-Cecilia- Dinner was a lot of fun. It felt a bit like eating with Lara’s family, just with more people. Everyone was so close and relaxed around each other. It was a genuinely happy group, and I felt honored to be a part of it. I had never really wanted to get to know any of them, as my solitude meant I didn’t have to risk getting hurt. I could just be by myself, drowning in my misery, but at least not experiencing any more pain. However, it was a lonely way to live, and as I sat at the table, surrounded by joy, laughter, and happiness, with my mate by my side, I realized I didn’t want to be alone. I wanted to be here, creating a happy life with him, even though he made it challenging for me to eat because he constantly wanted to hold my hand. He wasn’t the only possessive male present

