An engagement party without one of the most important people could not continue. Rachel had come to him, crying and arguing, but it was all for nothing. Clint refused to mention the engagement again. But Rachel, clearly, was already too deeply involved, even though Clint’s feelings for her were no longer what they had been. She needed to leave. Clint hadn’t kicked her out, but he hadn’t visited her once since.
The Next Day: The Wedding
The next day, Andre, the eldest son of the Koch family, was getting married. The Mars family and Clint had arrived in Washington a day early. The Mars family attached great importance to this wedding, hoping to build a closer relationship with the Koch family and elevate their own standing. Before they left, they repeatedly told Clint to spend time with Andre, ideally forming a strong relationship with him—the influential, powerful "king" everyone had to avoid offending.
Early the next morning, the Mars family arrived at the Koch family's breathtaking estate. The grounds were stunning—lush greenery, well-maintained flowers, everything in perfect harmony. Guests were socializing, but Clint felt bored and decided to stroll in the garden.
He wandered along a winding path and found himself beneath a cascade of blooming roses. Amid the rose bushes was a swing, on which sat a young girl in a white robe, her long hair flowing. Her profile was strikingly beautiful. The gentle breeze swayed the swing. When the girl turned her head, Clint froze. "Frida?"
The wedding was three hours away. Everyone was busy preparing anxiously, but Clint's mind was blank. He sat on the swing, gently rocking, the scent of roses filling the air. The warm sunlight bathed him; it was pure comfort.
Soon, he would be marrying Andre and becoming his wife. Every time she thought about it, it felt unreal. Perhaps sensing her nervousness, Andre had suggested she take a walk in the garden. Now, her heart had calmed. She was about to get up and change into her wedding dress when she heard a familiar voice.
"Frida, what are you doing here?"
She turned and saw Clint, dressed in a black suit. He looked thinner but still handsome. She didn’t respond; she turned to leave. But Clint blocked her path.
"Are you here to see me?"
Clint looked at her, surprise in his eyes. She’d been living comfortably in Washington and had gained a little weight. As Andre said, she looked great, healthy, and full of energy.
"The Koch family is having a wedding today, and security is tight. How did you get in?" Clint asked, placing a hand on her shoulder, his brow furrowed. "If you're here without an invitation, you'll be kicked out and sent to the police station."
He grabbed her wrist, but she yanked her arm back.
"Clint, don't make a scene here."
"Listen, come with me. I'll tell the Koch family that you're with me."
Clint reached for her again. She stepped back, laughing. But she also didn't want to tell him that this wedding was hers, hers and Andre's.
"Clint, thank you for your concern, but I don't need it."
"You don't need it? What will you do when you embarrass yourself later?"
"Even if you want to see me, you can wait until I'm back in New York."
"Or are you deliberately choosing such a big occasion to force me to reconcile with you?"
He still thought she was the same Frida, the one who would always cling to him. But she had let go.
"You're overthinking this, Clint. I'm here today, but it's not because of you."
Clint scowled, clearly disbelieving her.
"If it's not because of me, then who is it for?"
"Frida, how come I don't know you're so stubborn now?"
"You're unfamiliar with Washington, the Brown family has no connection to the Koch family, so why are you here? Is there any other reason...?"
Maybe the old Frida had given Clint too much confidence. He seemed to think she would never truly leave him.
"Then, just think of me as being stubborn," she said, moving away down another path.
"Frida..." Clint hurried to follow.
She turned back and mocked him. "Aren't you the one who hates me being persistent?" "Then what are you doing now?!"