Elsie Pov

Lying in bed, I watched as the early morning sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm, golden glow across the room. The gentle chirping of birds outside filled the air, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. I stretched lazily, feeling the softness of the sheets against my skin, and then turned my head to the side, my eyes falling on the engagement ring that sparkled on my finger.

The tanzanite gemstone caught the light, reflecting it in a myriad of beautiful colors. I couldn't help but smile as I gazed at it, my heart swelling with happiness and love. Gently, I twisted the ring around my finger, marveling at how perfectly it fit, both in size and in significance. How did he know the size for the ring to fit me?

The imagination of the moment Y/n had slipped the ring onto my finger flooded my mind. I remembered the nervous excitement in his eyes, the slight tremble in his voice as he spoke, and the overwhelming joy I had felt when I realized what was happening. It had been a moment of pure, unadulterated bliss, one that I would treasure forever.

With a contented sigh, my thoughts drifted to the future. I could only imagine the life Y/n and I would build together, the adventures we would share, and the love that would continue to grow between us. The ring on my finger was more than just a piece of jewelry; it was a symbol of our commitment, a promise of a lifetime spent together.

The sound of the birds outside seemed to grow sweeter, as if they were singing a special song just for me. I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the warmth of the morning sun wash over me. I felt incredibly blessed, not just because of the ring, but because of the love and support that surrounded me. Y/n, Irene, and all our friends had become my family, and I knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, we would face them together.

Opening my eyes, I looked at the ring once more, a smile playing on my lips. I could hardly wait to see Y/n and tell him how much I love him, how happy he made me. Sitting up, I stretched my arms above my head, feeling a renewed sense of energy and purpose. Today was a new day, filled with endless possibilities, and I was ready to embrace it with an open heart. My gaze drifted to the side only now realizing the empty side. He was already up, probably doing what he had to.

With a final glance at the ring, I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stood up, ready to start my day. The birds continued to sing outside, their cheerful melodies echoing my own sense of joy and anticipation. I knew that whatever the future held, it would be filled with love, laughter, and the promise of a beautiful life together with Y/n.

I made my way to the dressing table, enjoying a rare moment of peace while I started to comb my hair slowly and carefully. Until the door to the room suddenly burst open, Juliet, Heine, and Lila came bustling in. Their eyes were alight with curiosity, and I could tell they had questions—lots of them.

Juliet was the first to speak, her voice a mix of excitement and impatience. "Elsie, we need details! You and Y/n are engaged, and we want to know everything!"

I blushed, feeling a bit overwhelmed by their enthusiasm. "Well, where do I start?"

"Start from the beginning!" Heine chimed in, practically bouncing with excitement. "How did he propose? What was it like?"

Taking a deep breath, I began to recount the proposal. "He proposed sort of. We were sleeping in the in which he sliped the ring onto my finger, but in the morning when I realized it I aske him to say it and he looked so nervous, while he uttered those words, I felt like my heart would burst with happiness."

Lila, who had been listening intently, leaned forward. "And your first kiss? What was that like?"

I couldn't help but smile at the memory, my finger traced my lower lip gently. "It was magical. We were on a mission, surrounded by walls in a cave and nothing more than the warm tender glow of the fire burning in the pit and the rain pouring. When he kissed me, it felt like the world stopped, and there was only us."

Juliet sighed dreamily. "That sounds so romantic. And... have you two, you know, done the deed?"

My face turned a deep shade of red. I hadn't expected such a direct question. "Well, yes," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "It was... it was amazing. I felt so close to him, like we were truly one."

Heine's eyes widened with curiosity. "How did it feel?"

I struggled to find the right words. "It was overwhelming in the best way. I felt loved, cherished, and completely connected to him. It was a mix of emotions—intense and beautiful." My heart pounded along at the memory. In our drunken state, him claiming me for himself.

Lila, sensing my embarrassment, asked a more gentle question. "What about the engagement? How did you feel when he proposed?"

I smiled, the memory warming my heart. "I was so surprised and happy. I could see the love in his eyes, and I knew in that moment that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. When he asked me, I felt like the luckiest girl in the world."

Juliet, Heine, and Lila exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of admiration and happiness for me. Juliet finally spoke, her voice soft. "We're so happy for you, Elsie. You and Y/n are perfect together."

I felt a rush of gratitude and love for my friends. "Thank you. Your support means everything to me."

The conversation continued, filled with laughter and more questions, but the initial flood of curiosity had subsided. As I sat there, surrounded by my friends, I felt a deep sense of contentment. Life was unpredictable, but with Y/n by my side and the unwavering support of those I cared about, I knew I could face anything.

