“Yeah, his company’s really taken off these past few years. It keeps getting bigger, too. Honestly, I never expected him to pull it off. At the beginning, I didn’t have much faith—he always seemed like someone who couldn’t see things through. But look at him now; he’s built something truly impressive.”
To Marguerite, Luke had always seemed a bit unreliable—never one for anything serious, just drifting along. But seeing what he’d accomplished now, she couldn’t help but look at him with newfound respect.
“Luke’s grown up so much these past years. I used to look at him and see a kid,” Mrs. Taylor said warmly. “Does he have a girlfriend yet?”
She and Marguerite’s mother had never fallen out—they’d always gotten along well, often visiting each other’s homes. But after Benjamin, things became strained between their families. Still, Mrs. Taylor kept in touch with Luke, sometimes asking about Marguerite’s daughter. It was strange to think how one man had complicated their long-standing friendship.
Eventually, Luke lost contact altogether, and the bond between their families faded.
“He hasn’t started seeing anyone,” Marguerite replied, rubbing her temples as she spoke. “But my Laura… well, I think she has feelings for him. The thing is, they're from completely different worlds—different backgrounds, different lives. Laura’s decided to let it go.”
Marguerite felt a dull ache just thinking about it. Laura would make a wonderful wife, and she was sure the two of them would be happy together. But some things are simply out of a mother’s hands.
“Luke’s a good kid—he wouldn’t care about social status or family background,” Mrs. Taylor assured her. “And if your Laura is as lovely as you say, maybe you could help nudge things along? I really don’t see a problem.”
From the start, Marguerite hadn’t been too invested in the planning, preferring to let her parents take charge. She didn’t care much for the grandeur of it all; as long as their relationship was strong, that was enough for her.
“Even if you leave it to us, there are still things we need to discuss with you,” Mrs. Taylor insisted. “You two should take some time soon to get your engagement photos done. We can display them at the entrance to the engagement party.”
“And I’m making sure every detail is just the way you young people like it. I promise, you’re going to love it. We’re pouring our hearts into this celebration, so you both need to take it seriously.”

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