Chapter 73

Cassandra's POV:

As I opened my eyes, I felt a familiar weight resting across my waist, and a smile spread across my face at the sight of Jasper. He was snoring loudly, but he looked so peaceful and serene that I didn't want to disturb him. After lying there for some time, I heard Mrs. Madison tinkering around in the kitchen and decided to slip out of the room. I carefully pried Jasper's arm off me and got up, making my way to the kitchen to greet her. "Good morning!" I exclaimed cheerfully, causing her to drop the pan she was holding in fright. "Oh, Miss Cassandra, you scared me!" she exclaimed.

Feeling sheepish, I apologized for startling her. Mrs. Madison then asked me where I had been for the past two days, and I explained that I had been at my home. She hesitated for a moment before sharing her concern for Jasper, whom she considered as her own son. "Well, I don't know if it's my place to say this or not, but Mr. Jasper is like a son to me, and I am worried about him," she confide