umspect talks with Elan. Together, we were gradually gaining our footing as we navigated this unanticipat

zz on my phone from Elan saying, "My mother and grandmother want to

taking such a big move so soon. I gave a brief, "Okay, see you then," in response,

ed a modestly styled, sophisticated navy blue dress that covered my tiny bump without drawing attention to

attired in a fitted suit. His eyes became a little bigger as he took me in

ush started to appear on my

stately estate outside of town. "I should warn you, my mother and grandmother can be... intense," he rem

my tummy by nodding. It's alright.

didn't give me much choice," but he left the car and

hed the house. Before we could even knock, the door flung open, showing

There you are!" before turning to face me.

bby, I was taken aback

styled. She said, "Elan, darling," in a kind but fir

this is Eleanor, my grandma, and this is Viv

, and Vivian smiled at me. I tried to keep my voice

remarked, interlacing her arm with mine. "Com

pposite from us, looking uncomfortable, and I found mys

n said, her eyes glimmering with anticipa

htly, so I inhaled deeply and told them a trimmed-down version o

d Vivian. "It's like so

usual playbook," she remarked, glaring at her gran

space. I fidgeted at the train o

need to tell you." His gaze momentarily locked with mine as he

hed with my breath held, taking in the news. Then,

t a cry and grabbed me tight

she said, her eyes shining. "How wonderful. It's pas

sponse. I had not anticipated this a

his?" he asked, His brow

're not growing any younger, my dear. It's ti

Your father would be so pleased." "He alwa

trained, "This isn't exactly a

kled as she turned to face me. "You really have to come and stay with us, Jade, my de

, I stumbled, "Oh, I...

The east wing will be ready for you.

ly sprang to his feet." You can't jus

r, why not? Who better to give Jade

e, and stopped. "It's not easy. Jade and

in my chest. Were we really only

for Jade to remain here. Without the distractions of the

lan replied, his voice tense with annoyance. She c

my future as if I wasn't even there. "Um, perhaps we

, my dear. We do not intend to overburden yo

of well-mannered dialogue and insightful inquiries.

d then Elan started talking. With a hushed voice, he

st the fading light. "I answered gently, 'They a

an well. This isn't a story from a fairy tale in which e

. "What is it then, Elan?" I couldn't contain

" he eventually said. "Jade, I'm trying. I am, truly. All of thi

window. I mutely answered, "I understand," despite the part of me that wanted

my family can be difficult to manage. However, they are concerned. Furthermo

ng. I answered, "I can wait patiently." "But Elan, whether we're read

aid, "Well, little one, it appears we have a pretty interesting fami

warmth, but their excitement had just brought out the ambiguity in my relationship with Elan. I couldn't help but think as I was getting

knew one thing for certain I was certain of one thing: with or without Elan's full cooperation,