Unconditional Romance

et's

The luminosity was so intense that it induced a sharp, throbbing pain in my forehead and the sides of my head, creating a barrier

ggling against the luminous assault. Gradually, through sheer determination, I managed to pry my eyelid

ike a torrent-conversations with Nancy, meticulously laid plans, a night of revelry with my sisters, the rhythmic cadence of dancing, the indulgence in excess libations, chance encounters with intriguing individua

I was met with the stark evidence of the night's revelry-my makeup was in disarray, and my hair bore a striking resemblance to a bird's nest. Armed

d hair cascading freely. However, the relentless headache persisted, unabated and perhaps exacer

tual of preparing a kettle for a much-needed infusion of black gold. Inquisitive about the aftermath of my revelry, Nancy p

de. As I sipped my revitalizing coffee, I couldn't help but confess the weight of guilt that rested upon my shoulders for the events

sation, the lingering tendrils of my headache began to loosen their grip. Over a delectable spread of pancakes, we traversed diverse topics-ranging from fashion to a

how, the doorbell rang, interrupting us. An eager maid opened the door, and my elder sister ent

eted, nonchalantly discarding h

erfect unison, a synchronous

eating you, Rose?" she inquired, seam

ings, but generally speaking, I'm doi

o Susan, Nancy probed,

f pink coloring her cheeks as s

gagement and Matthew to Mom and Dad yet

I plan to very so

id-sentence. Glancing at my sisters, I shared a silent exchange of questioning looks. Taking charge, I

a warm bear hug from our unexpected guest. Observing my brother outside, playfully rolling his e

ced her hands firmly on my shoulders and beamed,

" I replied, recipr

nd married to his work," she quipped, her eyes

thew stood in shock beside Susan, I sensed an undercurrent of tension. Signaling Nancy to dive

ted, demanding, "Is this true, Juliet?" My response was a sil

hundered, sending s

it's true," Susan interjected, frus

ought clarification, "Can some

ut a stern Matthew, filled with disbelief, cut i

exclaimed, exasperat

?" Loveth implored,

him to instruct Susan to inform Sebastian about impending discussions with the

e gathering in

Matthew e

fering my congratulations,"

him?" Matthew direct

her. You can't fault us for lending a

as followed by his attention

all Sebastian and instruct him to talk to our paren

eassured. Yet, an unsettling feeling lingered, hin