Oliver's strides grow wide as he runs. Minutes become an eternity as he continues to flee. Slowing his pace, he takes a moment to catch his breath. Oliver glances around, finding himself surrounded by opulent residential mansions. He releases a breath he hasn't realized he is holding.

     The weight of the heat pressed down on him, burdening his every step. It felt like thousands of invisible boulders were pressing against his weary back. Oliver's pace slowed, his breath ragged as he fought for each lungful of oxygen. He then stopped, resting his trembling palms on his knees as he bent his back. He gasped for air as beads of sweat dripped from his furrowed brow.

     Wiping off his sweat, Oliver stood upright. He turned around. Oliver was relieved, widely grinning as he spotted his friends behind him catching up.

"Oli!" Gregory called out, his pace quickening as he speed-walked towards his friend.

"Guys!" Oliver panted in exhaustion as he stepped forward and smiled.

     Oliver takes a deep, loud breath. Then, a heavy sigh passes through his mouth. As soon as he reunites with his adoptive father and friends, Oliver crosses his arms and raises a brow.

"People nowadays..." Oliver tightened his lips.

"I know, right?" Gregory glared at his back.

"They're so harsh on you..." Sophia sighed.

"People should give you some space," Gregory lifted his hat and scratched his head.

"Oh, they really should," Oliver replied.

     Oliver, Frederick, Sophia, Gregory, Edgar, Sarrah and Bethany walked along the street. After a few steps in, they met a tall gate on the side of the road. Oliver and the rest then passed through the entrance one by one.

     As Oliver, Frederick, Sophia, Gregory, Edgar, Sarrah and Bethany approached the grand mansion, its ornate facade with intricate mouldings that showcased its opulence came into view. They traversed a sprawling lawn, spacious enough to host outdoor games, before reaching the towering structure. The mansion boasted multiple floors, allowing guests to marvel at the expansive sky above, and its sheer broadness could host an entire village. The front yard featured an exquisite garden with an abundance of lush plantations that resembled a masterpiece painted on a verdant canvas.

     Hours pass, and the surroundings transform. Dim yellow light from lamp posts illuminates the streets, casting a soft glow on passing carriages. Against the dark blue sky full of stars, the colossal silhouette of the mansion stands out prominently. From within, flickering candles and dancing flames mirror the streetlights outside, casting a warm glow through the windows.

     Inside the mansion's grand dining room, a table displays an impressive array of appetizers and desserts. Roasted chicken, poached salmon, and colourful macarons take centre stage. The presence of red and white wine bottles further enhances the table, filling every space.

     Oliver stabs a chunk of the roasted chicken's leg using his fork, then puts it into his mouth. The texture, fragrance and smell make Oliver giggle. As he savours each bite, he glances around the table, finding his dear friends beside him.

     A man sitting on Oliver's left catches his attention. Oliver realizes it is only his dearest friend, Gregory. Tonight, Gregory wears a simple outfit. A white shirt with long sleeves, an unbuttoned orange vest and black pants complete Gregory's look.

     On Gregory's left is Edgar. He still has his dark shirt from earlier. But, this time, he no longer has his brown waistcoat.

     Oliver takes his time to glance down and view his outfit. Since they are indoors, he opts for an unbuttoned green waistcoat layered over a crisp white shirt with a stand-up collar. He pairs his clothes with black trousers and shoes.

     Turning his attention to the right side of the table, Oliver notices Sophia returning to her seat. She wears an elegant rose-coloured dress with short sleeves and a high waistline, accentuated by a wide collar that reveals her cleavage. Delicate rose-themed decorations adorn the hemline, and the gentle clapping of her pink flats against the wooden floor brings her presence.

     Oliver's gaze then shifts to the other side of the table where Sarrah sits. Her vibrant orange hair is neatly tied up, and she wears long elbow-length gloves. She dons a white sleeveless dress with a V-shaped collar. And it features ruffled accents beneath, concealing her black shoes.

     Beside Sarrah sits Bethany, dressed in a minimalist and understated outfit. Her attire includes a simple sand-coloured dress with a waistline starting under her chest. Her black flat shoes painted with delicate gold linings complement her white stockings.

     Oliver's gaze settles on his adoptive father, Frederick, sitting at the end of the table. Frederick sports his white shirt, a cravat tie, and a dark navy blue waistcoat. As Oliver resumes his enjoyable meal, he listens attentively to Frederick's animated conversation, punctuated by dramatic hand gestures.

"My goodness! People are incredibly pushy! They are forcing my son into marriage, even though he's still undecided about whom to marry. Parents can be so... what's the right word...? Ah, yes! Parents can be so eager to have Oliver marry their daughters!" Frederick said.

"Indeed, they are. They are so intense," Sophia nodded.

     Oliver then glances to his left to take a peek at Gregory. As he draws his gaze to the side, he catches Gregory staring at him. Oliver looks away as his eyes widen in surprise.

     Gregory's face instantly turns red under his beard. He tries to keep his eyes away. But, gradually, his gaze lands back on Oliver. He then stares at his friend with his eyelids half-closed.

     Suddenly, Oliver turns his head back in Gregory's direction. Once again, Oliver spots and catches his friend staring at him. The both of them hurriedly look away from each other.

     Oliver tries his best to refrain from turning his head back. As he sighs, he slowly forms a quivering smile. A blush begins to form across his cheeks. His eyes sparkle with joy as he feels his jaw tingling.