"If it’s a gift from him, why are you handing it to me? Give it back to Zander and let him give it to me,” Nadine stated firmly, her irritation evident in her tone.

Kate’s smile faltered briefly before she regained her composure. “Just accept it so we can be a couple. Zander bought me one too,” she said, her enthusiasm bubbling up again as she held out the small box towards Nadine.

Nadine sighed inwardly, frustrated by Kate’s persistence and the awkward situation unfolding in front of her parents. She glanced over at Zander, whose expression mirrored her own discomfort. His frown deepened as he observed the exchange between...