The thought of meeting Victor's father was exciting, yet for reasons Stone couldn't explain, it also stirred an unexpected unease within him. Ford Dylan—the name tugged at the edges of Stone's memory, like an elusive thread he couldn't quite grasp. Something about it felt oddly familiar, but every time he tried to pinpoint it, the thought slipped away.
The feeling lingered, a quiet but persistent itch at the back of his mind, one he brushed off as nerves. After all, it wasn't every day you met the parents of your daughter's future husband. Still, the sensation remained, gnawing at the edges of his thoughts, though he couldn't quite understand why.
Throughout it all, Victor never once lost his focus on Kaylee. Every now and then, his hand would brush against hers under the table, a subtle but intimate gesture that spoke volumes about their connection. It wasn't flashy or overt, but it was there, solid and steady.
Amethyst noticed these small gestures too. The way Victor seemed to instinctively know when Kaylee was about to speak, the way he listened to her with genuine interest, and the way his eyes lit up when she laughed. It was clear that he wasn't just there for appearances—he was there because he truly cherished Kaylee.
As brunch arrived, the table fell into a comfortable silence as they began eating. The food was as delicious as always, but there was an added warmth in the air, a feeling of family and connection.
As the meal came to an end, Stone leaned back in his chair, his gaze settling on Victor. "You've got a good head on your shoulders, Victor. Kaylee's blessed to have you."
Victor met his gaze, his expression earnest. "I'm the one who is blessed, sir. I know that."
And with that simple statement, any lingering doubts that Stone and Amethyst had faded away. Victor was, without a doubt, the man they had always prayed would come into their daughter's life. And as the family rose from the table, leaving the cafe behind, there was a sense of quiet contentment that followed them, an unspoken understanding that Kaylee was in good hands.
Stone felt a deep sense of satisfaction with this future son-in-law. The weekend they had spent together felt like a promising beginning, a sign of good things to come. Stone believed the week ahead would be just as fulfilling before he and Amethyst returned to their mission work. With Kaylee fully recovered, they were more at ease about leaving her on her own. However, since Victor was set to be out of town for the next three days on business, they decided to extend their stay for another week to spend more time with her.
What Stone didn't realize was that the next few days would hold an unexpected surprise—someone from his past, someone he had lost contact with long ago but had never fully forgotten, was about to reenter his life. And that reunion would bring with it a twist he never saw coming, one that would change the course of everything he thought he knew.
***
After settling in her apartment and spending the afternoon and evening with her parents, Kaylee felt the pull of Victor's absence even before he left. As night settled in, Kaylee sat by her window, staring at the fading light and the rain outside. The raindrops reminded her of their amazing time dancing in the rain last night. She couldn't help but feel the longing for Victor already. She reached for her phone and without thinking much, dialed Victor’s number. It was late, and the rain outside added a quiet rhythm to the soft hum of the phone. When he picked up, his voice was a balm, instantly calming her.
"Hey," Victor's voice came through, gentle and familiar, "I was just thinking about you."
Kaylee smiled, leaning against the cushions of her couch. “I was thinking about you too. Are you all set for tomorrow?”
“Yeah,” Victor said, though there was a small sigh at the end of his word. “I’ll miss you though. It’s only three days, but it feels longer when I know I won’t be seeing you.”
Kaylee’s heart swelled at his words. “I’ll miss you too. I hate that I can’t send you off, but I’ll be there to pick you up when you get back. Wednesday night, okay? You won’t even have to wait for a second.”
“I know,” Victor replied, a warmth in his tone that made her feel the depth of his affection. “I love that you're always there for me, even when you can’t physically be with me. I feel it, Kaylee. I always feel it.”
His words made her close her eyes for a moment, letting them wash over her. “It’s the same for me, Victor. I understand your work, and your responsibilities. I just want you to know that even when you’re away, you’re never far from my mind.”
There was a beat of silence, but it wasn’t empty—it was filled with all the things they both knew but didn’t need to say. Then Victor’s voice came through, softer now, but full of longing. “I wish I could stay here with you instead of leaving. But I promise, as soon as this trip is done, I’m all yours.”
