The Cameron estate followed tradition by inviting the entire town of Kildare to a grandiose reception.

Ward was able to bring the community under one roof for a single night, despite the underlying foes and acquaintances.

The middle of July was the most sought-after month for the Pogues since it represented the pinnacle of emotion for high-adrenaline hijinks.

Ward's phony attempts irritated Kiara; she saw through his seething performance of a man only attempting to achieve mild empathy for everybody, but prevailing animosity among peers.

Kiara was to find the positive in everything and make the most of the opportunity to see the Pogues and Sarah.

A little disagreement between John B and Sarah eventually led to them accepting one another's differences and uniting as one.

Kiara was initially oblivious to the notion that her old adversary was dating John B.

But as time passed, she accepted this town
where the neighbors were simply just a fictitious portrayal of the space she had once cut off.

She held this ideology near to her heart, desiring everyone on the island to disrupt the hierarchy.

Tonight, her stance was a little more relaxed, sure of herself as her eyes reflected over her silky gown.

She traced the creases with each unavoidable fault, remembering the time she last wore a satin gown at Midsummers.

Mike and Anna Carrera have now earned a seat at the table as the couple carefully crafted and curated their presentation to fit the mold. Anna was sure to instill this principal into her daughter's mind, reminding her that such position always came with a price.

Ward recognized humility in Mike, something he lacked. Thus, he saw his friendship with Mike as a way to find balance in his own.

Kiara was constantly forced to go, luckily with Pope's presence, she found an excuse to slip away and manage the grill with him.

Before her presence appears in her peripheral vision, Sarah's laughter tickles her ears with a ginger effect.

"If only I'd just gone over when she called," Sarah whispered to John B before entering Kiara's room.

John B sits on her bed, dipping the therapeutic foam and reclining flat on his back.

"Wow, someone is looking a little more put together than her typical Midsummer attire." Sarah touches her dress, ironing the dimpled wrinkles on her hip.

Sarah admires her best friend, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

"I'm presuming you took Tristan by his word?" Sarah nudges Kiara as she settles down next to John B.

Tristan and Kiara immediately hit it off. However, despite their semi respected status, Kiara and Tristan were looked down upon. A beer in each hand on a muggy North Carolina night drew them together. One kiss led to another rather quickly brewing this attraction amongst themselves and soon enough it became the pinnacle of their relationship. Leading them to wonder whether or not they could be more.

But to put it into perspective, escapades were not the only thing that strengthened their bond. Tristan and Kiara communicated effectively. Their worlds converged for a reason, bringing them together amid trials of misconception. Her consumptions were shamelessly twisted by the world, and Tristan was attentive to her imperfections. He seemed to be the final piece she was missing. The anchor that would allow her to let go of all the ponderous expectations she was bound to. Thus, the night Mike was asked for his blessing, a moment Kiara had never anticipated since she didn't date. She had a nagging suspicion that she would easily conform if the right boy presented himself.

"Settling would be putting it mildly, right?" Kiara looks at the couple with longing satisfaction.

Her emotions were a result of her lack of better judgment.

"You're not the kind of girl who settles," blunt yet evasive John B would give his two cents without looking at her.

"To put it in perspective, that would be unnerving, but if Tristan truly makes you this happy, I'm on board, Kie."

She was at peace with the group, their candor was to her liking, but she was appreciative of her circle's directness and sincerity.

It was a sight for sore eyes when JJ and Pope climbed inside the jeep. Sweaty from the day's work they made themselves comfortable on the leather interior of Sarah's black Jeep.

"I'd be mistaken if I called you Kook Princess. It's rare to see Kiara Carrera all dolled up for a boy." JJ's arms spread out on the back of the chairs, lazily dangling behind Pope and Kiara.

Kiara places her arm loosely over JJ's neck, placing him in a headlock. "And you don't open up your legs for every female your eyes rests upon?" her brows wrinkled, fitting in line with an extended puckish grin.

