My dear cabbages,😁

This book is a work of fiction and my mere imagination. It's not a fanfic and I assure you definitely not a cliche. So if your looking for a comfortable book with a plain story and basic endings, this book is not for you. There are a lots of other amazing stories that you could try out. 'Sinfully Ruined' is a blend of mystery, suspense, drama, heartbreak, action etc. So if you are tired of the cliche stories and are looking for something new, then come aboard cause this story is just for you.

Before proceeding with the book I wanna make a few things clear.

1) This is my book. I would not tolerate any violation of the copyrights or plagiarism.

2) Do not throw in hate comments. It's really disappointing. And like I said if you are not comfortable with the story you can gladly leave. Although constructive criticisms are always welcome.😄

3) I do not own any pictures in this book. I've got them from various social media sites like instagram, Pinterest and google.

4) This book contains a lot of suspense and cliff hangers so please don't spoil it for your fellow readers in the comments section.

5) Enjoy the story 😁

And now without wasting your precious time let me introduce you to our characters...

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...Jace Carson...

...Nathan Coleman...

...Ashton Hendrix...

...Scarlett...

...Alexis Cooper...

...Violet...

...Abigail...

...Kristen Coleman...

I know all of them are quite eyeful 🤗. But let me know on who's your favorite one...

--> (ahem) mine is Ashton.😉

Please do let me know your thoughts in the comments section.😄

...Jace Carson...

The Gold Bar.

Elegantly plated, more than an inch broad and 4 inches wide gold embedding on the shoulder loops of my uniform, irrespective of the massive load of responsibility that it held, feels light in the palm of my hand as my eyes study it. Insignia of the Second Lieutenant (2LT/01).

Dark colored weather coat with gold buttons and stripes around the cuffs, the tiny little badges around the crest, and lastly, the pin on the right side of the chest that read 'Carson' in bright bold letters. It makes my stomach flip with the realization of the huge system that I am now a part of. The US Army.

Today has just been one of the days where I have to remind myself of the reason that kept had me together. Precisely, five months ago I had been out stationed in Colorado Springs at the base that our company had set up and has been so far working along rather greatly though, I wish I could say the same thing about me.

My emerald green eyes have been drooping with the lack of sleep at this 0400 hour. In front of me lay a pile of neatly sorted reports that I had been going through for the past four hours. As a Second (rank) Lieutenant, I had been given the task of preparing the progress reports of my entire platoon that consists of 25-27 men. With the continuous ticking in my nerves, the dull ache in my head and the sunken eyes, I managed to finish with them. But now as I lay on my rack, facing the high ceiling painted with dull white, sleep wouldn't cross me.

Its one of the odd times when I felt the indescribable wave of emotions flowing through me. And in order to get myself in control of it all, I had to clung tight to some piece of reality, that being the uniform that lay on my lap.

No sooner than an hour later I wake up to get going for the drills and routine exercises with the other officers as we have our secluded PT sessions starting at 0630 hours.

After getting dressed in a body-fitting black T-shirt and pants as I'm done with my shoes, I stomp out of my room to head out for my routine exercises. However, as I enter the ground, I am met with a disapproving look from the Captain, it seems that I was rather late today and all the others had already started with their workout.

As I took my place, squatting down to the field with my knees bend and back straight, I'm greeted by none other than my friend Nathan “Hey, what took you so long?” I give him a knowing look. With a pitiful smile thrown my way, he shrugs it off.

We begin with the workout.

150 laps.

250 squats.

200 push-ups.

After, a few sets and specialized leg exercises. We head for my personal favorite one. The 2-3 miles running from the base.

By the time we are done, I am panting heavily, my whole body drenched in sweat with aching joints and soaked T-shirt that clings to my body like a second skin. Now this is something I should've gotten used to ages ago. “Come on let's get cleaned up” Nathan says, offering his equally sweaty hand for me to get up from the crouched position I have on the floor.

“Sure” is all I could bring myself to reply as I take his arm.

After, a good 20-25 min shower when we are done cleaning ourselves up we decide to have something to fill our growling stomach. And that's how we enter the cafe “I am never going to get used to that” I grimace pointing towards the dull aka non-tasty but healthy food. I despise that with every damn fiber of my being, but I hide my displeasure as I pick up a tray for myself.

