhaled sharply. "Fine. I'll go."
"One more thing—don't tell Tracy about this situation."
Mirabel's jaw clenched. "Why not? It's better for her to know."
"Please… not yet. Let me settle everything first."
A long pause, then her voice dropped low and dangerous. "Daniel, if you hurt my best friend's feelings, I swear I'll destroy you."
"Thank you. I won't let you down." He hung up quickly.
Mirabel grabbed her car keys, shooting Lucian a cold look. "Make sure you talk to your bratty siste—"
Lucian cut her off. "She has a name, Mirabel."
"I don't care. Just talk to her and make sure she listens. And you—don't touch me, don't talk to me." She swept past him toward the door.
"Wait!" Lucian called after her. "I'm not the one she's supposed to marry!"
But Mirabel didn't stop. The door slammed, leaving him seething.
"It's not even my fault. It's not my problem," he muttered, grabbing his own keys. "Fuck."
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At the Airport
Mirabel pulled up just as Tracy emerged from arrivals. She waved a sign discreetly to catch her attention. Tracy's eyes lit up, and she hurried over, hugging her tightly.
"Mirabel?" she whispered, careful not to draw attention. "What are you doing here? Where's Daniel?"
"He's busy with work, so he asked me to pick you up."
"He could've just called. I could've taken a taxi."
Mirabel forced a light smile. "Come on, before anyone recognizes us."
"Yeah."
Mirabel took Tracy's bags, sliding them into the trunk. Once they were both in the car, Tracy glanced out the window. "Daniel will be expecting me, you know."
"Of course. But I was thinking…" Mirabel glanced at her with a teasing grin. "It's been forever since we hung out—just the two of us. How about grabbing a bite first? I'm starving."
Tracy hesitated. "Hmm… I don't know. Daniel—"
"Tracy." Mirabel reached over, giving her hand a squeeze. "Please?"
Tracy finally smiled. "Okay. Why not?"
"Good." Mirabel turned the wheel toward town.
They stopped at a cozy restaurant, slipping into a quiet booth. Picking up their menus, they scanned the choices until a waitress arrived at their table with a polite smile.
"What can I get for you, ladies?"
Mirabel and Tracy glanced at each other, and for a brief moment, the tension of the day melted away.
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