I suddenly felt the urge to applaud Shannon. How could she be so incredible? She managed to ask the crucial question in just one sentence. It was a point that I had been desperately avoiding thinking about. Although I knew that Nicholas Scott probably had an impressive background, and even his engagement with Gu Xingchen had been arranged by their families long ago. If it hadn't been for his confession to me, and if I had rejected him, when I found out about his engagement with Gu Xingchen, I might have thought that they were a perfect match, made for each other. But now, the timing of this revelation was incredibly inappropriate and sudden. "Aren't you worried?" Shannon asked. "No! Actually, I'm very worried!" I replied. "But I don't know what I can do."Should I try to persuade him to think it through, and tell him that marriage is not a game, that he can't act on impulse? I feel like I don't have the right to say these things to him. And I'm also afraid that if I rashly go and say these things to him, I might unintentionally provoke him again. In just a few days, he went from wanting to quit the entertainment industry, to self-torture by not eating or drinking, and now he's getting engaged. I really don't know what Nicholas Scott might do if he experiences any more shocks. Actually, when I saw the news, my heart was already in turmoil, but I concealed it very well. But now, Shannon has instantly shattered the calmness I've been trying so hard to maintain. "What's wrong? Are you worried too? I knew you couldn't just not care about him. Shouldn't we go and persuade him?" "Although they're only engaged, isn't marriage the next step after engagement?" "Marriage! It's a lifelong commitment, how can it be taken so lightly? As the saying goes, marriage is a grave, and if it's a loveless marriage, it's not just a grave, it's probably hell." "Liliana Zanetti, why is Nicholas Scott being so foolish? You rejected him, that's your loss, but how many good girls are still waiting for him in this world? How could he easily give away the rest of his life?" I looked at Shannon speechlessly. She truly is a real best friend! With just a few sentences, she managed to express everything that I had been thinking, worrying about, and couldn't understand. But still, what can I do? "Shannon, to be honest, I..." "Wife." The sudden voice of Dominic Hartnell startled me, and I quickly stopped speaking. "I'm here, what's up? Oh, you're going out?" While secretly squeezing Shannon's hand, I reminded her not to mention anything about Nicholas Scott, and then turned my head. To my surprise, Dominic Hartnell had changed out of his casual clothes and was now standing a few steps behind me, wearing a suit and tie. Didn't he say he would stay at home with me today? Why did he change his clothes? Was he going out? Sure enough, he smiled and nodded at me. "Yeah, there's something I need to take care of at the company. Shannon is here, so she can keep you company." "What do you want for dinner tonight? I'll buy it in the afternoon. Shannon can have risotto here for dinner, and I'll have someone deliver it to you." I didn't know if Dominic Hartnell really had something to do at the company, but it was fine if he wasn't here. It meant I could chat with Shannon without any worries. And when I heard that he specifically asked Shannon to stay and have risotto for dinner, I was also very happy. I didn't even consider whether the person involved wanted it or not, and I immediately agreed. As for what to eat, it didn't matter as long as the cooking was good. I thought everything would taste delicious. Finally, after Dominic Hartnell kissed me in front of Shannon and showed affection, he left the house. As soon as he left, Shannon immediately criticized his actions, saying that what he did was teasing the dog. I wasn't in the mood to listen to her nonsense, so I took the initiative to steer the conversation back to Nicholas Scott. After listening to my concerns and doubts, Shannon fell silent for a moment, looking at me with a helpless expression. No one was stupid, what I could think of, Shannon must have understood as well.I went to persuade Nicholas Scott, but I couldn't predict what the outcome would be. While the two of us stared at each other, Shannon's phone suddenly rang. She took out her phone and became excited instantly, waving the hand holding the phone in front of me. As she shook her hand, I saw the caller ID clearly. It was actually Nicholas Scott calling. I quickly grabbed her arm. "Put it on speaker, let me listen too, and don't mention that we're together." Shannon nodded vigorously and answered the call. "Nicholas Scott!" "Yeah, Shannon." Nicholas Scott's warm and familiar voice came through the phone. I suddenly felt a mix of emotions. "Nicholas Scott, how are you? I'm with..." I pinched Shannon's hand when I heard this, and she quickly stopped speaking and changed her words. "I'm really worried about you. I haven't been able to contact you." "Heh, I'm fine, doing well." Nicholas Scott chuckled, sounding as if he didn't have a care in the world, even appearing quite pleased. "Nicholas Scott, um...you..." "Shannon." Nicholas Scott interrupted Shannon's stuttering words, his tone gentle. "I'm getting engaged tomorrow, you know. Do you want to come to the engagement party and wish me well?" Upon hearing this, Shannon and I quickly exchanged glances, and then I heard Shannon respond eagerly, "Yes! I want to go!" "Alright, give me your address, and I'll have someone deliver an invitation to your house tonight." Shannon readily agreed and promptly provided her address.There was a rustling sound coming from the speakerphone, and after a moment, Nicholas Scott spoke again, "Alright, I've got it all written down. Shannon, see you tomorrow." As the call ended, Shannon put away her phone and looked at me. "Liliana Zanetti, I assume Dominic Hartnell also sent an invitation to your house, right? Are you going tomorrow?" I bit my lip and shook my head slowly. "There is an invitation, but...I don't plan on going, and neither does Dominic Hartnell." Shannon cursed in frustration, "I'll go!" Then, as if trying to persuade me further, she asked, "You're really not going? Don't you want to try and convince Nicholas Scott?" I smiled wryly and shook my head again. "I don't think I can persuade him. And...how do you think I should persuade him? Should I lie to him or comfort him? Do you think it would make a difference?"Shannon found herself speechless, her face contorted in a pained expression. After a moment, she muttered in frustration, "What an unfortunate fate you two have! It's like a divine curse!" Her words amused me, and I sighed, saying, "Let's not be so pessimistic. Maybe they truly are in love, like a love at first sight kind of thing. Or perhaps they can learn to love each other after getting married. Novels often portray such scenarios." Shannon tilted her head and gave me a skeptical look. "Do you believe that?" I forced a smile, feeling a bit awkward, and instantly found myself unable to respond.