Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

"My son has his eyes on Lauren. For that, he's argued with me many times. He even swears that he won't marry anyone else except for Lauren. He wants to make her his woman no matter what it takes." Letting out a soft sigh, Lauren added, "Cyrus takes after his dad in his stubbornness. Since he's my only son now, whatever he wants, I'll make it happen at any cost.
"So, Mayor Hodgson, do you think you could show some grace and kindness? Can you give Cyrus and Lauren your blessing?"
Mayor Hodgson's jaw fell. He was confounded by Mandy's proposal, which was no different than daylight robbery.
"A-Are you kidding me? The news of the marriage has spread through Solana City. We've started ironing out the details. Ms. Lauren is our family now. Why would you meddle in their marriage at this time?"
Mandy lowered her gaze as she blew away the loose leaf on the surface of the tea. Looking nonchalant, she quipped, "But they aren't engaged yet, are they? You aren't hosting a grand ceremony for them anyway. Even if they are engaged, they aren't legally married as long as they haven't registered their marriage. Cyrus would still stand a chance.
"To be honest with you, Winston approves of Lauren as well. He would have been the one talking to you if he were in Solana City."
"No! This won't do!" Orlander tried to hold his temper. Cheeks flushed, he growled, "If I call off the engagement, I will upset Mr. Javier and turn our family into a laughingstock!
"Mrs. Taylor, Freddy must marry Lauren. Too bad you are one step slower. Cyrus and Lauren are not meant to be."
Mandy remarked casually, "The upcoming election falls in spring next year."
Orlander's body jolted in shock when he heard the comment.
She continued. "Your approval rate has dipped another five percent. If the trend continues, your rival, Marco Santiago, will overtake you."
She gently placed the teacup on the table. "Let's strike a deal. If you agree to call off the engagement, the KS Group shall lend you our full support in next year's election.
"Otherwise, we have no choice but to support Mr. Santiago. If that happens, your victory might not be guaranteed."
The social dance carried on in the living room. Lauren hid in a corner, fiddling with her fingers nervously.
Lauren." Freddy's voice boomed, causing her heart to sink.
She clutched the hem of her dress and dodged his gaze. He extended a hand to her eye level. "May I invite you to a dance?"
Staring at his hand, she felt sick in the stomach and flinched. He looked upset at her overt display of aversion.
At that moment, a slender arm reached out for Lauren. Cyrus' low and tender voice echoed in her ear, which soothed her.
He said to her, "Lauren, let's dance."
She looked up slowly into his twinkling eyes. In the next moment, she grabbed his hand as though clutching at straws and stood up.
Holding her small, slender hand that was as white as snow, Cyrus felt his heart racing wildly.
Meanwhile, Freddy wore a scowl as he watched the perfect couple stepping onto the dance floor under the stares of the guests.