"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.

sour mood, he figured it was wiser to hold back any comments that might inadvertently reveal his current state

trio reached the restaurant Ellar had picked

secluded private room

awkward than it might

had placed their orders, a palpable silence descended over

almost ghostly air to the meal, with each person focusing

mood, silently wished for the meal to

up much of her diplomatic energy during the car

naturally reserved as Patricia, Doretta's incessant talking

Patricia, chose

up, 'I won't be coming

remembered I've got some errands I need to take care of." "Alright then," Ellar

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

agreement came quickly, without any

her face turning notably more somber

to

she swiftly approached it and got

matter?" Doretta's tone

you've started at

an internal ally?" the occupant of the

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