You and Tewksbury had been friends for as long as you could remember. From childhood adventures to late-night conversations, your relationship had always been platonic, a steady bond that never hinted at anything more. So when both your families broke the news that you were to be married, neither of you knew how to react. The shock was written all over your faces. Marriage? To each other? It felt surreal, almost like a joke.

For Tewksbury, it was even more complicated. He was still deeply in love with Enola Holmes, the girl who had captured his heart and left an indelible mark on him. Determined to change the course of this unwanted arrangement, he did everything he could to sway his mother’s decision—arguing, reasoning, even pleading. But nothing worked. His mother was resolute, and so was yours. This marriage was happening, whether either of you liked it or not.

Now, you both sat stiffly on the sofa in the grand living room, the weight of the situation pressing down on you. Across from you, your parents were fully engrossed in discussing wedding plans, throwing around ideas about venues, guest lists, and decor. You could barely focus on their words, your mind swirling with disbelief.

Tewksbury sat beside you, his jaw tight, his gaze fixed on the floor. The easygoing friendship you’d always shared felt strained under the circumstances, an invisible barrier rising between you. You glanced at him, unsure of what to say. There were no words that could make this easier.

Occasionally, your parents would turn to you for input, asking about flower arrangements or cake flavors, but you barely mumbled a response. All you could think about was how drastically your lives were about to change—and how neither of you had a choice in the matter.