“How have things been going? Have you… captured Jennifer’s heart yet?”


    She continued with an invitation, “When do you n to bring Jennifer to Stastle? As the head of our family, I’d love to host a dinner for you two!”


    Her next message touched on a more personal note.


    “I’m considering a paternity test and would feel more at ease with you personally overseeing the process.


    If you’re avable, could you assist me with this matter?”


    She added, encouragingly, “And if you can, bring Jennifer along! I feel I’ve yed a part in youring together.


    ”


    With that, she ended her message with a yful emoji.


    Hilliard couldn’t help but smile warmly at his phone, a rare softness recing his usual reserve.


    Catching him smiling, Jennifer inquired, “Can I ask what’s making you so joyful?”


    Regaining hisposure, Hilliard responded, “Are you asking as my fiancée?”


    His reference to their engagement had be increasingly fluent, as if affirming his role and rights as her fiancé.


    Embracing the term, Jennifer affirmed, “Yes, I’m asking in my capacity as your fiancée.


    ”


    For the first time, Jennifer openly acknowledged their engagement, bringing evident joy to Hilliard.


    He shared the contents of Lucinda’s messages without hesitation.


    “It’s from Lucinda.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    She’s asking for my return to Stastle to assist her,” he exined.


    Jennifer, processing this, felt a twinge of unease.


    Hilliard’s pursuit of her had only been a


    month-long venture, and now he was contemting a return to Stastle?


    Mixed emotions clouded her thoughts, yet she couldn’t pinpoint what she felt exactly.


    After a moment, she ventured, “When do you n to leave? And… will you be returning to Forden?”


    Hilliard approached, showing her Lucinda’s messages on his phone, revealing an invitation for Jennifer to join him.


    “She hopes you, her future sister-inw, wille with me.


    She’s inviting us to dinner.


    ”


    Jennifer, pointing to herself in disbelief, questioned, “I’m to go to Stastle with you?”


    She quickly read through Lucinda’s messages, surprised by her weing stance.


    Jennifer had assumed that Hilliard’s family, given their stature, would have stringent criteria for their members’ partners, perhaps viewing her family’s modest background as insufficient.


    The idea that Lucinda was epting her was both unexpected and heartening.


    “Jennifer, will youe with me? Consider it a vacation and take some time off,” Hilliard suggested.


    Despite her happiness, Jennifer hesitated.


    “You promised to pursue me for a year.


    If I visit Stastle with you and meet your family, wouldn’t that imply I ept the engagement?”


    Hilliard’s response was earnest.


    “The dinner is just a casual gathering.


    It signifies nothing more.


    Our family isn’t bound by old traditions.


    Especially with Lucinda leading, her approach is quite progressive.


    Your presence won’t change mymitment to winning your heart.


    ”