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February 14th is in 13 days. Daddy has decorated the whole house, from top to bottom. Winter's pretty much over now and it's another hot summer. Mother keeps telling me to give Thomas, of the Calloway Estate a chance at my hand in marriage. Although my hand was promised to him when we were little children my parents as well as his are allowing me to annul it. They've given me until the 14th to choose. My father said it would help our kingdom if I married him, since Thomas chose for me to become the holder of both estates, should we be married.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqokyoi92N
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"Jhene! Jhene, are you ready?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDv801RxBXJ
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"Yes, I'm ready! Is the carriage outside already? I still need to powder my face."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetnraMQN6G
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"No, I was just checking on you. Just make sure you're ready in ten."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllKuGNLrWd
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"Alright daddy, I will"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEePPW0GZNi
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As Jhene quickly finished powdering her face and fixing her hair, she couldn't help but feel nervous and anxious about the meeting with Thomas. She knew she had to make a decision soon, and it weighed heavily on her mind. But she also knew that she had to at least give Thomas a chance, as her parents and his had allowed her the opportunity to annul their childhood betrothal.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxfgZXd0OX
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When Jhene walked outside, she saw Thomas waiting for her by the carriage. He looked dashing in his riding gear, a confident smile on his face. As she approached him, he held out his hand to help her into the carriage, a gesture that made her heart flutter.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWANuMazkAz
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"Good afternoon, Jhene. You look lovely as always," Thomas said as Jhene settled into the carriage. "Are you ready for our ride today?"164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvap4RPsmwT
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"Thank you, Thomas. I am as ready as I'll ever be," Jhene replied with a smile, trying to hide her nervousness. She knew she had to give him a chance, even though her heart wasn't fully in it.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebHg3soHSy
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The ride to the stables was quiet, with Thomas occasionally trying to make small talk about the weather and the estate. Jhene tried her best to engage in the conversation, but her mind kept wandering back to the decision she had to make.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRRd0JwJRw
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When they arrived at the stables, Thomas helped Jhene dismount the carriage and led her to where the horses were saddled and ready. He chose a beautiful chestnut mare for Jhene, a spirited but gentle horse that he seemed to know she would enjoy.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgErlTgQDM6
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"Shall we go for a ride, Jhene?" Thomas asked, holding out his hand to help her onto her horse.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkbkI6OlWQ
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Jhene hesitated for a moment, but then took his hand and mounted the horse gracefully. As they set off on the ride, Jhene couldn't help but admire the beautiful countryside surrounding them. The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and the breeze felt cool against her skin.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXkuxB0WVv
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As they rode side by side, Thomas began to talk more openly with Jhene, sharing stories from his childhood and his dreams for the future. Jhene found herself warming up to him, his easy smile and friendly demeanor putting her at ease.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIU74xLxfZ
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After a while, they came to a clearing with a small pond, surrounded by blooming wildflowers. Thomas suggested they take a break and enjoy the peaceful scenery. They dismounted their horses and sat by the edge of the pond, dipping their feet into the cool water.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWndYTlpY0y
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"Jhene, I know you have a big decision to make soon," Thomas began, his voice gentle and sincere. "I want you to know that I care about you, and I want what's best for you. I may have chosen you to hold both estates in our betrothal, but I would never want you to feel trapped or unhappy. If you choose to annul our betrothal, I will respect your decision."164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKkdrYJQZnO
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Jhene looked at Thomas, surprised and touched by his words. She could see the sincerity in his eyes, the genuine care and concern he had for her well-being. In that moment, she realized that Thomas was not just a childhood friend, but a man who truly cared for her happiness.164Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfcQqQR5JK
"Thank you, Thomas. I appreciate it," Jhene replied softly, her heart feeling lighter than it had in days. "I know I still have a decision to make, but I am truly grateful for your support."
As they sat by the pond, Jhene and Thomas talked for hours, sharing stories and dreams, getting to know each other in a way they never had before. By the time they returned to the estate, Jhene felt a newfound sense of peace and clarity.
As they said their goodbyes, Thomas held out his hand to Jhene, a warm smile on his face. "Thank you for giving me a chance, Jhene. Whatever decision you make, know that I will always be here for you."
Jhene took his hand, feeling a sense of gratitude and respect for Thomas. As she watched him ride off into the distance, she knew that she had made the right choice.
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