---
Daisy & Mina POV
Mina walked into Daisy's room and found her curled up on the bed, shoulders shaking. She rushed over and wrapped her arms around her sister.
"What's wrong?" Mina asked softly.
Through tears, Daisy choked out, "Brother Daniel… he's already in love with another woman."
"I know," Mina said calmly.
Daisy looked up in shock. "You knew?"
"Of course. That's why I told you before—we can't wait around. You need to marry him within two days. Once it's official, he'll be yours. No one else can take him away."
Daisy sniffled, her tears slowing as Mina's words sank in. "…You're right."
Wiping her cheeks, she grabbed her phone. "I'll call our parents. We'll make the arrangements immediately."
Mina gave a small, satisfied smile as Daisy dialed, her voice steady again.
---
Tracy POV
Back at Mirabel's mansion, Tracy sat on the bed of her guest room, hugging her knees. Her thoughts spun in circles.
He's getting married… and he didn't even want me to know. Why, Daniel?
Her phone buzzed. Daniel calling. She stared at the screen, her chest tightening. We promised never to keep secrets from each other. And now this…
She pressed the side button, shutting the phone off.
I just need to sleep. Maybe it'll clear my head.
Curling beneath the blanket, Tracy let exhaustion pull her under.
---
Daniel POV
Daniel returned home and searched every room. No Tracy. Panic gripped him as he dialed her number again—straight to voicemail.
"Where could she be?" he muttered, heart pounding. Then it hit him. Maybe she's at Lucian's mansion.
Grabbing his keys, he sped off.
When he arrived, Mirabel was the one to meet him at the door.
"Daniel? You're here."
"Is Tracy here?" he asked urgently.
"Yes. Didn't she tell you?"
"I've been calling—her phone's switched off."
Mirabel frowned. "Strange… maybe she turned it off because of her manager."
He exhaled in relief. "Good. And—you didn't tell her anything, right?"
Mirabel crossed her arms. "No. But you'd better sort this out fast. I won't let anyone break my best friend's heart."
"I know," Daniel said quietly. "Hurting her would destroy me too."
"She's in her favorite room."
Daniel thanked her and slipped inside, opening the door quietly. Tracy was asleep on the bed, her phone on the nightstand. He sat beside her, gently lifting her into his arms. She stirred, eyes blinking open.
"Daniel?" Her voice was groggy. "What are you doing? Where are you taking me?"
"Home," he whispered. "Sorry for waking you."
Tracy shook her head, pulling back. "Put me down."
He hesitated, then obeyed. She stepped away, folding her arms.
"I'm not going with you."
"Why not?" Daniel asked, hurt.
"Why? Are you really asking me that?" Her voice cracked. "Or is it just another private matter?"
His throat tightened. "Tracy—"
She cut him off. "So your 'private matter' is marrying Daisy?"
Daniel's eyes widened in shock. "How did you—?"
"I know," Tracy said coldly. "When Mirabel went to the restroom, she left her phone. I saw your texts."
Daniel froze. "Baby… it's not what you think."
"Oh? Then explain it to me. Because right now, it looks like you're choosing Daisy while pretending everything's fine with me."
He reached for her hand. "It's true—there's an engagement. But it wasn't my choice. I've been trying to fight it. Please, believe me."
Tracy sat back down on the bed, gesturing for him to join her.
"I'm not as angry as you think," she said softly. "Just… hurt. Frustrated. We promised each other honesty, no matter what. So stop hiding. Tell me everything."
Daniel swallowed hard, sat beside her, and finally began to explain.
---