Chapter 58: Is Matthew Getting Engaged?

"Timothy, I'll give us a chance," Ursula conceded, her thoughts flitting to her grandmother's wise words and the hopeful gaze of her young cousin Adam. She considered how Timothy might make a good partner, potentially a good father.

"Really, Ursula?" Timothy's voice was buoyant with hope. His recent insecurities seemed to vanish, replaced by a newfound certainty.

"I insist on paying for our meal today to make up for yesterday," Ursula declared, her tone feigning severity.

"Whatever you want," Timothy grinned, his eyes crinkling with joy.

Ursula's laughter, rare and genuine, filled the air, and Timothy's smile broadened in response.

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Ursula, her laughter caught the attention of Matthew and Dylan, who were nearby.

"Matthew, Ursula seems genuinely happy with Timothy," Dylan observed, noting the pair's easy rapport.

"Just yesterday, he reserved Blue Bay for his proposal," Dylan mused, hoping Matthew might be inspired to make a similar gesture.

Matthew remained cool and detached. "Is that so?" he replied, his voice betrayed no emotion.

Dylan suggested them to greet Ursula, and Matthew agreed with a noncommittal nod.

As they approached, Matthew casually draped his arm around Dylan, his smile enigmatic.

Dylan, feeling a rush of happiness at the gesture, stayed close to Matthew, wondering if this was a sign of their own impending reconciliation.

Ursula's heart skipped as the couple approached. Matthew was as magnetic as ever, and Dylan, radiant with joy.

Timothy, sensing Ursula's tension, squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Dylan, we're not quite there yet," he clarified with a gentle smile.

Matthew suddenly interjected, "It looks like we might beat you to the punch."

The group was stunned, Ursula most of all.

Matthew, enjoying their shock, turned to Dylan, "How about we get engaged first?"

Dylan's heart started racing, and said "Yes!"

Ursula masked her shock with a practiced smile. "Congratulations, Dylan."

Dylan, elated, didn't notice Ursula's strained expression. "You'll help with the engagement, right, Ursula?"

"Of course," Ursula replied, her voice steady despite the effort it took.

Matthew's engagement seemed to be happening at lightning speed, and Ursula couldn't help feeling a void inside.

"Matthew, when's the date? I haven't even met your parents," Dylan chattered, but Matthew's response was distant, his mind clearly elsewhere.

Ursula's thoughts were a blur, her lack of sleep catching up with her.

Timothy, noticing Ursula's discomfort, suggested they leave, "Let's not overstay our welcome."

"Sure, you two have a busy day ahead," Dylan said, her focus still on Matthew.

Ursula thanked Timothy with a gratefully as they left.

"Matthew, are you even listening?" Dylan asked, but Matthew's thoughts were opaque, his eyes half-closed.

"We'll talk about the engagement later," he said, deflecting the conversation.

Dylan held back her questions, sensing Matthew's mood.

Once outside, Ursula thanked Timothy for his support.

"It's nothing." Timothy replied, concerned about her pale appearance. "You should rest."

"I just need a little time," Ursula assured him, dismissing her dizziness as a side effect of coffee on with empty stomach.

After their meal, Timothy dropped Ursula off at her shop before heading back to his business. He asked her to wait for him after work, and she agreed, watching his car disappear into the flow of the city before returning to her duties.