Chapter 983


    Jasper found himself caught between amusement and frustration.


    Noticing Jasper''s difort, Gregory quickly caught on and hastily rified, "Ash, don''t worry about it. I was just teasing you.


    "Besides, Imogen was just a young girl back then and was entirely engrossed in her studies. Romance was thest thing on her mind. Let''s just consider it a bit of good-natured banter."


    "I understand," Jasper replied with a polite smile.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content.


    As Gregory poured more coffee for Jasper, thetter epted it graciously, cradling the cup with both hands. "Thank you."


    "Keep in mind, Ash, you''re the man Aunt Eloise believes is the perfect match for Imogen, and our entire family puts faith in her judgment.


    "We''re not seeking wealth or status. All we ask is that you treat Imogen with care and that you both support each other in marriage."


    "I understand, Dad." Upon hearing Gregory''s elevated expectations and effusive praise for the fictitious Asher, Jasper felt his heart sink deeper into a hollow ache.


    Simrly, Imogen''s abrupt proposal to marry a man she had only just met left her feelingpletely stunned and bewildered. Unbeknownst to her, the mere notion of her request had initially startled Jasper.


    Considering the potential repercussions, Jasper understood that disclosing his true identity to Imogen would probably lead to her immediate departure, rushing straight into marriage with the genuine Asher. Consequently, Jasper would be left alone to bear the burden of his deception.


    But given the chance to begin afresh, Jasper was sure he would still opt for the same path.


    Delving into his thoughts, Jasper understood that encountering Imogen again was a twist of fate, woven through the ages.


    However, learning that she was actively searching for a life partner and on the verge of marriage left him profoundly unsettled.


    Before long, dinner was served, and everyone gathered around the table. It was a modest, homemade meal,prising four main dishes and a dessert.


    As they gathered, toasts were made in celebration of the newlyweds, apanied by heartfelt blessings and well-wishes. Despite the warmth of the asion, Jasper ate sparingly, his appetite subdued.


    Following dinner, Imogen took Jasper''s suitcase and rolled it into her room.


    Jasper followed suit, stepping into a cramped space filled with belongings. A cluttered desk upied one corner, stacked with books and aputer, while a wardrobe and a narrow bed left little room for movement.


    "Is there no bathroom in this room?" Jasper asked, surprise evident on his face.


    "No. I share a bathroom with the rest of my family. If you need to prepare for work, it''s best to wake up early to avoid waiting."


    With a soft exhale, Jasper absorbed the cramped and stifling atmosphere of the room. Nevertheless, he understood that he had chosen this course, and he was resolved to endure it.


    "Where do I sleep?" he asked, scanning the room without spotting any suitable space for a bed.


    Imogen furrowed her brow in confusion, gesturing toward her bed. "Right here! Are you seriously expecting us to sleep apart?"


    Jasper was momentarily rendered speechless.


    "Unfortunately, there aren''t any spare rooms in my house. If you prefer not to share a bed, I can sleep in my parents'' room. It''s bigger, and I can even set up a makeshift bed on the floor," Imogen offered.


    Jasper quickly interjected, "That''s not what I meant."


    Imogen waved off his concern with a light-hearted tone. "It''s okay, I get it. We''ve just met, so sharing a bed might be a bit ufortable. But don''t worry. I''m a pretty rxed sleeper, and I won''t do anything inappropriate. You can trust me on that."


    Jasper couldn''t suppress a mix of amusement and bewilderment at Imogen''sid-back and open-minded demeanor.


    Meanwhile, Imogen began to unpack Jasper''s suitcase. "Let me help you sort and arrange your clothes in the wardrobe."


    "I can handle it myself," Jasper insisted.


    "It''s no hassle-" But before Imogen could finish her sentence, her words faltered. She waspletely taken aback by what she saw in Jasper''s suitcase.


    Inside, his belongings were


    meticulously arranged, disying a


    collection of suits, ties, shirts, and


    1


    casual wear neatly folded and stacked. The sight exuded an air of sophistication, suggesting the considerable value of his wardrobe.


    "Is it necessary to wear suits every day at the car dealership?" Imogen''s curiosity piqued.


    Jasper nodded. "Yes. I''s a requirement."


    As Imogen hung up his garments, she couldn''t resist asking, "Your clothes seem to be of exceptional quality and style. Where did you buy them? Were they expensive?"


    "Not at all."