JJ's reputation was justified by snorts, leaving him to smile in return.

JJ's golden curls are ruffled by Kiara

"Hey, maybe you'll finally settle tonight and ditch all of that," Kiara's proposal causes John B to click his tongue.

"You might just get lucky," Sarah conveniently elbows John B as she backs out from the driveway.

"You seem to forget that I would never have considered you if it weren't for JJ." JJ and Pope howl at her remark.

The Pogues pull into the driveway of an overwhelming Cameron estate event.

JJ takes a deep breath and fixes his collar, taking in the raucous scene with the rest.

"I never imagined I'd be attending any type of gathering here. But gladly for the sake of the Island wanting to come together for once," He lights a cigarette as they all climb out of the jeep. "I'm not going to complain though about a Kook feeding me for the next week" he checks each pocket, making room for each.

JJ snuck food from the tables, even though Kiara made it clear that he could always eat at The Wreck.

A twitch of the mouth brings an ambiguous anxiety each time the estate was in close counters to Kiara. A known fact that they were setting foot in dangerous territory. Kiara ignores the blur of obligation and follows Sarah to the door.

"Sarah, darling! You brought your friends,"
Ward welcomes the group at the entrance.

"John B," he says with a solid handshake, turning to face JJ.

"Maybank. Is your father making it tonight?"

JJ scratches his chin, "No bueno, Luke has other plans for tonight. I'll fill in for him."

Kiara follows suit, flashing Ward an innocent smile.

"Kiara Carrera. I'm glad I met your folks, especially your devoted father. He's done more for this island than anyone and I am delighted to call him a close friend."

Kiara maintains her grin, ignoring his short gaze.

"Enough small chat, dear. You're the man of the hour," Rose appears out of nowhere, a hand on his shoulder, bringing her husband a Mai Tai.
"You should be in the common room." She flashes him a ginger smile, causing Sarah to shift uncomfortably.

"That's my cue, glad to see you all." Ward and Rose make their way towards the foyer. Ward had years of experience with a rehearsed toothy grin that was prone to faltering.

Kiara had become accustomed to the familiar grin.

"I didn't believe scumbags could enter such a prestigious event, but here we are." Speak of the devil. A wavering deep voice that made Kiara's mouth twitch.

Rafe's eyes carry a tedious monotony of hatred.
Scanning until his gaze lands on his prey.

"You seem a little lonely without your groupies." JJ speaks up moving forward, but Kiara stops him with a hand on his shoulder.

Rafe's tongue protrudes from the side of his mouth, but he doesn't miss Kiara's reassuring hand on JJ's shoulder.

"Handle your boy, Kie," he nods.

Sipping his Mai Tai, their gazes clash, a misinterpreted display of displeasure that is poised to be stifled.

"Take that Mai Tai someplace else, Cameron," Kiara shoos him away. "You wouldn't want to be caught chit-chatting with low life's, now, would you?"

"Certainly not with a Carrera." He motions with his glass towards Kiara's parents, who are conversing with Ward and Rose in the distance.
"It's exhausting," he reckons with a breathy tone,
"How desperately your folks fall at my father's feet feigning for his favor." Biting his cheek, his eyes deepen with amusement, his orbs teeming with renewed enjoyment.

"Yet they outperform you." Kiara refutes. She brushes past him, knowing her words sting harder cutting deeper than any two-edged sword Rafe Cameron could ever begin to fathom.

Topper and Kelce were coming her way, but Kiara was careful enough not be a disrespectful guest.

"I'd tread lightly if I were you, Cameron." JJ puts out his cigarette near Rafe's feet.

~

Kiara's abdomen is wrapped in a warm palm, an appealing aroma making her soft to the touch.
"How do you feel?" Tristan asks her with genuine concern. Kiara leans into Tristan and smiles, a familiar touch provides her comfort.

