CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-EIGHT FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART

DAPHNE'S POV As we lay back on the blanket, the night wrapped around us like a cozy blanket, the laughter from earlier still bubbling between us. Javion turned to me with a warm, earnest look. “You know, Daphne,” he said softly, “every time I look at you, I’m reminded of why I fell for you in the first place.” I tilted my head, intrigued. “Oh really? And what’s that?” “Your sense of humor,” Javion replied with a grin. “You have this amazing ability to turn even the most mundane things into something fun. Remember that time you convinced me that making spaghetti was a ‘high-stakes cooking competition’?” I laughed, nudging him playfully. “Hey, that competition was intense! I had to make sure the sauce was perfect. And let’s not forget, you were the judge who nearly failed me for ‘excessive garlic.’” Javion chuckled. “I still stand by my decision. The garlic was a bit much. But honestly, it’s those little moments, like our cooking ‘competitions,’ that make me realize how much I love