CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY SEVEN – LITTLE ARGUMENTS

As the two women left, closing the door behind them, Mara and Cassius stood in the silent study, surrounded by the scattered remnants of their seating chart. Mara sank into a nearby armchair, suddenly exhausted. "What are we doing, Cassius?" Cassius ran a hand over his face, looking equally drained. "I don't know. This isn't... this isn't how it's supposed to be, is it?" Mara shook her head, feeling tears prick at her eyes. "No, it's not. When did we lose sight of what really matters?" Cassius moved to kneel in front of her chair, taking her hands in his. "I'm sorry, Mara. You're right. This is our wedding, and we've let everyone else's expectations take over." Mara squeezed his hands, offering a watery smile. "I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have snapped like that. It's just... it feels like we're trying to make everyone else happy, and in the process, we're making ourselves miserable." Cassius nodded, a rueful smile playing at his lips. "Well, when you put it like that, it does seem