Pearl and Richard returned to find James had already set up a frand started a fire with the wood they had gathered.


    "Where have you guys been? Why are you back sote?" 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 nning 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 hisw 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 tyou need," James assured her, then dropped the subject.


    Sensing the tension, Pearl suggested, "I noticed a beautiful spot by theke earlier. How about we all head thereter to enjoy the view?" "I have sthings 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 ne aside to take it. In the end, only Esther volunteered to join her at the fake.  Sitting by theke, 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 tellwhy you''re hesitant about marriage?" Esther remained silent for a long time.


    N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    She felt that her mother hadn''t been et happy after getting married, always living with worry. Her parents had been respectful but distant, which made her fear that marriage would extinguish the spark in her Ο rtionship. So deep down, she was afraid of marriage.  She hoped her future marriage could be as joyful and fulfilling as her current rtionship.


    "I feel like people change after getting married," Esther struggled to exin her thoughts. "After my parents got married, my dad et changed a lot. My mom used to be so happy when they were dating, but after they got married, everything changed. She had to be a good wife, and everything she did was restrained."  "Well, dating offers more freedom since marriagees with responsibilities. Romance is important, but so is reality." Esther looked down, remaining silent.


    "Do youck confidence in yourself, or is this about James?" Esther sighed. "I don''t believe in feelings. I think they change."