"What did you say? I didn’t catch that." Doretta noticed Ellar's clear displeasure, her own face losing some color at his reaction.

Before things could escalate, Patricia stepped in, "Jumping to talk of marriage is jumping the gun, don't you think?" "But Aunt Emma adores you.

She's quite keen on the idea of you joining the family," Doretta couldn't help but smile again, trying to lighten the mood.

Noticing Ellar's continued annoyance, Patricia subtly pinched him as a cue to ease up.

"Ouch!" The pinch caught Ell ar off guard, making him grunt involuntarily.

"Ellar?" Doretta's confusion grew, looking between them for an explanation.

Catching Patricia's subtle cue, Ellar took a deep breath, attempting to soften his stance.

"Like we’ve mentioned earlier, marriage isn't on our agenda for the next few years.

Mom's on board with that decision, so it's not something we're rushing into." "Oh, I understand," Doretta replied, her smile returning.

"Well, in that case, Ellar, you'll have to really look out for Patricia.

It'd be a real loss if you let someone as wonderful as her slip away." Ellar mustered a tight smile in response, choosing to keep his peace.

to hold back any comments that might inadvertently

trio reached the restaurant Ellar had picked

a secluded private room

the dynamic less awkward than it might have been in a more intimate

their orders, a

lent an almost ghostly air to the meal, with each person focusing

for the meal to end quickly so they

the car ride, found it increasingly difficult

incessant talking was becoming a test of her

the silence from Ellar and Patricia, chose to mirror their quietness, perhaps sensing the

Doretta spoke up, 'I

remembered I've got some errands I need

inquire about the specifics of her errands, nor did he try to convince

agreement came quickly, without

Doretta watched as Ellar's car drove off, her face turning notably more somber once it was out

to a car parked

glance around, she

tone carried

you've started

you be in need of an internal ally?" the occupant of

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