Deep in thought, Kenny pondered, "I'm thinking Jasper was just joking around. You know, you look quite cute when you're annoyed." I glared at him, causing him to hastily raise his hands in surrender. "Just a guess!" he protested."In any case, your aunt suggested that we leave before them. Jasper and she can join us later," I responded, nodding in agreement. I quickly put on my shoes and hurried upstairs to grab my bag. On my way out, I bumped into Jasper, who was just exiting his room. I updated him on our plans for the day, and he promised to catch up with us later.As I walked outside, I spotted Kenny lounging in the back of a luxury car with a chauffeur at the wheel. It all felt surreal to me.Our first destination was to find a gown for me, and I have to admit, it was quite exhausting trying on so many dresses. Kenny, in particular, was very particular about finding the perfect one, which added to my weariness.But then, we stepped into a boutique and laid our eyes on a breathtaki
As we arrived at the reception, Kenny emerged with a radiant glow, looking revitalized and refreshed from his treatment. Despite my attempts to pay for both of our treatments, Kenny adamantly refused, insisting that it was his gift to me. Still basking in a state of serene bliss, we began our journey back home.All of a sudden, Kenny let out a piercing scream, catching me off guard and causing me to jump. "Turn back!" he urgently exclaimed. Perplexed, I inquired about what was wrong. "I forgot to pick up the masks! How can we have a masquerade without masks?" he exclaimed with clear panic in his voice.I let out a relieved sigh and gently closed the door. As I turned around, I saw Kenny grinning mischievously at me. I playfully slapped my hand to my forehead and scolded him for frightening me earlier."What? I just averted a major disaster," he said, defending himself with a confident smirk.Thankfully, we didn't have to search for masks for too long. Kenny was determined to find the p
As I expressed my heartfelt appreciation to Olivia for her exceptional work, I swiftly put on my shoes, just as Mrs. Benson knocked on the door and walked in. Her face lit up with admiration as she exclaimed, "Cassandra, you look like a princess!" Despite feeling a little bashful, I thanked her for her kind compliment.Olivia quietly departed from the room, and Mrs. Benson approached me with a small wrapped package. "It's a present from Jasper's father and me," she announced. I objected, "But Mrs. Benson, you've already given me a gift!" Her response was swift, "Nonsense, that was only an heirloom!"As I opened the box, I couldn't help but gasp in amazement at the sight of the exquisite teardrop earrings and pendant, which were nestled in soft tissue. The stunning sapphire stone was encrusted with tiny diamonds, leaving me absolutely spellbound by its magnificence.With a warm smile, she explained that my engagement ring had inspired them to find the perfect match. Overwhelmed with gra
As I gazed into her eyes, my heart surged with a torrent of emotions. "I've always believed that we were meant to be together," I finally confessed.A sad smile graced her lips as she replied, "Me too. But you're set to marry Cassandra in just a month."A knot twisted in my stomach, and I struggled to understand her point. "What's wrong with that?" I asked, my confusion evident.Julie let out a bitter laugh, gesturing between us as we danced. "Jasper, you can't go through with it.""Why not?" I demanded, feeling lost."Look at us," she said, sweeping her hand towards our embrace. "You're supposed to be marrying Cassandra in a month, and yet you're holding me in your arms."Her words struck me like a heavy blow, and I abruptly pulled away from her. Without a word, I turned and walked away, my thoughts swirling in chaos."Wait, Jasper," Julie called out to me, her voice filled with desperation.I turned around, my expression unfriendly. "What?" I snarled."We can still make this work, Ja
I looked up at him, my heart pounding with panic. How could he have found out? Did Jasper betray me? No, that couldn't be possible. He would have given me a heads-up, wouldn't he?"What the hell is happening?" a voice growled nearby, interrupting my thoughts. I turned to see Jasper, standing there with a furious expression."Where were you?" I asked, staring at him in confusion. He had disappeared during our engagement party, and now he was livid with us?Jasper stormed over to us, whispering angrily, "Do you even realize how you two appear from a distance?"I glanced down and realized that Alex's hand was still gripping my arm tightly, and we were standing uncomfortably close to each other. He let go of me suddenly and spoke up, "My apologies, Jasper. She tripped and I caught her in time."I was taken aback by how effortlessly Alex lied. Jasper scoffed and replied, "Yeah, right!"Alex lowered his voice and continued, "Well, alright then. I was just telling Cassandra that I'm aware of
"Please, come in," I gestured, intrigued to see who was at my door. Alex strolled in, a warm grin spreading across his face as he leaned against the doorframe, taking in my natural appearance."Well, well, well, look at you! You're just as stunning without makeup," he complimented, making my cheeks flush with embarrassment.Alex settled down next to me, his expression turning serious as he asked about my mother's health. "Kenny told me about your mom. I'm so sorry, Cassandra."I nodded gratefully, touched by his empathy. "If it ever becomes too much, don't hesitate to reach out to me. I'll be there for you," Alex offered, his smile filled with unspoken compassion. In that moment, I realized that Alex was truly kind-hearted, a friend whom I cherished.A daring thought emerged within me, suggesting that our relationship could potentially blossom into something more intimate. But I quickly quashed it, not wanting to entertain such notions. However, overcome by a sudden impulse, I reached
"Why would he?" A nagging voice in my mind incessantly questioned, as if taunting me. I longed to silence it once and for all, as it gnawed at my peace of mind. My appetite had vanished, and in my growing unease, I decided to reach out to Cassandra for answers. However, to my astonishment, my call was disconnected abruptly. Why would she do that?My concern heightened as I wondered what could have kept them so preoccupied. I dialed Alex's number in a desperate attempt to get in touch, but there was no response. It had been over half an hour since they had left for the Lake, and they hadn't returned yet. Worrisome thoughts raced through my head, and I felt a sense of urgency to investigate. What if they were in danger? I chided my inner voice for its paranoid speculations.Without a moment's hesitation, I rushed to my car and sped towards their last known location. Disregarding the speed limit, I drove recklessly, consumed by worry, until I reached the familiar clearing. As I hastily ma
A lump began to form in my throat as she spoke the truth. I had been so focused on my own happiness that I had failed to realize the harm and turmoil that my actions had caused. I tried to reassure her, promising to take the blame for everything and to prevent any further hurt to her.As I reached out to ruffle her hair, I made a silent promise to myself. I would do whatever it took to make things right. Not only for Cassandra and her "Mom" but also for my own family. It was time to stop taking everything for granted and start appreciating the gifts that life had given me.Cassandra leaned back in her seat, giving me a smile before drifting off to sleep. While I drove, I couldn't help but steal glances at her, admiring her even as she slept. A strand of hair fell across her face, causing her to furrow her brow. With a gentle touch, I tucked it behind her ear, causing her face to relax into a smile that could melt anyone's heart, including mine. It was then that I realized that she had