With a slightly over dramatic and determined sigh I will myself to be strong as I reminisce about the few days left in our departure. “Just a week more, then I'll be stuffing my face with mac and cheese, spaghetti with meat balls, gummy bears, Nutella...”

“Let's not get carried away. We have a body to maintain without having our seniors kicking our asses off for putting on holiday weight.” Nathan cuts me off though, my mind wanders off into that sinfully sweet nook.

Chocolate truffles,

Ice-cream sandwiches,

Honey glazed pancakes...

The list just never ceases to fucking end. I miss them all so damn much! I pout inwardly instead.

We then head towards our regular table at the back of the large canteen room. “Hi barbie, so you finally decide to show up?” Frank yells as we near the table. This guy seriously never ceases to amaze me with his pea sized head.

“Where were you anyway, oh let me guess you ...” he says pointing towards me as the entire cafe fell silent sensing tension. “Overslept again ...Ooh! you Sleeping Beauty, I bet there wasn't any prince charming to wake you up with a kiss” and the entire table bursts out laughing. Thankfully there aren't many people in here today to bear witness to this crazy asshole.

“What did you just say?” he screeches. Great! Now did I just say that out loud? I really am not in the mood to deal with his shitty temper tantrums. So I try my best to look away from the pile of shit that he calls his face.

“Nothing go on...” I absentmindedly motion for him to continue his pathetic excuse to intimidate me. And like the doofus he is, he smirks.

“Anyways, leave. I'm getting bored with watching that stupid face of yours looking at me” like I said pure pathetic. But instead I give him a nod, and he returns to his seat. Nathan looks at me glinting eyes that urge me grab that fuckers neck but I refrain from it, so he presses on with a glare at me that said 'How long are you gonna bear his ***?' but what he doesn't get is that why should I start an unnecessary fight and waste my time and energy on this fucking moron.

But he does not get the hint as he pulls me to a corner, our breakfast forgotten at those empty tables. “Are you crazy?! What's wrong with you?! Why don't you do something about him?”

Now I know that he's gonna give me lecture about standing up for myself. Nathan has this tendency of always being the 'nice guy'. “Dude you know me Why would I waste my time against that piece of shit?” I groan with sheer displeasure that we're even discussing this.

“But if you allow me I would very much like to teach him some manners” he grumbles under his breath. He's always the protective one.

I roll my eyes. “It's fine, as long as its not physical I would just simply ignore him and continue with my work” I say calmly.

“Damn it! ... I'm telling you, you need to show this idiot his actual place” he seethes.

“We'll see about that” I shrug. To reduce further arguments I grab his arm and take him outside. It was not like I was scared of Frank or anything, but unlike others I wouldn't want to give people the satisfaction of watching other's fights. It's good for him that I have my shit gathered or else I wouldn't wait a second before breaking his damn nose.

As we walk to our table, much to my dismay Frank's still there, surrounded by his group of dimwitted friends. I avert my gaze from him and hope to start a good conversation with Nathan. Who, by the way had been still glaring at him!

“Nathan, get over it man. We have a lot of things to take care of than to think about him” I try, turning my attention back to food.

“The only thing I want to take care of right now is how to rearrange his stupid face” he scowls. I keep the fork down irritatingly.

“Are you really gonna sour your mood because of ...” I am cut off by Ashton as he makes an appearance at the table with his stack of tray filled with large quantities of food. He ate quite a lot but damn did the fucker look like he did. He was blessed with a perfectly agile body with bulky muscles and tall stature.

“I miss my turkey sandwiches” he sighs placing a hand on his heart while wiping a nonexistent tear.

Another drama queen.

“About rearranging Frank's damn face” Nathan continues.

“Looks like somebody is in a very bad mood” Ashton chuckles, his eyes glinting with mischief.

“So what did the scumbag do today?” I give Ashton a pointed look warning him to not provoke Nathan, but he being the oblivious doofus as usual ignores me. “Oh! Come on tell me, maybe I can suggest some surgery for his shit face” he pouts, not much to my surprise Nathan narrates the entire incident to him while I zone out from the conversation.

“So let me see he calls you 'sleeping Beauty', orders you around and all you do is just nod. Since when did you get so fucking saint, huh? If it was me, I wouldn't hesitate to rearrange his entire body, maybe break his arm and shove it far up his ass” Ashton suggests with a nasty smirk.

