Avery choked a little on his soda, then he replied, "Skyler, no way I'm getting a girlfriend before twenty-eight."
"How old are you now?" Skyler asked quickly, a hint of panic edging his voice.
"Twenty-three," Avery replied.
"What?" Skyler's eyes bulged in disbelief. So, he had a whole five-year stretch before he could be a best man!
"Why not settle down a bit sooner, man?"
Aurelia chuckled and gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Skyler, didn't you once say that marriage isn't something to rush into? The biggest mistake adults make is marrying in haste, only to divorce just as quickly. We can't let Avery fall into that trap. He's gotta find the right girl."
Skyler blinked. "Angel, did you and Leopold split because you rushed into things?"
Aurelia winced at the jab. Her marriage to Leopold was indeed a whirlwind. They didn't even have a proper wedding, and Leopold never saw her as his wife.
The memory of him tossing the divorce papers in her face was still vivid in her mind.
He even did that twice. He was damn cold and heartless!
And here she was, a mother of two, never having had the chance to wear a bridal gown or walk down the aisle.
Sometimes, it all felt like a cruel joke and an ironic twist of fate.
"Yeah, that's why Avery can't follow in my footsteps and make the same mistakes I did."
Beverley knew the wound Leopold left in Aurelia was deep.
Once a heart gets broken, the scars remain even if you piece it back together.
She quickly changed the subject. "Leah, if you find someone you like, hold on to it. The cards say there'll be challenges, but true love could prevail in the end."
"Until the wedding vows are said, it's about competing for love, not home-wrecking. Crashing a marriage is not cool, but until then, all's fair in love and war. May the best woman win."
Aurelia had to admit Marianne's argument held water.
Until you're married, you've got the right to choose. Not everyone's first love is their soulmate.
Marianne drew a second card, which was the Chariot reversed.
Beverley stuck out her tongue playfully. "Looks like you're in for one heck of a love battle, and your rival's no pushover. You're not holding the winning hand and might get knocked out. Marianne, if he’s got someone, you might wanna back off. There's plenty of fish in the sea. Why obsess over one?"
Marianne just shrugged nonchalantly, the picture of serene confidence.
"How do I put it? I thrive on setbacks. I'd never forgive myself if I gave up without a fight. I'd live with regret."
"Alright then." Beverley sighed. "I can only cheer you on in spirit, and give you my support."
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