Chapter 3

Harriet narrates that she and Wyn ended their engagement months ago, secretly agreeing to alternate group trips to spare their friends. She arrives expecting Wyn to skip, but Sabrina has surprised everyone by bringing him. To maintain appearances, Wyn greets Harriet with an intimate kiss, and the group assumes they are happily engaged.

Harriet reels, trying to confess, but Wyn redirects attention as Sabrina and Parth share serious news. Sabrina announces her father is selling the cottage next month, making this their final trip here. The revelation devastates the group, especially Harriet, who associates the house with formative memories and her history with Wyn.

Parth then pivots to good news: he and Sabrina are engaged. Despite Sabrina’s long-held aversion to marriage, she explains losing the cottage clarified her priorities and her desire for permanence with Parth. Harriet hides her missing ring to avoid exposing the breakup.

Finally, Parth and Sabrina reveal immediate plans: a small wedding on the dock this Saturday with just the six friends. The announcement elicits celebratory toasts, but Harriet and Wyn exchange pained looks, realizing they’re now trapped in close quarters and must keep pretending through the wedding week.