CHAPTER THREE HUNDRED AND NINETY EIGHT – THE ENGAGEMENT PARTY

Jasmine woke up early the next morning, her head buzzing with excitement and anticipation. Today was the day she'd introduce her mother to the women of the Cesaro family to plan the engagement party. As she got dressed, she couldn't help but feel a mix of joy and nervousness. These were two very different worlds colliding, and she desperately wanted them to mesh. She made her way downstairs to find her mother already in the kitchen, preparing a spread of pastries and coffee for their guests. "Mom, you didn't have to go to all this trouble," Jasmine said, giving her a quick hug. Her mother waved her off. "Nonsense. We're hosting Marco's family. Everything needs to be perfect." Jasmine smiled, touched by her mother's enthusiasm. "They'll love you, Mom. Just be yourself." The doorbell rang, and Jasmine's heart leapt. She smoothed down her dress and went to answer it. There, on the doorstep, stood Maria Cesaro, Marco's mother, flanked by his sisters, Sophia and Luisa. "Welcome," Jasm