Everyone's plate was filled with food. Cordelia, maintaining her poise, made sure Benjamin felt included, offering him various dishes and ensuring he felt welcome despite the earlier hostility. Benjamin, grateful for her gesture, smiled and graciously accepted the offerings. “Alright, let's all enjoy now.” Jacob said. Everyone picked up their forks, spoons, and knives, eagerly diving into the sumptuous spread laid out before them. As they began to taste the various dishes, a collective expression of delight spread across their faces. The rich, savory flavors of the Danish and American dishes combined was great. Rhoda took a bite of the succulent roast pork and couldn't help but express her pleasure. "Hmmnn, this is really good," she said, looking at Stella. "Mrs. Hansen, I guess this was directed by you?"Stella smiled warmly, clearly pleased with the compliment. "Of course, I'm a good cook," she replied with a touch of pride.Rhoda nodded appreciatively, her eyes twinkling with a

"I returned to Copenhagen, but we kept in touch. Long phone calls, letters—this was before emails and texts were a thing, mind you. Eventually, I invited her to visit me in Denmark. She did, and we spent a wonderful week exploring the city and getting to know each other better." He took Stella's hand. "It wasn’t long before I realized I couldn’t imagine my life without her. I proposed during one of our visits to the Danish countryside, and she said yes. We got married shortly after, and she’s been my partner in everything ever since.” Jacob, still holding Stella's hand, smiled proudly. "One thing I can say with absolute certainty is that I have never cheated on my wife. Not once. Stella has been my rock, my partner, and my best friend. We've faced challenges together, and we've celebrated countless joys. There's never been anyone else for me." Stella blushed slightly, squeezing Jacob's hand in return. "And the same goes for me," she added. "We've built our life on trust and mutual r

Benjamin stumbled back slightly but regained his footing, maintaining his calm demeanor. "Raymond, this isn't the way to handle things," he said evenly, trying to deescalate the situation.But Raymond was beyond reason. He shoved Benjamin again, harder this time, his insults growing more vicious. "Stay away from Cordelia, you hear me? You're just a pathetic parasite! You think you're a match for me? You’re not even in the same league!"Cordelia stood up, her face pale with shock and anger. "Raymond, stop it!" she shouted, but her voice was drowned out by the rising tension.The others watched in stunned silence as Raymond continued to push Benjamin, who remained remarkably composed despite the provocation. "You're a joke, Benjamin," Raymond sneered. "You're not worthy of Cordelia's attention, let alone her love."Benjamin finally caught Raymond's hands mid-push, holding them firmly. "Raymond, this has to stop," he said, his voice low but commanding. "Violence and insults won't win Cor

Raymond, still nursing his injured throat, nodded weakly. "He has to pay for this, Dad. He can't get away with it."Jacob nodded, his expression set in stone. "He won't, son. I promise you that. Benjamin will learn what it means to threaten the Hansens.”Meanwhile, Benjamin and Cordelia had driven far away of the Hansen house. The streets were quieter, the night air cool and calming. As they rounded a corner, a small, brightly lit ice cream shop came into view, its neon sign inviting them in.Pulling into a parking spot, Benjamin turned off the engine and looked at Cordelia. "Let's get some ice cream," he said, his voice softer now, more relaxed. "A big one, to make up for that disastrous dinner.”Cordelia smiled back, the tension of the evening slowly melting away. "Sounds perfect," she replied.They stepped out of the car and walked into the ice cream shop, the bell above the door chiming softly as they entered. The shop was quaint, with a variety of colorful ice cream tubs lined up

After the girl had left, Benjamin dragged Cordelia forward as he leaned beside the car, holding her waist and looking into her eyes. "What is it now?" he asked softly. Cordelia gazed up at him, her expression serious yet tender. "Would you hit anyone trying to speak ill of me?" she asked, searching his face for his response. "If they go overboard, I'll kill them," he replied with furrowed brows. Cordelia chuckled softly, finding comfort in his fierce protectiveness. She placed her head on Benjamin's chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. "I love you, Ben," she said, her voice barely a whisper but filled with emotion. Benjamin tightened his hold on her, his heart swelling with love. "I love you too, Cordelia," he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head. They stood there for a moment, wrapped in each other's arms. After a while, they got back into the car and drove off. Half an hour later, they arrived at the house. Benjamin drove in and parked, and they