"On edge, I mean we are walking on eggshells tonight." Kiara delights in the ambiance as she observes the Kooks and Pogues interact. It was like witnessing oil and water trying to compromise.

"Only for a night, dear." Kiara quirks her brows upon hearing his words. "You sound like my mother," She scrunches her nose leveling his gaze. Looking down at her, his eyes soften as he admires her.

"I brought the binoculars for tonight," He changes the subject. The weather had predicted a cool night, ideal for viewing the turtle hatch. She perks up her mood shifted. "Finally, something to look forward to on Figure 8."

"Yeah, no shit," Tristan chuckles as his eyes scan the room.

Kiara follows his gaze and turns around to see Rafe and a fellow Kook feuding.

"Oh, great. Your highness has lost her shit." Kiara smirks as she raises her glass to her lips, anticipating a fight.

~

A large table, five to be exact, was set up. Each table was complimented with flowers that appeared to be springing from cracks on the sidewalk and were paired with an art color scheme.

It was a spectacular reception tonight, Kooks and Pogues together under one roof for a night, savoring the richness of a self-deprecated kingdom.

An empire put up in a methodical order, everyone coming together when the King or Queen was to make an important announcement.

Butlers were bustling around, delivering silver platters with Mai Tais, ensuring that each guest was satisfied, and well, Ward had a surprise up his sleeve to distract the oblivious.

Quite the shame that it was a brilliant technique.

Kiara, on the other hand, laughed at such efforts, ridiculing his vanity.

Bile accumulated in her throat, causing her to bite her cheeks anxiously.

Knowing that the Cameron estate was previously a frequent stop for her to see Sarah.

Gold crescents adorned each cup, which would eventually be filled with wine from all around the world.

A remembrance of Ward's exploits.

Plates with fine cutlery are placed on thick linen napkins.

Each plate has a name tag for the visitor to follow.

Kiara did not turn a blind eye to the magnificent ambiance protruded by organized luxury.

For a brief moment, she was thrilled with the diversion.

Kiara was tempted to dig into the food that was already neatly arranged on the table.

Before Kiara could pull out her chair, a game of tag spread around the room.

Tristan grinned at Kiara's raised eyebrows, placing his hand on the small of her back and pulling out the chair for her.

She raised her gaze.

Rafe was pulling out his chair, Sarah following suit.

A dull face matches his slouched shoulders, and a twitch of his jaw causes him to sit down abruptly.

Out of all the seating arrangements, she pondered, some asshole decided to seat Kiara Carrera across from Rafe Cameon.

The sound of a metal spoon striking glass fills the room.

Ward raises his glass, drawing everyone's attention to himself.

"Thank you all for arriving on such short notice; it is my pleasure to have hosted a night like tonight, and I simply want to be regarded as a man with open arms."

Kiara resists a snort, but a toothy grin suggests otherwise.

Kiara observes Sarah and Rafe from across the table, and how easily they were influenced by the magnetism that exudes poisonous masculinity from behind Ward's manipulative gaze.

She was not one to speak up because her father was not the man Ward declared to be, but there was a period when she saw a miniscule bit of morality in Ward.

She intended to put Sarah in a trance, to put her in a loop of an act's failures, only to get her to be fully aware.

She had always believed that anyone could choose to be good. If they so desired.

As a result, any modest sympathy for Rafe was quickly replaced by resentment.

The latter was proven when Rafe felt someone's attention on him, turning to lock eyes with Kiara as she watched the warmth in his eyes morph the second his eyes left his father's. No compassion for the devil's advocate here.

Ward attempts to get everyone's attention by clearing his throat.

"Many of you might be wondering why I've chosen to carry on this tradition. I do, however, firmly believe in the strength of inclusion and community,"

He raises the level of his glass,

"I wish to draw attention to a new celebration because tradition has its own rules,"

The uncertainty among the crowd was giving way to utter anticipation as they murmured.

"A celebration of yoked partnership."

Once more focusing on his son, Ward pauses.