If only it was that easy. I sigh.

After we are done with our so called 'happy meal', we are told to meet up in the base along with the other officers. It's almost 1500 hours in the afternoon. We all gather around in a huge hall with erect posture while the Major and Captain enter.

“I'm sure a few of you are familiar with the reason for which we have been asked to meet up: It is regarding your departure in the time being of next week. It hasn't been a secret that threat is still lingering near the borders of Iran. Therefore, it is with me to tell you that if it goes out of hands, and we have to take some drastic measures, your deployment will be earlier than you would expect.” and then with the intensity of a rogue bear waiting to shred you apart, he glares at each of our faces and might I say... individually. “Any further queries?”

To which we all reply in unison.

“NO MAJOR!”

He turns his attention towards me “And Lieutenant Carson I want all the reports regarding the recent assignment within an hour, I hope it's ready”.

“Yes major, it's done” I reply with a stiff salute. “You may all take your leave now” with this we all scatter to our work.

“I was seriously hoping for a good vacation” grumbles Ashton with a not so discreet pout.

“Yeah sure. Obviously our Ashton's little summer holidays are important than national threat. Anyways what was it going to be this holidays, coloring picture book? With little fruits.” I smile at Nathan's words and Ashton narrows his eyes in agitation.

Both Ashton and Nathan head back to their posts, and I have to still hand over the reports to Major Hardy, so I get back to those too.

After an hour of rechecking everything I leave the room to hand the reports, it's almost evening. The sun blazing in its massive glory while giving the air a beautiful tint of red. The different shades of color dancing over the horizon and blending together. Birds chirping around the free atmosphere and flying through the wind with their flocks, filing the air with yet another soothing sounds. This was the sight I always adored. A beautiful sunset buried all my disturbing thoughts and gave me a new hope to start over.

Without wasting much time I walk along the sleek corridor of his quarters, over to the Major's Office, he's in there as usual. I knock the door twice. “Enter” he replies neutrally with a stiff tone. His office aside from being well furnished is the biggest one around the entire camp, with a casual book shelf and a huge mahogany desk, the wall at the back of his chair lined up with medals and photos as if a slight hint of intimidation towards the one's entering.

He seems busy doing some work with some green files that he gathers in his hands. “Major these are reports of the assignment you asked for” I look at him, expecting any comment. “Keep it on the desk and you may leave Lieutenant” is all he says without even looking up from his files.

I did as I am told, so much for working up till 4 in the morning. I think to myself as I retract back to my room. Being tired and aching, I thought sleeping for sometime wouldn't hurt, I move to lay on the rack, but just as I do. I hear someone knocking on the door. Ugh! These people won't even let me sleep for good. Rubbing my sullen eyes I open the door, there stood Nathan and Ashton panting heavily with beads of sweats on their foreheads.

“What happened?” I ask with wide eyes, I am met with silence.

“Will someone tell me anything?” I look towards both of them.

“Can we come in first?” I move aside to let them in.

“So now can I know what's going on?” I ask anxiously. Upon inspecting carefully, I see Nathan has specks of dust on his trousers, his hair disheveled, poise tense, unsteady breath, a bruise on his knuckles, which were now bleeding. Ashton too has a cut on his lip with some fresh blood.

Nathan hesitates at first, his gray eyes unfocused as they went about through my room, looking anywhere but me. “Well, let's say we met up in the alley with Frank...” that was enough for me to figure out the cause of their mess.

“Tell me you didn't pick a fight with him” I am really hoping that wasn't true.

“It wasn't much of a fight actually” replies Ashton. “What did you guys do?” I ask furiously with an almost panicked tone.

“Let's just say that he has a broken nose, bruised eye and dislocated shoulder for ...now” says Nathan thoughtfully as if struggling to remember the number of kicks and punches he landed. I look at them horrified.

Are these guys for real why did they have to get involved in that shit? “Why would you guys do that even when I told you to let that matter go?”

“Trust me we had forgotten about it, if that idiot hadn't shown up in the first place. He was saying stupid shit about you, so we couldn't just sit there and take it” Nathan shrugs as if no big deal.

“Listen guys I don't need any guards for myself, and we're in an army for God's sake we can't just go around kicking people's ass”

I reply tiredly.

