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."
"Don't worry. I'll give you the time you need," James assured her, then dropped the subject.
Sensing the tension, Pearl suggested, "I noticed a beautiful spot by the lake earlier. How about we all head there later to enjoy the view?"
"I have some things to take care of, so I'll pass for now," James replied, his tone slightly distant.
Richard wanted to go with Pearl but
suddenly received 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 at the fake.
Sitting by the lake, Esther absentmindedly kicked stones into the water.
Sensing Esther's concerns, Pearl, like a caring older sister, moved beside her and held her hand. "Can you tell me why you're hesitant about marriage?" Esther remained silent for a long time.
She felt that her mother hadn't 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 the spark in her
relationship. So deep down, she was
afraid of marriage.
She hoped her future marriage could be as joyful and fulfilling as her current relationship.
"I feel like people change after
getting married," Esther struggled to
explain her thoughts. "After my parents got married, my dad changed a lot. My mom used to be
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so happy when they were dating, but
after they got married,
married everything
changed she had to be a good wife,
and everything she did was The
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restrained."
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"Well, dating offers more freedom since marriage comes with om responsibilities. Romance is
important, but so is reality." The
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the latest chapter there!
Esther looked down, remaining silent.
"Do you lack confidence in yourself, or is this about James?"
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Esther sighed. "I don't believe in
feelings. I think they change. The I content is on Novelxo.org! Read the latest chapter there!