“I’ll be waiting,” Kaylee said, her voice carrying the smile she wore. “And don’t worry about me. I’ve got work, and the cultural center project’s picking up pace. That’ll keep me busy.”
“I know you’ll handle everything perfectly,” Victor said. “I just hate being away from you.”
“I know,” she whispered. “But three days will pass before you know it. Besides, the thought of seeing you at the airport already makes it easier.”
Victor chuckled softly. “I’m counting on it. I love you, Kaylee.”
“I love you too, Victor. Now go get some rest. Big day tomorrow.”
“Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
They hung up, and Kaylee sat for a moment, feeling the warmth of his words linger long after the call had ended. Even through the phone, the connection between them felt as strong as ever.
***
The next morning, Kaylee stepped into her work week with renewed focus. After her morning meeting, she drove to the project site to catch up on the construction's progress. She parked her car and stepped out, immediately greeted by the sight of towering cranes and steel frameworks rising against the skyline. The sound of machinery filled the air as teams of workers moved with precision, orchestrating the intricate process of laying the foundation for what would soon be a landmark in the city's cultural landscape.
Kaylee met with the project manager, and together they walked through the site. The first phase of construction was well underway. The foundation work progressed swiftly after the excavation phase, with the deep piles already drilled and concrete reinforcements in place. Massive steel beams were being set into position to support the weight of the structure above, their gleaming surfaces catching the morning light. The sight of the massive structure beginning to take shape filled her with a sense of accomplishment.
"The piling went faster than expected," the manager noted as they approached the central part of the site. "We've been using the CFA method—continuous flight auger—so the piles were drilled and cast in one go. It's given us more control over the soil conditions, and we've had minimal vibration impact on the surrounding buildings."
Kaylee nodded, her eyes scanning the site, impressed by the careful coordination. "That's great news. And I see the framework is already being set up for the main exhibition hall."
"Yes," he confirmed. "We've got the structural steel for the hall coming in sections. Right now, we're focusing on getting the primary girders in place. Once we've got that done, we'll move on to the secondary beams and the decking for the mezzanine level."
Kaylee's eyes followed the workers securing the massive steel girders, watching as they aligned each one precisely, feeling a swell of pride. She wasn't an engineer, but she appreciated the complexity of it all—the calculations, the careful coordination, the sheer scale of the work that would ultimately create a space where the city's cultural heritage would thrive.
"Everything's on schedule, then?" she asked.
"We're actually a bit ahead," the manager replied, smiling. "Next week, we'll start pouring the concrete for the ground floor slabs. We're using post-tensioning to allow for longer spans without support columns, which will give the exhibition space that open, airy feel you wanted."
"That's fantastic," Kaylee said, her excitement growing. The design of the cultural center had always focused on creating vast, open spaces where art, performances, and exhibitions could come alive. The technical marvels of the construction—steel reinforcement, post-tensioned concrete, and advanced building techniques—were the backbone of this vision.
As they continued through the site, Kaylee's phone buzzed with a notification. It was from Victor, sending her a quick update from the plane before takeoff. She smiled to herself as she read his message, already looking forward to Wednesday night when he would return.
For now, she was focused on her work. This project wasn't just about construction; it was about building something lasting, something that would stand as a testament to the city's culture and history, a space that would inspire future generations. And in a way, it mirrored her relationship with Victor—strong, built on a foundation of mutual respect and shared goals.
***
Inside the Langford estate, Ford sat in his home office, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the edge of his desk, plotting his next move. A mischievous twinkle shone in his eyes, the same look he used to get back in high school when he and his best friend, Stone Evan, would hatch ridiculous plans. Today, Ford was on the brink of rekindling that very bond, but not without a touch of his signature humor.
Louis stood quietly in the corner, observing the scene with a mix of duty and bemusement. Ford often sought his counsel, even on his more outlandish schemes, and today was no different.
“Master Ford...” Louis began, but Ford waved him off.
"Tarang,” Ford corrected with a wink. “At least for this prank.”
Louis sighed but nodded, accustomed to Ford’s antics. “Very well, Master Tarang. What do you have in mind for the meeting with Mr. Stone and his wife?”
