Is this destiny?

Main course was served, when Aiden and Sarah got notification from Eve in their earpieces: "Tiffany Fortin was rendered unconscious at the North side entrance."

"Already? This will be an eventful evening. We should bet on how many people Eve knocks out tonight.", Sarah giggled at Aiden\'s exaggerated expression while refusing to bet against her. "Who is she?"

Aiden shrugged. "No one important."

Sarah understood that it\'s one more hopeful to get attention of Whites. "We should compile list of names and share it with Anna so that she can have insight into people who are trying to get close to Jeff. And we should increase punishments for repeat offenders."

Aiden agreed with this idea. He has no problems punishing people who are trying to meddle in Jeff\'s or in his relationship.

The only real threat Aiden sees for him is from seven ex-friends who are after him, and he knows they are coming. Those seven will not let this opportunity go to waste. Based on their family connections, he knows that all of them will be invited. Whatever they are preparing for him, he is ready to take it head on… the only fear he has is how Sarah will react if she is exposed to the information about his past. Aiden wants to avoid Sarah knowing about that at any cost. After her meltdown, he is confident that she will not handle his past well no matter how many times she said that the only thing that matters is the present… and the future they are building together.

Aiden reminded himself to stay calm. Those people will not be here before the wedding, which is in two days. Until then, he can relax. And on the wedding day, he will make sure to stick close to Sarah and not allow anyone to run his (or hers) mouth recklessly near her.

…

Madison entered main building of the resort while brimming with confidence.

She grimaced while remembering how those bodyguards asked: \'do you have an invitation?\' Eh, why would she need one? She looks like a million bucks! The bright red mini-dress is just right… squeezing her breasts to make them plumper, hugging her waist to show how narrow it is, and exposing her long and alluring legs which are even further enhanced with her six inch high stiletto heels. No one can refuse this! Bodyguards will NOT stop her from entering through that main door, and when Aiden sees her… she giggled while imagining his reaction. After all, her body is much more… mature than it used to be back then.

Madison paused at the entry hall of the building while remembering from the resort map: if she goes through the lounge, there is a door on the side that leads to the hallway which connects to a small lobby and from there she can access main door of the building where event is.

"Madison?", she heard someone call while she walked through the lounge.

Madison turned toward the voice.

"Harriet? Nice to see you here.", Madison\'s expression didn\'t match her words.

Madison internally rolled her eyes while remembering how everyone knows that Harriet Morgan is eyeing Jeffrey White for like… more than a decade. What a looser! By now even an ugly hag would get the attention of the man she is after. But why is she sitting here if the party is in the other building? And it seems she is drinking some alcoholic beverage… Madison decided to investigate. She can delay her grand entry for few minutes.

"How come you are here?", Madison plastered a smile on her face while taking a seat on the sofa next to Harriet.

Harriet was slurring due to alcohol in her system, but Madison understood that Harriet was stopped from entering the venue by the bodyguards. And even when she threatened with her father, no one even flinched. She mentioned some annoying girl, but it didn\'t make any sense, so Madison dismissed that part.

Madison focused on the important bits: if Harriet was not able to enter, even after mentioning her father… how is she supposed to get in? Madison is more than confident in her looks, but she can\'t deny that Harriet is an attractive woman as well. And Morgans are more powerful than her family.

After some time, idea popped into Madison\'s mind: if she can\'t get in, she needs to get Aiden out.

…

Inside event hall…

"Sarah, honey…", Stella\'s voice made Sarah almost jump out of her seat.

Sarah closed her eyes and took a deep breath before turning to face her mother.

"Can we step out and talk? Please?"

Sarah was determined to refuse her mother\'s requests. Any discussion is useless unless her mother decides to spill everything. And since that is not likely to happen, what is the point in talking? They will just end up upset and hurting each other more. Sarah\'s determination wavered when she saw that her mother is troubled, and her eyes are full of… love.

Sarah glanced at Aiden who gently squeezed her hand, letting her know that whatever she does, he will support her.

"OK." Sarah told Stella and two of them walked out of the event hall through the South side door.

JoAnna and Sophia followed with their sight Sarah and their mother and then their eyes met. Both sisters hope that Sarah and Stella can find some common ground and mend their relationship.

Aiden was also watching after Sarah and Stella until the doors closed after them. He was not sure what to expect… Aiden knows that Sarah can be rash and impulsive, but he also knows that she loves her mother. As much as he would like to follow and be there for Sarah to support her, he is aware that this is something that mother and daughter need to resolve between each other. Just the two of them.

Aiden\'s phone for security during the event vibrated, and he took the call.

"Young Master Aiden…", voice came from the phone. Based on the way man addressed him, Aiden knows that is the White family bodyguard.

"Speaking."

"There is a woman at the main entrance who requests to talk with you."

"Who is it?" Aiden has no idea who would ask to see him specifically.

"Madison Turner. What should I say?"

Aiden thought for few seconds and then frowned. \'Madison? Why would she want to talk to me?\' He has no intention of entertaining that woman. Did he even see her since they graduated from high school? He can\'t remember.

Of course, he is not aware that she is half-stalking him and attending every event she can if there is even a sliver of hope that he will be present… just so that she can see him. Madison even initiated a conversation with him at a party about a year ago, but he ignored her at that time. She was in a group of girls fawning over him, and she blended with that crowd… and now he forgot about it.

The White family bodyguards are trained in more than just fighting. The man definitely didn\'t disclose that Aiden is there, and he probably stepped away to make the call so that Madison can\'t overhear.

"Tell her I\'m not here." Aiden was about to hang up, when he heard the man talk again.

"Young Master Aiden… She does not have an invitation, so we told her to leave. At that time, she said that she does not want to go in, only to talk to you. And she knows you are inside because she saw you enter with a young woman in a silver dress."

Aiden paused. She saw him with Sarah? Why would she bring up Sarah? Aiden\'s heart stopped beating. Madison knows about his past… She is part of his past! If he ignores her, she might make a scene… and attract attention. Sarah\'s attention…

Suddenly, Aiden\'s heart was beating like crazy, threatening to leave his chest. Anxiety which he successfully pushed away was back again!

So now besides those seven, he needs to concern himself with Madison as well? Maybe not. Who knows what she wants? They didn\'t interact in ages… Why would she request to see him? Maybe she is only hoping that he will grant her an entry so that she can get close to Jeff. In any case, he can\'t afford to ignore her. And he needs to deal with this quickly, before Sarah returns.

Aiden exhaled in frustration.. "I\'m coming."