Rafe tries to spot a hint of irony in his father's expression by scouring his eyes.

As he waits for his father to speak, Rafe grips his glass tightly and develops a wrinkle around his eyes.

"You have been expected to assume this role as a spouse, Rafe, in order to uphold the Cameron tradition."

Rafe dissociates, and there is a tremor in his breath as it takes on a new pattern while his hearing begins to numb.

His extremities are being counted as he rises up suddenly, muffled sounds from other parts of the room audible to him.

As he approaches his father, his eyes widen, but when Ward places a hand on his shoulder, he is brought back to reality.

"You won't fail me, son, I know it," Ward gestures with his hand, trying to reassure him. "This island and its ports are a constitute built by her family, which makes her significant." He taps his son's shoulder, a conniving light spreading across his features.

In an attempt to vent his aggravation, Rafe starts raking his hands through his hair.

It was an understatement to say that he was perplexed.

Astonished reflections of allies and adversaries were identical.

Kiara lips part, unable to decide whether to taunt or sympathize.

"Dad, what are you talking about? Is the wine making your speech slurred? You can't be serious about this," Rafe says as he checks his glass.

Rafe's jaw twitches in response to Ward's chuckle.

"No, son. I swore an oath to them."

"Who?" Looking at the girls in the room, Rafe insists.

"Dad, I did not consent to this deception."

His son receives little of Ward's attention, as he motions her over.

"Come! Here she is, son."

Still attempting to make sense of his father's antics, Rafe doesn't turn around to look at the girl.

Rafe starts to become more tense as his tone rises and his pulse rate quickens.

"Dad, if you don't renounce what you said, I swear-

Rafe falls silent as he spots her.

Approbation formed in the glint of his orbs, the same that he so reflects upon his father. As soon as he set eyes on her, there was a tiny hint of intrigue.

The instant he pulled his hand away from his father, everything changed.

"Rafe," he straightens up reaching for her hand.

"Sofia."

~

"I find it inconceivable that Rafe was chosen for an arranged marriage. Even though I'm relieved I'm not the culprit. I never imagined I'd be hearing those words from my father." Sarah's voice was barely audible over the din of the room.

"She was gorgeous. I feel horrible for her, though, at least in that regard," JJ confesses.

With her head nodding in agreement, Kiara scans the room.

"We can only pray that she makes it out from the exploits of this debacle." Kiara's words dragging out slightly.

As each guest offers their congratulations, the newly discovered pair makes their way down the room.

The Pogues observe as Sofia and Rafe appear to be bonding already.

Kiara scoffs at the scene before her.

"My condolences, Sofia." Kiara mocks Rafe's dignity.

Ward catches Kiara's eye, and as if on cue, he ushers the two over to them.

"Kiara, I'm pleased to have chosen you to serve as Sofia's mentor. Sofia and yourself share the culture of coming from different sides of the island, as you are aware. Because of this, your parents and I have decided that you guide Sofia as she enters this new phase of her life and introducing her gradually to life on Figure 8."

"Sarah..." Kiara and Rafe sputter in unison.

Their eyes glowering for the upper hand. With the two, the severity of a challenge is already at bay.

"The best choice is Sarah, dad," Rafe tries to rid of her presence.

"Yes, Sarah would be able to manage your son." Kiara proposes attempting to hang onto what little ground she had left.

Ward shoos both proposals and turns to Kiara.

"Everything is set up. You will move into our home on Monday until the marriage ceremony is decided."

"And if I refuse?" Kiara doesn't back down.

"We will cut you off." Anna Carrera chimes in.

As the scene was playing out in front of her, Kiara's eyes narrow and her tongue pokes into the side of her cheek.

"Sounds like a death wish," There was nowhere to run, and Kiara knew it.

"Little Carrera catches on quick." His piercing gaze entice her brown ones as he sips from the gold-plated chalice.

Rafe raises his glass in the air, "A show for all!" a mockery of her lack of autonomy.

~