As I released a sigh, I began to explain the contents of the papers spread out before me. "This is everything I know about my new client," I said.My father had called earlier that day, urging me to take on this project. I knew I couldn't continue to spend my time partying and wasting away, so I had accepted the task of designing a new mall."Well, that's quite exciting!" she exclaimed. "No wonder you seem so upbeat this morning."I chuckled in response. "I'm always in good spirits," I replied."Ah, there's the sulky you," she teased, jokingly.I rolled my eyes and retreated to my room to change my clothes. Upon my return, I discovered her on the phone, animatedly conversing with someone. "Jane, you absolutely have to meet him! He's absolutely charming!" she gushed.As I was putting on my shoes, I became intrigued by Cassandra's conversation and attempted to eavesdrop. She expressed disappointment but also insisted on meeting the person soon. Her voice took on a melancholic tone as she
As Alex and I conversed, I nodded in agreement while taking in his appearance. His jeans and white shirt, coupled with his trademark messy hair and Ray-Ban aviators, made him look particularly good.Interrupting my thoughts, Alex addressed me, "Cassandra?"I turned to him, feeling my face flush with embarrassment. "Yes?""Take a picture, it lasts longer!" he quipped, causing me to look away, feeling flustered.Shortly thereafter, we arrived at the nursing home, and I stepped out while Alex went to park the car. Once inside, I asked to speak with the matron and exchanged pleasantries with her."How is my mom doing?" I inquired, hopeful for some positive news.Her response was, "She's doing fine."However, I wanted to know if she had been coherent lately, so I pressed further, "Has she been lucid at all?"The matron replied, "Cassandra, I would have contacted you if she had been." Although I appreciated the thought, I was still curious and requested more information. "What has she been d
"Let's wrap up our lunch and head out," said Alex with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I'm taking you to the mall and getting you a new jacket.""Absolutely not," I objected."Oh yes," he insisted. "Cassandra, we're going to the mall, and you're getting a jacket. No more discussion." And without further ado, we made our way to the mall nearby.I felt a little disheartened, annoyed by my two cousins who always seemed to get their way. Their relentless pursuit of their desires was getting on my nerves."You know, you look adorable when you pout," remarked Alex, to which I vehemently denied, but I couldn't help but crack a slight smile.I proposed that we fetch my old jacket instead of purchasing a new one in an effort to shift the conversation, but Alex was adamant about finding the ideal jacket and annoying Jasper.Their juvenile behavior caused me to roll my eyes, yet I couldn't help but feel pleased by Alex's eagerness.While browsing through United Colors of Beneficta, I had diffic
With adoration in his eyes, Alex begged, "Please marry me!"I chuckled at his playful proposal and retorted, "Seems like I'm going to get a lot of those, huh?"Once we purchased all the necessary ingredients, we returned home. Upon entering the living room, I removed my shoes and placed them on the rack, a habit that Alex also shared.Although I tried to suppress it, I groaned inwardly as Alex imitated my actions. He reminded me so much of my ex-boyfriend, Brian, yet he was still so different. After placing the ice cream in the freezer, Alex quietly positioned his shoes on the rack."Shall we get started?" I asked, eager to begin cooking.Alex responded with enthusiasm, "I'm excited to help! And maybe we'll make Jasper a little jealous when he sees us in action."I let out a sigh and rubbed my temples, anticipating the potential drama that Alex's remark could bring."Let's just focus on having a good time in the kitchen," I suggested, hoping to steer the conversation away from any pote
"How are you?" I inquired, hoping to start a conversation."I'm not doing well, to be honest," she responded, her voice low."I'm sorry to hear that. What's going on?""I just ended things with Nick," she confided."Oh no, I'm sorry. What happened?" I inquired, concerned."I finally had enough of his infidelity," she admitted.I was taken aback. Was she really going to preach about cheating? However, I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt and hoped this was a sign that she was making better decisions."Jasper, may I ask you something personal? Are you still planning on marrying Cassandra?" she asked."I would love to discuss it over lunch tomorrow. I have a lot to explain," I replied."Would you like to have dinner tonight instead?" I asked, considering the opportunity to introduce Cassandra to my acquaintance and reconcile any misunderstandings."Sure, that sounds like a good idea. Should I come to your place at 8?" she responded."Absolutely. See you then," I replied, feeling a
Suddenly, Alex's demeanor changed, and he became alert and playful. With a sly look in his eyes, he called out to me, "Cassandra, come here!"I was curious about what he wanted, so I approached him and asked, "What's going on?"Without giving me any details, Alex commanded, "Don't ask questions, just come over here!"I walked up to him, and he was perched on the kitchen counter. I placed my hands on my hips and inquired with a hint of humor, "What's the matter?"He held out his finger, covered in chocolate, and instructed, "Taste this."At first, I hesitated, feeling uneasy about what he was asking me to do. "This feels so wrong in many ways," I murmured, expressing my apprehension.Alex rolled his eyes and urged me on, saying, "Come on, do it quickly!"I reached for the bowl of chocolate, intending to taste it myself rather than having to lick it off Alex's finger. But before I could indulge, Alex quickly snatched my hand and licked my finger instead. I tried to pull away, but he hel
"I understand your perspective," Julie said, her tone laced with condescension, "but sometimes we must make tough choices for the greater good. I'm not imposing my will on anyone; I'm just searching for a solution that benefits everyone."I couldn't help but roll my eyes. "That's utter nonsense, Julie. You're just attempting to manipulate everyone into doing what suits you. You don't care about anyone's emotions or opinions, as long as you get what you desire."Julie's grin wavered for a moment, and I experienced a brief sense of satisfaction. Perhaps I had finally made an impact on her. But then she regained her composure and resumed speaking, her words now dripping with venom.If my suggestions don't meet your expectations, perhaps you can propose a better one instead of merely criticizing. It would be more beneficial for everyone if we could work towards a solution together, instead of arguing and pointing fingers.As I approached her, I could feel my frustration building up inside.
As I halted the car, I pivoted towards Cassandra and spoke up. "Cassandra, you possess some of the most mesmerizing qualities I have ever seen. Your beauty, intelligence, and sense of humor are unparalleled, and your culinary skills are simply incredible. Anyone would be lucky to have you in their life."But Cassandra appeared dubious. "Jasper doesn't seem to think so.""He's just being a jerk," I soothed her. "I'm positive he'll come around soon enough."She expressed her anxiety, "What if he never shows up? What if it's too late?"I attempted to sound confident, "That's not going to happen." Her countenance illuminated, and she faced me. "Could you drop me off at Jane's? I don't want to be alone right now."""I think we should give her a call first," I suggested."Sure, that's a good idea," she agreed, and reached for her phone to dial her friend's number as I got behind the wheel.Her friend's voice crackled through the speaker when she picked up the phone. Cassandra launched into a