The love they had back then was so simple, with no strings attached."I'll try my best to do right by you…" Lulu began."No, no…" Zachary said as he looked up at her. "You've never done anything wrong from the start. It's my immaturity that led things to this, but I will do my best to protect you and Star from now on, to protect our little family. I'll become stronger to be your refuge, so that you won't have to spend your life adrift."Lulu turned away, her tears flowing unwittingly.Zachary turned her face to look at him. "Eyes on me. Don't hide."Lulu pursed her lips as she caressed his face in turn and reared her chin to kiss him.Zachary looked her longingly in the eye and kissed her on the brow, her nose, and her soft lips that she yearned for day and night.He slowly undressed her, showering her with kisses. "Eyes on me.""Yeah…" Lulu murmured softly, her fingers clenching on her pillow as she kept her eyes on him.She told herself inwardly that he was Zachary Slate, th
Lulu replied, "I'm fine."Zachary nodded. "Right, and this is Mrs. Kingsley."Lulu smiled and nodded at the woman. "Hello.""This is my wife," Zachary then introduced in turn.Mrs. Kingsley promptly greeted her respectfully. "Good morning, ma'am."Lule was not used to the title but nodded politely and did not deny it.Zachary then put an arm around her and took her back to his room."Why didn't you wake me up?" Lulu asked."You were sleeping soundly," Zachary pointed out.He could not bear to wake her up after wearing her out last night.Gathering her in his arms, he said, "I'm very happy, Lulu."Lulu hugged his waist in turn. "Me too."Zachary gave her a peck on the forehead. "I'll be waiting outside. Let's eat together.""Haven't you eaten?" Lulu asked."No, I was waiting for you.""You don't have to wait," Lulu told him. "You should eat when you're hungry.""Okay," Zachary said.Mrs. Kingsley cooked for them.Star woke up just as they were about to start eating, an
Zachary headed to Star's room, while Lulu returned to the kitchen to prepare the weaning food.Star was up although she just fell asleep, and Lulu said, "She should be sleeping longer.""I wanted to pick her up," Zachary replied.Lulu frowned. "So you woke her up?""She wasn't crying." Zachary shrugged.Lulu was speechless but said nothing.When she was done cooking, Star would be tired from playing and ready to eat anyway.-Over the next few days, Zachary was exceedingly busy, checking out the wedding venue and taking Lulu to the bridal boutique…Time passed quickly since there was plenty to do, and Irene received their wedding invitation in two weeks after preparations were finished.While Irene knew that Zachary and Lulu were warming up to each other, she was still surprised that they were holding the wedding so soon."Are you going back to Zidonia?" Tommy asked.He had no problems with that, but it was not the case for Baby, who was still clingy despite being able to
Unable to decide, Irene turned toward Isaaac.And worried that Isaac would say no, Tommy skidded off his chair, running up to Isaac and tugging on his sleeve as he coaxed, "Daddy? Let's go, please?'Isaac turned toward his son, pinching his cheek as the boy grinned. "Daddy…""Yeah." Isaac tousled Tommy's hair. "Let's go.""Yippee!!!" Tommy exclaimed, jumping around happily.Erin was frowning in turn. "Aren't you getting ahead of yourself? Eat your dinner."As Tommy blinked, Irene beckoned, "Over here, Tommy."Tommy walked up to her, and she picked him up. "Oh, you're getting so heavy that I can't carry you anymore."Tommy blinked his lively round eyes. "Are you calling me fat, Mommy?"Irene made a thoughtful face as she scanned him from top to toe before commenting solemnly, "You've been putting on weight lately."That was not actually the case—the boy's weight was just right, even with his little cheeks fleshing out just like Isaac.As Irene hugged him and gave him a peck o