“Jace, dude that's what we do to bad guys, and he wasn't any good either” Ashton complains, earning a death glare from me.

“Can't believe I'm listening to this shit, way to be mature guys”

Who do they think they are acting all defensive towards me like I'm some damsel that needs help? My damn bodyguards!

I sigh, running a hand through my hair, now's not the time to pick fight among us. Given that Nathan was short tempered, he never pegged me as fighter and the bruise on his face and busted knuckles implied it. But Ash is always good with his muscles and fighting skills...

“And what's with that?” I point towards his lip.

“Well... I tripped over on my way here” Ash replies his cheeks heating up in embarrassment.

“Talk all you guys want, but we don't have time there is another problem yet to be settled” Nathan mumbles. “What problem? You guys kicked his ***, wasn't the matter ended there itself” I ask obviously not liking where this is heading.

“When we kicked Frank's ***...” I motion him to continue. “Somebody saw it and informed the captain about it, so now he wants to see us” Nathan mutters lowly.

“In that case then... You shouldn't keep him waiting now or there are more chances of things getting worse for ya'll” I tell them as a matter of fact.

“You don't get it. He umm... h-he wants all three of us to be present, as you were the reason it happened in first place” Ashton quietly adds looking anywhere but me. I groan audibly.

And I felt this day couldn't get any better.

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Do let me know your thoughts on this one. And don't forget to vote. 😄

...Jace Carson...

People say 'time passes by as the blink of an eye', but for me it was the longest week of my entire 28 years of living. That being said, it has been a week since Nathan and Ashton pulled out that heroic stunt for me, the effects of which we had to face as we were basically given a 'Green Vieene' (working in off time), Captain's orders. He wasn't satisfied yet, so he gave us the entire fucking pile of reports to be dealt with. I was dead...

To say I was furious would be an understatement, but somewhere in my heart, I do actually feel awful, not because they acted the way they did, but because I felt like I should've been the one smashing Frank's face...

Hey! I got punished for nothing.

Finally, it's a release for me from all this hassle. After an entire week of sleepless nights and sweat breaking hard work. I crave for relief, even if its just for a month. I have been done with all my packing and waiting in the alley, almost ready to leave when my gaze catches Sergeant Mark along with Sergeant Prescott walking towards me. The sounds of their heavy footsteps clicking in the hallway as they near me. It's times like these, that I wish an invisibility cloak could have done me a lot better. It's not that they are like Frank or anything but both of them are extreme narsissts, another reason why I have only Nathan and Ashton by my side and not many people around here.

“Hey, Lieutenant Carson what are you doing in here? Quite desperate to get away, are we?” Sergeant Prescott is the first one to speak, with an amused expression gracing his light bearded face.

“We're leaving in about an hour, so I guess I'm waiting for...” I am cut off by Mark.

“Dude we're not leaving till another 4 hours”

My eyes widen. Come again?

“What?” I ask, my mouth all of a sudden feeling dry.

He continues with a malevolent glint in his pale blue eyes “Yeah, it's true, do you even check the time properly?” he asks in mocking disappointment. But Ashton told me we're leaving at 9 that's the reason I got up at 5 to pack up all of my stuff. But then again I didn't see anyone along the corridors with their belongings and also a few officers and staff passing by gave me oddly weirded looks. God! I can't believe this! That motherfucker made me stand out here alone like a desperate doofus!

He is not getting away this time!

“Anyways that's not why we came here. They're having a match on the field and both of your guys are participating, so aren't you joining?” asks Mark with a slight rise in his left eyebrow, perplexed that I am still here. “Yeah I know about that, you guys head up there. I'll catch up with you” I lie and with a dismissive nod, they walk away.

I can't believe nobody told me about this, not even Nathan. They have a lot of explaining to do when I get there. But first, I have to keep my bags back in my room before anyone else sees me.

Very often, in times like these, I wonder, Why am I even friends with those pieces of shits?!

After placing all my stuff back neatly ready, I walk over to the field, where I see most of the Officers and Cadets  there along with staff but Captain and Major Hardy are know where to be seen. The entire crowd is gathered in a circle surrounding the field and the participants. These types of matches are very often held before departure as a sign of parting in good and cheerful spirit. From the corner of my eye I spot Ashton preparing himself with warm up exercises.

