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

a beautiful spot by the lake earlier. How about we

of, so I'll

go with

to take it. In the end, only Esther volunteered

absentmindedly kicked stones

older sister, moved beside her and held her hand.

been happy after getting married, always living with worry. Her parents had been respectful but distant, which made e her fear that marriage would extinguish

deep down,

afraid of marriage.

be as joyful and

feel like people

married," Esther

got married, my dad changed a lot. My

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255