Your Guise Is Slipping, Miss Pearl

Pearl and Richard returned to find James had already set up a frame and started a fire with the wood they had gathered.

"Where have you guys been? Why are you back so late?" Esther hurried over, concerned that something had happened to them. After seeing that everything was fine, she sighed in relief. "Next time, don't go so far to pick up firewood. We have enough wood here."

Pearl nodded and smiled. "Got it."

They all sat around the fire, chatting and eating as it burned brightly.

Richard raised a can of beer to James and asked, "So, when are you two planning to tie the knot?"

Esther blushed. "Marriage is a little too soon for us. We're not in a hurry. I'm focused on my career, and James just recently started his law firm..."

"I didn't say it's too soon," James interjected, his tone cool.

"At twenty-two, it feels quite early," Esther admitted, a little afraid of marriage. "Besides, I'm not ready yet."

the time you need," James assured her,

beautiful spot by the lake earlier. How about we all head there later to

to take care of, so I'll pass for now," James replied, his tone slightly

wanted to go with

a work call he couldn't avoid, so he had to step aside to take it. In the end, only Esther volunteered to join her

Esther absentmindedly kicked stones into

her and held her hand. "Can you tell me why you're hesitant about marriage?" Esther remained silent

getting married, always living with worry. Her parents had been respectful but distant, which made e her

So deep down,

afraid of marriage.

marriage could be as joyful and fulfilling as

like

married," Esther struggled

parents got married, my dad changed a lot. My mom used