John
I put down my spoon and fork, my heart pounding as I looked into Cassie's expectant eyes. The moment had come, and I needed to be honest with her.
"Cassie, I appreciate your parents' enthusiasm and support for our relationship," I began, trying to choose my words carefully. "But I need to be honest with you. I'm not ready to get married."
The room fell silent, and I could feel the weight of everyone's surprised and disappointed gazes upon me. Cassie's eyes, once filled with hope and excitement, now held a glimmer of disbelief.
George and Carmina exchanged a quick, concerned glance. They had likely anticipated a different response from me.
Cassie's voice trembled as she spoke, "John, I thought we were on the same page, that we wanted to build a future together."
I reached across
