After the introductions were done, we settled into our seats and eagerly dug into a scrumptious feast laid out before us. Cold cuts, sandwiches, scrambled eggs, fruit juices, coffee and tea, buttered scones, muffins, and toasts adorned the table. I savored each bite in silence, occasionally exchanging words with Kenny, while Jasper caught up with his cousins. They regaled each other with stories of their adventures while they were away, and I listened with a warm sense of belonging.As I looked around the room, I realized that these people had become my makeshift family for the year. I was determined to cherish every moment without worrying about the inevitable end. After our meal, the men excused themselves for a smoke, while I stayed inside with the women. Kenny stayed back with me, making me feel at ease and right at home.All eyes eagerly fixated on Cassandra as Josephine posed the question, "Cassandra, have you and Jasper set a wedding date yet?" A surge of panic surged through he

"Welcome to the family, Cassandra," my mother announced with a warm smile, leading the way. "Now let's go; everyone is waiting for dinner."The meal was a quiet affair, with everyone enjoying the delicious food and lost in their own thoughts. But after dinner, my cousins gathered around Cassandra, eager to get to know her. They bombarded her with questions about everything and anything, and I couldn't help but feel proud of how patient and warm Cassandra was in answering them. She had a way of winning over even the most reserved of souls.Lost in my own thoughts, I suddenly felt my phone vibrate. Julie's name flashed across the screen, and my heart skipped a beat with anticipation. What could she possibly want from me now, after all this time? I couldn't help but wonder as I looked at the screen, deep in thought.With a sense of anticipation coursing through my veins, I fumbled with my phone, my fingers betraying my excitement. I stole a quick glance around the room, noting that everyo

Jasper interrupted our conversation with an unexpected announcement that his father wanted to throw a celebration in honor of our engagement. I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow skeptically and ask, "Why? What's the occasion?""Obviously, to celebrate our engagement," Jasper responded with a hint of annoyance.I let out a sigh, dreading the idea of another event to attend. However, Kenny seemed excited and was already making plans for shopping and dressing up for the masked ball. Despite my discomfort with the idea of being treated like a toy, I kept my concerns to myself as Jasper's mother entered the room."Jasper," I spoke gently, "I understand that you have strong feelings for Julie, but have you considered the potential consequences of inviting her to the party? Your parents are already opposed to her, and it could create tension and drama."I nodded understandingly, my heart going out to Jasper. "I empathize with you. Just promise me that you'll take some more time to reflect on

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 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