Phoenix's mother looked at Phoenix with a helpless expression . " Phoenix , I promise his character is impeccable . Just meet him once , okay ? If you don't like him , I'll find a way to call it off . " Phoenix never expected that the first problem she'd face after returning home would be an arranged marriage from her childhood . Years ago , Phoenix's mother and her best friend were both pregnant at the same time . They agreed that if they had a boy and a girl , they'd arrange a marriage . If it were two boys or two girls , they would simply grow up as close siblings . When they discovered they had a boy and a girl , they were overjoyed , dreaming of becoming in - laws someday . But not long after , Phoenix was kidnapped , and the arrangement was naturally set aside . Just days ago , Phoenix's mother , after confirming Phoenix was still single , brought up the old agreement with her best friend . Coincidentally , the son of her best friend was also single , so the two mothers eagerly decided to reconnect the childhood match , hoping they'd hit it off . After experiencing a painful five - year relationship , Phoenix was scarred and hesitant about love . She wasn't ready for a new relationship . However , she didn't want to tell her mother about her past and make her worry . Reluctantly , she agreed to meet him , thinking she could tell the boy the truth . At most , they could stay friends . Seeing her agree , Phoenix's mother immediately lit up with excitement , rushing to set a time . Perhaps fearing any delays , the two mothers decided on that very afternoon , arranging a dinner at the Ambrose family's villa . That afternoon , Phoenix's mother even summoned a stylist to do Phoenix's hair and makeup , brimming with anticipation . Phoenix had no choice but to let her mother fuss over her . But when she finally met her fiancé , Phoenix was stunned - it was someone she already knew . " It's you ?! " " It's you ?! " Both spoke in unison . Phoenix stared in surprise at Vincent Gray , standing before her . Vincent was equally shocked to see her . Phoenix's mother and Vincent's mother exchanged amused glances , their eyes gleaming with a knowing smile . They quickly made up an excuse to leave , giving the two some privacy . The vast garden suddenly felt empty and quiet , leaving just the two of them in an awkward silence . Vincent was the first to speak up . " Aria , I didn't expect that it would be you . " Vincent had attended university in their home country , and they had been in the same major . Phoenix nodded slightly . With the close relationship between their mothers , Vincent must have already known about her return . There was no Unlocked Chapter 19 need for her to elaborate . +305 Colna Vincent hesitated before speaking again . ' Aria , I remember ... your sensory abilities ... " Instinctively , Phoenix brushed the back of her neck . She had never told her parents about her weak sensory abilities , not wanting them to know how unhappy her childhood had been . It would only deepen their guilt . So , she told Vincent about her failed five - year relationship with Kane and how her sensory abilities had awakened . Finally , she added , " Vincent , I'd like to ask you to keep this a secret . I don't want my parents to worry. " Vincent pretended to consider it , then spoke with a teasing tone . " I can , but on one condition . " Phoenix was taken aback . Though she hadn't interacted much with Vincent , she remembered him as a gentle and easygoing person . Still , since she was asking for his help , it was only fair to offer something in return . 世 " What condition ? " Vincent smiled and winked playfully . " Can I call you Phoenix instead of Aria ? " Phoenix hadn't expected such a simple condition . Since changing her name , everyone had been calling her Phoenix , and somehow , hearing him say it felt ... nice . " Of course , Vincent . " Thinking about the arranged marriage , Phoenix's expression grew conflicted . After an internal struggle , she mustered the courage to speak . " Vincent , as you've probably guessed , I'm still recovering from a failed relationship . I don't plan to start a new one anytime soon . About the arranged marriage ... " She had worried that , as an omega , bringing up this topic might hurt Vincent's pride . However , his expression remained calm . " It's fine , " he said . " I'll explain to my mom . Honestly , on my way here , I was trying to figure out how to break it off without affecting the friendship between our families . I didn't expect you to be my fiancée . I think even if we call off the engagement , we'll still be friends , right ? " Relieved by his response , Phoenix breathed a sigh of relief and smiled . " Of course . " Perhaps because they had studied at the same university and shared memories , Phoenix felt a sense of familiarity and comfort with Vincent . As someone still adjusting to life in England , having him around brought a rare sense of ease . The two soon discovered they shared many common interests and quickly grew close , often meeting up to hang out . Chapter 19 +305 Coins One day , after feeding seagulls by the beach , Vincent drove her home . They stood at her doorstep , excitedly recounting the day's funny moments . They lost track of time until a familiar voice called out from behind her . " Little wolf . "