Just when I thought the questions had settled, Lila's soft voice cut through the chatter.

"Elsie, are you thinking of having children with Y/n already?"

The question took me by surprise, and I felt my face heat up. Again her question about children. My mind raced, trying to find the right words. "Um, well... I mean, we haven't really talked about that in detail yet," I stammered, feeling flustered.

Juliet and Heine exchanged amused glances, and I knew they were waiting eagerly for my answer leaning forwards their eyes likes the ones of a puppy. I desperately searched for a way to shift the subject.

"Right now, we're just focusing on the engagement and planning the wedding that lays ahead," I said quickly, hoping to steer the conversation in a different direction. "There's so much to do and think about with that alone."

Lila nodded thoughtfully, but I could see the curiosity still lingering in her eyes. "I guess that makes sense. But you and Y/n seem so in love. I can already picture you both with a family." "She's too stern." Mentaly said to myself and cursed undeer my breath.

I smiled, trying to hide my nervousness. "Thank you, Lila. That means a lot. But let's talk about something else for now. Like, have you thought about what kind of dress you might want to wear for the wedding?"

Juliet jumped in, clearly sensing my discomfort. "Oh, yes! We need to find the perfect dress for you, Elsie. Something that will make you shine even more on your special day."

Heine nodded enthusiastically. "And we need to think about the decorations, the food, and the music. There's so much to plan!"

Relieved by the change in topic, I joined in the excited chatter about wedding details. As the conversation flowed, I couldn't help but feel grateful for my friends. They always knew how to support me, even when things got a little awkward.

I knew it was time for breakfast since my mother told me when the sun reaches atop the mountains we shall strenghen our bodies by endulging in the sweetness of pastries and tea. A forlorn chuckle escaped my lips. I stood up, feeling a slight tingle of anticipation. I smoothed out the wrinkles in my dress, glancing at my friends who were still animatedly discussing wedding plans. Completely ignoring me as if I was just their puppet to their fun. With a smile, I excused myself. "I'm going to the garden to join the others for breakfast."

Stepping out into the hallway, I felt the coolness of the stone floor beneath my feet, a gentle contrast to the warmth of the sunlight pouring in from the windows. The mansion was quiet in the early morning, the only sound the soft rustle of leaves from the garden just beyond. I made my way towards the open doors, feeling the anticipation build within me.

The garden was bathed in the soft glow of the morning sun. Dew-kissed flowers glistened, and the sweet scent of blooming roses filled the air. Birds chirped melodiously, creating a symphony that perfectly complemented the tranquil beauty of the garden. As I walked down the cobblestone path, I spotted the breakfast table set up under a canopy of climbing vines, their delicate flowers providing a natural, fragrant shade.

I stopped in my tracks just atop the stairs leading to the garden. My heart pounding and hand clenching near my heart. Why do I always feel so nervous right before meeting him and once I share my first word, all that tension dissipades and I'm at ease.

And there, at the table, was Y/n. He was seated with his back to the garden, but as if sensing my presence, he turned and our eyes met. A warm smile spread across his face, and my heart fluttered in response. I walked over to him, feeling a mixture of happiness and a hint of nervousness.

As I approached, Y/n stood up, his eyes never leaving mine. He reached out and took my hand gently, his touch sending a pleasant shiver up my spine. "Good morning, Elsie," he said softly, his voice filled with warmth and affection.

"Good morning," I replied, my voice almost a whisper.

He guided me to the seat next to him, his hand never letting go of mine. As I sat down, he leaned in slightly, his fingers gently tracing along one of my bangs that had fallen out of place. The simple gesture was filled with tenderness, and I felt my cheeks heat up in response. His touch was light, but it conveyed so much—his care, his love, his promise to always be there. His hand rested for a moment on my cheek, his eyes seemed to be fixed on me, traling down to my lips I noticed him swallowing.

"Did you sleep well?" he asked, his eyes searching mine again.

I nodded, feeling the warmth of his gaze. "Yes, I did. And you?"

"Better now that you're here," he replied with a soft smile.

I noticed Irene approaching the table. She looked unusually pleased, her expression a mix of satisfaction and pride. She glanced at Y/n before reaching for a cream pastry, her eyes twinkling with a secret knowledge.

"Good morning, everyone," Irene greeted, her voice warm and cheerful. She took a delicate bite of the pastry, savoring it for a moment before speaking again. "I must say, these pastries are absolutely delicious. Y/n, you did an excellent job making them."

I turned to Y/n, my eyes wide with surprise and a hint of confusion. "You made these?"

Y/n's cheeks flushed slightly, and he smiled modestly. "Yes, I did. I wanted to try my hand at baking, and I thought it would be a nice surprise for everyone."