It's a soccer match, much to my surprise both Nathan and Ashton are in opposite teams. Now this is gonna be good. I wish I should've known it beforehand so that I could've too joined them, those idiots knew I enjoyed soccer. Seriously anything that happens after the match is not my fault, those fuckers have it coming!

I momentarily plan my sweet revenge while the match starts. Shrugging off my slightly sinister thoughts, I focus my attention back on the field. It'll be fun watching them play or try to play. I've known both of them for around 3 and a half years now and I'm pretty sure that they are no good in soccer. Specializing techniques, muscular strength and marksmanship are something that they're quite well at but soccer?

Nah! Not so much.

The match opens with Corporal Jones pitching the ball towards Sergeant Carl, who protects the ball with all his body defenses and just as more opponents come closer, he passes it on to Joel. Joel plays well, his running skills have gotten exceptionally well since last time that he tripped over his feet thrice, he is able to dodge away from the opponents and has won a touchdown for Ashton's team. I watch with slight amusement as he starts teasing Nathan, who's desperately trying to hold in his annoyance. I laugh at their childish behavior.

Just as the ball is pitched again, I feel a slight movement beside me. On turning to my left I am left short of words. Right next to me sits Lieutenant Alexis. Just when her gaze falls on mine, she gives me one of those full heart melting smiles. I return it back, but no matter how much I tried I couldn't look away from her angelic face. She has the perfect silky blonde hair tied up into a full bun that accentuates her sharp cut jawline, pink full lips, tall and slim figure with a lightly tanned skin color. When I had arrived here, right after my training ended, for a few trail sessions and tests, we had actually been good friends for quite sometime before we drifted off.

A minute later, she breaks the silence. “Hey, so I heard you got into trouble with Frank?” the tilt in her eyebrow shows pure concern rather than just plain curiosity. This puts me in jeopardy.

Now how do I explain that without sounding like a loser?

“It's fine if you don't wanna talk about it, I'm sorry” she quickly adds, her bright blue eyes boring into mine. And those eyes, damn... Looking into them feels like staring into the reflection of a beautiful ocean that captures you and, makes you want to drown into the very depth of it.

Without wasting much time I reply “No. It was nothing much just Ashton and Nathan got into a fight with him” she thinks about it for a second with a soft nod of understanding and asks “Ooh, and why did they call you then?” exactly the question I've been avoiding to answer 'Nathan and Ashton got into the fight for me because I was too ignorant to act upon the fact that Frank was being a real pain in my ***' this would make a perfect answer but I couldn't tell her that.

“It's a long story” It's all I could say to save myself from further embarrassment. “It's good that he learned a lesson, people like him need reminders” she says smiling warmly. We both sit in the comfortable silence that envelops us, watching the game among the loud cheers on the crowded field. It's half time when she looks at me and says “I'll take my leave then, it was good to talk to you Lieutenant Carson, I wish to see you again sometime though”.

“Sure we'll catch up for drinks next time.” I offer immediately taking in on the opportunity.

“Sounds good” she replies, soft pink lips stretched into a gorgeous smile that lights up her face, her blond hairs sticking out of her beautiful messy bun as she leaves.

By the time she walks away, it's almost noon. Soon the surrounding air becomes warm, the sun shines ever so brightly with the beautiful sunflowers swaying around the leftover corners of the field to the rhythm of air.

Alexis became one of my good friends after I joined the army as a Cadet. She and I were paired together at the beginning of our first year. She was incredibly good-looking, hardworking, kind, sincere and damn I'd be lying if I didn't add HOT to that equation, I was infatuated by her. But when I actually got balls to ask her about that, she was shifted to another department. Our interactions became quite less and soon we were busy in our growing lives, it had led to the point where we hardly met. So seeing her today almost brings a smile to my lips.

Soon the match ends in front of me, with me not paying a single attention to it. Everyone starts dispersing, probably getting ready to head off. It's now almost noon, time to get back home. I stood at the corner of the field waiting for my champions, but what I saw ... Well ... Let's just say it was far from that, there stood Ashton yelling at Nathan about something I couldn't quite make out, and Nathan being the occasionally hot headed guy, his patience was wearing thin each growing second, so I walk towards them. “So who won?” I ask playfully testing the waters.