“Hm.. We need to do something special for their first official visit, with the grand Langford family treatment... with a twist. He has no idea I’m behind the Langford Group, and I think it’s time to stir up some good old-fashioned chaos.”
“Master, pardon my directness, but do you think Mr. Stone will participate?” Louis asked, raising a composed eyebrow.
Ford grinned, the kind of grin that told Louis this would be anything but simple. “Oh, he’ll participate. He won’t be able to resist once I show up—as Tarang. I’m going to pretend I’m just an event planner hired to run the challenge for the Langfords. He won’t suspect a thing.”
“Running a challenge?” Louis blinked, his skepticism thinly veiled. “And what can I do for you to prepare for this challenge?”
Ford clapped his hands together, “I want you to set up a wedding-themed obstacle course in the garden. Think of five obstacles related to the wedding." Excitedly, Ford continued, "And to be fair, don't let me know what the challenges are about. I am itching to have a good time getting into a race with my best buddy again, oh after all these decades!"
Louis hesitated before nodding. “Understood. And when shall this challenge take place?”
"Let's make it this Thursday morning. I've got a special invitation idea that I need you to prepare and send it out to Stone and his wife." A mischievous grin remained on Ford's face.
“Of course, Master,” Louis replied, suppressing a sigh.
***
The following day in the afternoon, an envelope that arrived at Kaylee's apartment, addressed to "Mr. and Mrs. Stone Evan", was nothing short of exquisite. It was thick and velvety, dyed in a deep emerald green, with gold filigree swirling around the edges in delicate, almost hypnotic patterns. At the center was a wax seal—pure white, imprinted with the initials "F.D." in an ornate font, like something out of a royal proclamation. The entire package radiated an air of formality and wealth, as if it had been meticulously crafted in some high-society atelier.
Amethyst held it up to the light, admiring the craftsmanship. "Well, they certainly spared no expense."
Stone, on the other hand, furrowed his brow. “It’s an invitation, not a wedding dress,” he muttered, though he couldn’t deny being intrigued.
When they finally broke the wax seal, the invitation inside was even more elaborate. The paper was smooth to the touch, almost silk-like, with shimmering gold borders and an embossed crest at the top—likely the Langford family insignia. Each word on the page seemed to have been written in calligraphy, the ink a shade of deep sapphire that caught the light.
The message, however, was what left them puzzled.
"Dearest Mr. and Mrs. Stone Evan,
You are cordially invited to the Langford Estate for a discussion on the union between your beautiful daughter, Kaylee Stone, and Victor Langford, son of Ford Dylan of the Langford Group. Your presence is requested at a special occasion prepared by Mr. Ford himself.
As per family custom, we kindly request the father of the bride to participate in a brief series of prepared rites to demonstrate his commitment to the forthcoming union.
Please come prepared for an unconventional, yet memorable experience.
With utmost respect,
Ford Dylan."
Stone read the letter aloud, pausing as "a brief series of prepared rites" and "unconventional experience".
“What exactly are ‘prepared rites’?” he muttered, narrowing his eyes.
Amethyst couldn’t help but chuckle, though she was equally perplexed. “Ceremonial, I guess? But unconventional? I don’t know... I mean, this invitation is as elegant as they come. Surely it’s not... odd.”
Stone sat back in his chair, a mix of wariness and curiosity creeping over him. The craftsmanship of the invitation—the weight of it, the regal fonts, and the subtle luxury—made it impossible to believe this was a prank. Still, the message was peculiar, almost as if they were being baited into something unusual.
“Unconventional and memorable,” Stone repeated. “You think this is just rich-people talk for a normal family meet-up?”
Amethyst glanced back down at the invitation, eyes catching on the perfectly penned words. “I’m not sure. But whatever it is, they’ve clearly gone to great lengths to make it an event. And we can’t afford to embarrass Kaylee.”
Stone nodded, leaning back in his chair and shaking his head with a mix of amusement and suspicion. “You’re right. But something tells me... this isn’t going to be your average sit-down with the future in-laws.”