Irene nodded approvingly, her gaze shifting between Y/n and me. "You certainly succeeded. Elsie, you're very lucky. Not only will you not have to worry about eating well, but you might have to keep an eye on your weight with such delicious treats around."

Startled, I felt a mix of emotions swirling inside me—surprise, pride, and a touch of embarrassment. I hadn't expected Y/n to be so skilled in the kitchen, and the idea that he had gone to such lengths to make something special for us filled me with warmth. "Y/n, these are amazing," I said, my voice soft with admiration. "I had no idea you could bake."

Y/n shrugged, still looking a bit bashful. "I wanted to do something nice for everyone. I'm glad you like them."

Irene chuckled, clearly enjoying the moment. "He's full of surprises, isn't he? Just wait until you see what else he's capable of." She winked.

I couldn't help but smile at Irene's words, feeling a deep sense of gratitude and love for Y/n. As I took a bite of the pastry, the rich, creamy flavor melting in my mouth, I realized just how much effort he had put into this simple act of kindness. It was just another reason to love him even more.

The conversation around the table continued, filled with laughter and lighthearted teasing, but my mind kept drifting back to Y/n. I glanced at him, seeing the pride in his eyes and the satisfaction of having done something special. It made me appreciate him even more, knowing that he was always thinking of ways to make me happy.

As we finished breakfast, I leaned over and whispered to Y/n, "Thank you. This really means a lot to me."

He squeezed my hand gently, his eyes shining with affection. "Anything for you, Elsie." I couldn't help the slight giggle coming out, I definitely would have to pay him back. Maybe letting him rest on my thighs or maybe . . . No that would be way too extreme, I can't risk it. I shook my head mentally.

The morning continued with a sense of joy and togetherness, the bond between us growing stronger with each passing moment. And as we moved on to the day's adventures, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we would face them together, with love and determination.

. . .

After breakfast, I found myself drawn to the tranquil beauty of the garden. The stone bench nestled among the blooming flowers seemed like the perfect place to gather my thoughts. I sat down, letting the vibrant colors and sweet scents wash over me, trying to find a moment of peace amidst the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me. The gentle chirping of a golden Oriole caught my attention as it landed on a branch on top of the apple tree.

I stared at the flowers, their petals gently swaying in the morning breeze. My mind drifted to the recent events—the engagement, the upcoming wedding role, and my deepening feelings for Y/n. The weight of it all felt heavy on my shoulders, and I couldn't shake the nagging worry that I might somehow mess things up.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice Irene approaching until she was right beside me. Her presence was calm and reassuring, and she sat down on the bench, her eyes filled with concern. "Elsie, you seem so distracted. What's on your mind?" Her hand patting my head. she sat down near me.

I sighed, feeling a lump form in my throat. "Mother, this role we're playing—the wedding, the engagement—it's all so taxing. I feel like there's so much pressure to get everything right, and I'm worried I'll screw things up with Y/n."

Irene listened patiently, her expression softening with understanding. "It's natural to feel that way, Elsie. You're in the midst of a lot of changes and new experiences. But you need to remember that you're not alone in this. Y/n is right there with you, and he cares about you deeply."

I nodded, trying to absorb her words. "I know he does. But sometimes, it feels like I'm not good enough for him. What if I can't live up to his expectations? What if I make a mistake and ruin everything?"

Irene reached out and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Elsie, you're being too hard on yourself. Y/n loves you for who you are, not for some perfect image you think you need to be. Relationships are about growing together, learning from each other, and supporting one another through the ups and downs."

Her words resonated with me, and I felt a small glimmer of hope. "I guess I'm just scared. Scared of the unknown, scared of disappointing him, because he's my first."

"Fear is a natural part of life, especially when you're facing something new and important," Irene said gently. "But don't let it overshadow the love and connection you share with Y/n. Focus on the moments of joy, the little things that make your relationship special. Trust yourself and trust him."

I looked at Irene, feeling a surge of gratitude for her wisdom and support. "Thank you, Irene. I needed to hear that."

She smiled warmly. "Anytime, Elsie. Remember, you're stronger than you think, and you have a wonderful partner by your side. Together, you can handle anything that comes your way."

I felt a sense of relief wash over me, and the weight on my shoulders seemed to lighten. As I gazed at the flowers, their vibrant colors no longer felt overwhelming but instead filled me with a renewed sense of hope and determination. I wasn't alone in this journey, and with Y/n and Irene's support, I knew I could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Taking a deep breath, I allowed myself to relax, embracing the beauty of the garden and the love that surrounded me. The future was uncertain, but with faith in myself and in Y/n, I felt ready to face it with courage and confidence.