“Isn't that obvious? My team!” Nathan beams proudly, his pale gray eyes gleaming with excitement. “It wasn't a fair match” replies Ashton, pressing an ice bag to his cheek. “What happened to your face?” I ask resisting the urge to laugh at the purplish bruise that was forming on his left cheek bone.

“Why don't you ask this goat fart?” he says pointing to Nathan, who raises an eyebrow at the pathetic insult. I let out a chuckle at his choice of words, he always had the talent of creating these sorts of slang. “Nothing much happened, he just got a mild hit on his cheek” Nathan defends, folding his arms along his chest.

“'Mild hit' is that what you fucking call it? Cause as far as I know you did this on purpose you ... stupid... st-stinky tuna fish!” he glares at Nathan as I suppress a laugh “And yeah, he has been yelling at me since then” he says to me, bored.

“Yelling at you? You did it on purpose so that our team would lose its most efficient player and yours would win” Ash grumbles, even I chuckle at the idea of him being efficient to the team.

“Excuse me 'efficient player'?, come on man who are you kidding? Did you even score a touchdown, Mr Efficient player?” Nathan mocks while Ash narrows his eyes at him in an attempt to glare.

“Come on guys quit fighting over it, let's head back! We're running late!” I say to stop their so called argument. Thankfully both of them agree without much effort from my side. Sometimes these two can be the most annoying people to deal with.

Soon we're on our way back to home in our reserved cargo military plane. Unfortunately, the petty feud between the two is yet to be settled, each time I would try to take a nap I'd be woken up by their yelling.

“I wasn't even ready to play but you forced me out to come, saying it would be a good souvenir for us” Nathan mumbles. “But I don't remember me telling you to give me a souvenir on my goddamned face!” at this point both Nathan and I let out an involuntary chuckle.

“Laugh all you guys want, but the fact is that you guys didn't play fair and it was our team who should've won not yours” he says with a shit eating pout face.

“And just so you know I'm not talking to you both so good luck!” he says childishly, turning his face away from us. “And as if we'd die if you won't” Nathan replies with sarcasm, that makes me snort. “You guys are horrible, I was willing to let go and forgive you, but now don't even think of it.” he grunts. The pointed look on his face is exactly like that of a teenage hormonal girl on her period. Just then I feel a buzz from the pocket of my trousers, I remove my phone and check, it's a message from mom.

Mom,

Hey, just wanted to inform you that upon your return we're having a family dinner, be there tomorrow.

Annoyance fills me upon reading it as my expression sours, but I couldn't let that hamper my mood. “...you guys just go to hell!” Ash says, annoyed. “Come on now are you tired? You were the one to start it in the first place and also with you sticking your *** around we already are in hell” chuckles Nathan while earning a death glare from Ash.

Not even a minute later. “I wonder when this bruise will fade away from my handsome face” Ash touches the now green spot on his face.

“'Handsome face, efficient player' Man! You've got a lot of misunderstandings about yourself. I suggest you should try to look in a mirror, if not anything all your doubts will surely fade away” Nathan scoffs.

“I'm just gonna go somewhere else” mutters Ash angrily as he starts getting up.

“Come on stop whining over it now, What will it take for you guys to stop?” I say clearly annoyed with this now.

“Now since you're asking for it. I wouldn't mind...” he states with a slight hopeful tone.

“How about an ice-cream sundae treat?” I ask cutting him off before his thoughts take an expensive turn. And like I suspected, his eyes glint with a childlike excitement “Are you serious?” he asks with a grin on his stupid face. “Sure, anything to keep your rattling mouth shut” I say instead. “Hey, What did I do to be left out from ice cream?” Nathan whines.

These hungry pigs!

“You won the match right?” I ask rubbing my sleepy face, to which he happily replies “Yes”.

“That's enough treat to last you for a month” I state, his expression falls while Ash silently gives him a triumphant look. “Hey. That's not fair” he argues with a glare. “Okay... fine 2 ice cream sundaes on me.” I finally give up for my precious sleep and just then I see a similar shit eating grin on his face while Ash looks mildly disappointed.

Seriously I work with children...

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I'm pretty happy with how this one turned out!! 😆

Please vote and let me know your thoughts on this. 😊😊😊😊