Dorothy smiled, a genuine warmth flooding her heart. Indeed, she felt fortunate to have crossed paths with Everett. It was as if all the trials and tribulations life had thrown her way were just setting the stage for this monumental payoff. Everett walked in just in time to catch the tail end of their conversation. Julian, upon noticing him, couldn't hide his sheepish guilt and was about to stammer an explanation when Everett, ever so naturally, took Dorothy's hand in his. "Did Langston call you over?" Everett inquired, his tone casual yet filled with an underlying assertion.

"How do you always know?" Julian quipped, his competitive nature surfacing at the sight of Everett, unable to resist the urge to challenge him.

Everett, not one to stoop to the level of what he considered childish banter, simply smiled. "Who else would it be? Dorothy?"

Julian scoffed, his attempt to maintain an air of indifference crumbling. "I was going to clarify that Dorothy and I were just chatting, nothing more. But seeing how smug you are, I don't even feel like explaining anymore!" Everett, with a sly grin, wrapped an arm around Dorothy's shoulder. "No need for explanations. I trust her."

In his heart, Dorothy was his and his alone.

"I'll leave you to it. I should go keep Langston company," Dorothy said, eager to escape their juvenile exchanges.

the mood, asked, "So, when's the big day

"Soon enough."

adding with a mischievous glint, "It's almost like attending the wedding with Dorothy. Just... not as the

finally frowned, giving

trouble,

"Just joking, man! Lighten up. I can't compete with you,

your bonus is gone this

of mock indignation. "That's a bit harsh, don't you think? After all, I've been a

you also wanted to be

just youthful folly. Who doesn't get a little excited around beautiful women? Are you going to tell me it wasn't Dorothy's looks that caught your eye?" Everett clapped him on the shoulder, a firm, grounding gesture. "Actually, no. Head back now, or you'll lose

curled into a smile, not truly

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