Sophia's phone suddenly vibrated.

The screen flashed with "Natalie's" name.

She barely pressed answer when Natalie's frantic voice came through. "Sophia! Emergency!"

Sophia's heart clenched. "What's wrong?"

"Come outside! Don't let Ethan hear!"

Glancing at Ethan who was clearly ready for intimacy, Sophia whispered, "Give me a moment."

She threw on her robe and hurried to the adjacent study.

"What's going on?"

Natalie's voice turned sheepish. "It's about...you know...with Alexander..."

Sophia's ears burned with sudden understanding.

"Does it...hurt?"

"Like hell!" Natalie whined. "Every time we get to the final step..."

Sophia massaged her temples.

This conversation was beyond awkward.

"Try to relax. Don't tense up."

"I've tried everything! Alexander stops when he sees me in pain."

Sophia bit her lip. "Maybe...use numbing cream?"

"What kind?"

"Lidocaine. The kind used in cosmetic procedures."

Natalie perked up immediately. "I'll get some right away! Thanks, Sophia!"

Hanging up, Sophia exhaled deeply.

Returning to the bedroom, she found Ethan reclining against the headboard, his collar slightly open.

He held a book with a displeased expression.

"Angry?" Sophia approached him.

Ethan closed the book. "The mood's gone."

Sophia smiled, tracing his chest with her fingers. "Let me reignite it."

Her touch sent electric currents through him.

Ethan's breathing quickly grew ragged.

Just as passion flared between them, the phone rang again.

Alexander this time.

Ethan answered through gritted teeth. "Speak."

"Ethan..." Alexander sounded embarrassed. "I need advice..."

"Make it quick."

"Why...only five minutes?"

Ethan nearly laughed but restrained himself. "Normal for first times."

"You too?"

"I said normal people."

Three seconds of silence preceded the dial tone.

Ethan powered off both phones immediately.

"Those two..." He shook his head in exasperation.

Sophia chuckled. "Alexander's too gentle, Natalie's too delicate."

Ethan pinned her beneath him. "You're perfect..."

His lips brushed her ear. "A goddess among mortals."

Sophia shivered at the description.

Once clueless about romance, she now inspired such words.

December 21st arrived swiftly.

The Sullivan family's island castle transformed into a dreamscape.

Flowers, balloons, and fairy lights created an atmosphere dripping with romance.

Audrey snapped her fingers. "Begin!"

Alexander knelt on one knee, presenting a pink diamond ring. "Natalie, will you marry me?"

"Yes! Yes!" Natalie nodded eagerly.

Audrey facepalmed. "Sweetheart, some decorum."

"Why pretend? We're getting licensed tomorrow!" Natalie declared.

Sophia asked curiously, "Why wait this long?"

"December 22nd! 12/22—so auspicious!" Natalie beamed.

Audrey teased, "Fitting for our little firecracker."

Amid laughter, Natalie pulled Alexander up, tenderly rubbing his knee.

Heavy footsteps interrupted.

Victor appeared in a crisp suit. "You didn't invite me to this?"

Audrey arched a brow. "The answer seems obvious."

Unfazed, Victor produced car keys. "Sweetheart, the latest Ferrari."

Natalie recoiled. "Trying to bribe me again?"

"Consider it an engagement gift."

She accepted the keys but suddenly shoved them back. "Another scheme to make me move home?"

Victor sighed. "Keep it. No conditions."

Turning to Shane and Luna, he asked, "When's your engagement?"

Audrey looked away, though her lips twitched upward.

Victor gazed at her fair neck, eyes softening.