Jasmine felt a knot in her stomach at her aunt's words. She had been dreading this conversation for months, ever since the rumors of betrothal had started to circulate among the family.
Her heart sank at the suggestion. She had always cherished her independence and the peaceful life she had built for herself in the valley. The thought of an arranged marriage to Oliver, or anyone for that matter, felt suffocating and against her will. However, she respected her aunt and knew that family was significant, she listened attentively, even though her inner turmoil was evident in her eyes.
"Mate with Oliver? But I don't love him." Jasmine raised a feeble voice to protest, but it was just a whisper.
"Love? What does love have to do with anything?”
"I can't just mate with someone I don't love. I
