Chapter 2

After the engagement was settled, I sent wedding invitations to the families of James, Michael, William, and Benjamin.

My mom passed away when I was a kid, and my dad was always caught up in work. So I spent a lot of time at their homes, and their mothers always treated me like their own daughter.

No matter what happened with their sons, I couldn't let go of those bonds.

Once they got the invitations, the ladies invited me over for a chat. I couldn't refuse, so I ended up at James's house.

*****

In the living room, the four ladies were holding up dresses and jewelry, insisting on helping me get ready for my big day. They simply wouldn't let me refuse.

One by one, they shared their wedding tips and traditions, offering gentle advice with the same care as mothers.

I listened carefully, feeling truly grateful.

Just then, James, Michael, William, and Benjamin walked in with Emma. They came over, each shooting me a cold, indifferent look.

James turned to his mother, Sophia Anderson. "Mom, is it true you and the other ladies are here deciding who your sons should marry?"

The ladies all looked stunned. "What?"

Michael took Emma by the hand and walked straight up to his mother, Ava Carter. "Mom, this is Emma. She's more genuine, sweet, and lovable than Olivia. She's the one I truly care about.

"If you're so eager for me to get married, why not try to win Emma over for me instead of pushing someone I've already made clear I don't care for?"

Ava's face fell. "Michael, what the hell are you saying? How could you talk about Olivia like that?"

Michael stood his ground. "Did I say anything wrong? Emma's better than anyone else, at least in my eyes.

"Am I really supposed to let you force someone I don't care about on me, and give up on the person I actually want? Mom, do you honestly think that's fair to me?"

"Please don't blame Michael, Ava. He feels he can't be happy with someone he doesn't truly care about. I'll make sure he doesn't argue with you and talks to you properly," Emma said.

She stepped forward and put on an affectionate act, but it was clear she wanted everyone to see how important she was to Michael.

Ava looked more upset. "I don't need some outsider telling me about my son. Are you trying to prove you're more important to him than his mother?"

Emma looked startled, her eyes turning red with tears. "Ava, I-I didn't mean to."

Michael quickly stepped in front of Emma, shielding her as he faced Ava. "Mom, don't twist Emma's words. She's trying to help us patch things up.

"Or is it that someone has been badmouthing Emma to you, making you prejudiced against her from the start?"

As he said this, Michael shot me a cold, meaningful glare, clearly implying I was the one stirring up trouble.

Emma bit her lip, her eyes full of grievance, and looking more pitiful.

Ava's anger was rising. "Michael, I can see and hear for myself. I know the difference between sincerity and someone putting on a show. Don't go there—"

"Mom, you won't respect my wishes. Honestly, I can't believe you haven't been misled." Michael stood his ground, his tone unyielding.

"How dare—" Ava pointed at Michael, her voice shaking with fury.

I hurried over. "Ava, I think there's some confusion here. Once we talk it out, everything will be fine. Honestly, I'm really not upset about any of this."

"Olivia," Michael suddenly barked at me, his voice cold and sharp. "Does my mom really need you to speak for her?

"Do you honestly think that sucking up to my mom and the other ladies and throwing dirt on Emma will make us do what you want?

"You're seriously laughable. Even if you do manage to turn them all against Emma, it'll only make us resent you more and want to protect Emma more."

Before any of the angry ladies could say a word, Benjamin shot me a look. "Olivia, you should really have some self-awareness. Don't forget, they're our moms, no matter what."

William shook his head at me. "Olivia, you keep letting us down, always causing trouble and trying to turn everyone against each other.

"Even if all the moms liked you, so what? None of us would ever want to marry you. Why embarrass yourself like this?"

"Now, now, that's enough—" Isabella Bennett tried to interject.

But before she could finish, James spoke up, his voice steady and firm. "Mom, and ladies, we brought Emma here today to let you know where we stand.

"We're not going to choose Olivia because you like her. None of us wants to marry her.

"If you don't like Emma, that's fine. We're not going to force you. We know how amazing she is, and we won't let anyone mess with her.

"But we really hope you'll respect what your sons actually want, instead of being fooled by someone's smooth words."

With that, James took Emma by the hand. Emma gave me a triumphant, challenging glance as they turned to leave. The others echoed his stance to their mothers and left as a group.

They didn't bother to hear what their mothers had to say, and didn't let me get a word in, either.

The four ladies could only glare as the boys walked out, then shot me apologetic glances, clearly feeling sorry for me.

Sophia frowned, her brows knit in concern. "How did things end up like this? They used to be so close with Olivia."

I smiled and shook my head, "We've all grown up and found our crushes. It's not like I'm going to marry any of them, so their words don't bother me at all."

Isabella let out an exasperated laugh. "I'm not going to waste my breath on William. They are all self-important. Let them see for themselves how ridiculous it is to say like that.

"Soon enough, they'll realize Olivia never wanted to marry them in the first place."