33. Clarissa

Preparations for my engagement with Ivan began in earnest. The closer the day came the more dreary my heart sank.

Everyone, especially my mum, was ecstatic as they began to plan for the engagement ceremony. The house was filled with the sound of chatter and laughter as my mother and her friends discussed the theme, the guest list, and the menu. They were all so excited to celebrate this milestone in my life, but all I could think about was Jalen.

My mum had even hired a team of professional decorators to make sure that everything was perfect. The dining table was set with fine china and crystal glasses, and the kitchen was filled with the delicious aroma of food being prepared for the big day.

But as I walked through the house, all I could feel was a heavy weight on my chest and a sense of dread in my stomach.

I tried to push thoughts of Jalen out of my head but they kept creeping back in. I found myself staring at the clock, counting down the hours until the ceremony, and wonderin