The two exchanged a glance, Amethyst giving a soft laugh as she straightened her blouse. “Let’s just hope we don’t regret opening this.”
To some extent, Stone was now wondering if this bizarre invitation had given him the quiet but persistent itch at the back of his mind since the moment Victor mentioned his father wanting to meet them.
Anyway, once again, he brushed it off as nerves. They both started getting ready, knowing this event was not one to be taken lightly. The elegance of the invitation and the mystery surrounding it only added to the anticipation, leaving both Stone and Amethyst wondering just what Ford Dylan had in store for them at the Langford estate.
When Kaylee got home that evening, they mentioned the meeting with Victor’s father on Thursday morning but left out the odd details, thinking it best not to worry her. It's the parents' thing, after all.
When night fell, Kaylee sat by the window, the dim light of her apartment casting soft shadows on the walls. The steady rhythm of the rain tapped against the glass, a soothing but persistent sound that matched the quiet ache in her chest. She had been going through work updates on her laptop, but her mind kept wandering—circling back to Victor. It had only been two days since he left, but tonight, the distance between them felt heavier than usual.
Her phone buzzed softly on the table, and her heart leaped when she saw Victor’s name flash on the screen. She grabbed it quickly, the anticipation making her fingers fumble slightly, already feeling the warmth that came with hearing his voice.
“Hey,” she greeted him softly, her tone brighter than it had been all evening.
“Hey,” came Victor’s voice, low and a little tired, but carrying the familiar warmth that always made her feel at ease.
“How’s everything going over there?” she asked, leaning back into the cushions, her body relaxing as if his voice was a balm for the tension in her shoulders.
There was a pause, and she could almost see him rubbing the back of his neck, his weariness palpable through the silence. “It’s fine. Meetings went well today. Just… a lot, you know?”
She heard it—the unspoken weight in his voice, the kind that came not just from exhaustion but from missing someone. She smiled gently, though her heart tugged at the thought of him being so far away.
“I can hear it in your voice,” she said softly, her tone filled with affection. “You sound exhausted.”
“I am,” Victor admitted, his voice softer now, almost vulnerable. Then, after a beat, he added, “I miss you, Kaylee.”
Those three words hung in the air, simple yet laden with emotion. Kaylee felt them settle in her chest, a soft ache blooming as she pressed the phone closer to her ear. “I miss you too,” she whispered. “It’s only been two days, but it feels like forever.”
Victor sighed quietly, the sound carrying all the things left unsaid between them. “It’s strange,” he murmured, his voice a little rough around the edges, “I’ve been busy all day, surrounded by people, but all I can think about is coming home… seeing you.”
Kaylee closed her eyes, his words sinking into her like warmth after a cold day. “Tomorrow night,” she said gently, “I’ll be there waiting for you at the airport. I can’t wait to see you.”
There was another pause, the kind that stretched comfortably, like a shared breath across the distance. “I’ve been thinking about that moment since the second I got on the plane,” Victor murmured, his voice full of longing. “Just seeing you… holding you again.”
Her heart fluttered at the thought. She could picture it now—the sight of him coming through the gate, the familiar smile, the embrace that would chase away the loneliness of the past two days. “I’ll be right there,” she promised, her voice firm but tender. “You won’t have to wait even a second.”
“I know,” he said quietly, his tone carrying a warmth that wrapped around her like a blanket. “I love you, Kaylee.”
“I love you too,” she replied, her voice soft but full of the emotion she had been holding onto. “Get some rest, okay? I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yeah,” Victor breathed, and she could hear the faint smile in his voice. “Tomorrow.”
They lingered in that moment, neither wanting to hang up, letting the sound of each other’s breath fill the silence. Kaylee could almost imagine him there beside her, the space between them shrinking with every shared breath. Finally, with a soft sigh, she spoke, “Goodnight, Victor.”
“Goodnight, Kaylee,” he replied, his voice tender and full of the same longing she felt.
As the call ended, Kaylee sat still for a moment, holding the phone to her chest. The quiet of the apartment enveloped her again, but this time it didn’t feel so empty. Even with the distance between them, his love felt tangible, as if he was right there with her. Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough.
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