Erin asked, "Would you prefer a boy or a girl, James?""Haven't you asked that before?" James replied."When?" Erin forgot."Think."Erin frowned in thought but simply could not remember.Turning to hug him back, "Tell me already. When did I ask you that before?'"Pregnancy is really slowing you down, huh?" James smiled, caressing her cheek. "I told you—I'd love the baby whether it's a boy or a girl."Erin looked up into his eyes just then. "Would you still love me like you do after we have a child?""Of course," James replied, tapping her nose. "Stop thinking of such silly stuff."Erin nodded. "Alright, I'll stop. You should start packing already.""Just look at how envious you are, attending someone else's wedding." James chuckled, shaking his head. "It's almost like it's your own wedding."Erin shrugged. "Just needed a breather after all that cabin fever."She really needed to get out after being stuck at home for so long."Got it." James grinned.-Over at Zidonia, Z
Lulu nodded again. "Okay."She walked with Zachary to the door, and he gave her a hug, reluctant to part with her for a single second.They had lost too much time, and he wanted more time with her.Lulu stood stiffly, and Zachary eventually released her and turned to start outside.Lulu sensed that she was not doing well and blamed herself a little. "Zachary…"Zachary turned. "Yes?"Lulu shook her head. "Drive safe."Zachary smiled in turn. "Yeah. And you should go to bed soon."-Afterwards, Lulu went to take a bath and picked up Star, playing with her a little since she was up.She went to bed only when Star fell asleep but vaguely felt the door moving.Opening her eyes, she turned to find that Zachary had bathed as well and put on his pajamas, tiptoeing toward her.Seeing that she was up, he asked softly, "Did I wake you up?"Lulu shook her head. "No. Is Star up?""Nope. Just checking." Zachary lay down and wrapped his arms around her. "Sleep."Lulu closed her eyes, b
Lulu did not like anything too showy—and most of the dresses were immediately apparently so, so none suited her.Sensing her disinterest, Zachary said, "Let's check elsewhere if you don't like them.""No, let's keep looking," Lulu replied, shaking her head—she had yet to go through the catalog."What do you prefer, miss? I can help," the manager said enthusiastically"Something simpler," Lulu said."Oh, you should have said so earlier. Let me bring you another catalog." The manager hurried off and took another catalog from the middle rack. "This is an exclusive catalog. Everything in it is the work of a designer who's quite famous in the business. Take a look."Lulu took the catalog but did not jump straight to it, and she only moved on after she finished the catalog she was browsing through.Still, her eyes lit up as soon as she saw the first page, as it was completely unlike the other catalog.The first design seemed to have fire as its inspiration. It was pure white, but the
Lulu, however, did not seem to like the bridal dress as much because it was too constraining.She wanted something simple in the first place and nothing too fancy, even if her figure suited the dress."I'll try the other one," Lulu said.As Zachary nodded, she returned inside the dressing room.Though the dress had a crinoline, the dressing room was huge and the doors wide, so that it did not get in the way.Zachary sat, crossing his legs and smiling as he remembered Lulu in that dress earlier.She actually looked good in it—despite having had plastic surgery, the way she carried herself never changed, though she was now more withdrawn—like the silence that follows a storm.Soon, Lulu returned, now in that dreamlike dress.There was a trail of spiraling frills that stretched irregularly waist down, but it stopped short of chaotic—making it a complex design that appeared simple.The upper portion of the dress was also prim and conservative, and it looked clean—the way Lulu like
Soon after the wedding, Mr. Fowler proposed for Stan to work at his company to get used to the work over there.He was worried as he did not have much time left, and it would not do if he was gone before the proper arrangements were made.Still, Stan returned to Franconia with Isaac and his family, sorting out things at work and finishing every task he had on hand.While Isaac used to have a lot of free time with Stan around, he was just slightly busier after Stan left. After all, no company should operate in a way that losing a single person would stall all their operations.And after a week, Stan sorted out all the remaining tasks he had in Franconia and returned to Zidonia to start work at the Fowlers' family business.While Stan had property in Zidonia too, he moved into the Fowlers' mansion, but not as a live-in son-in-law. He was simply aware of Mr. Fowler's illness, and Rea wanted to spend more time with her parents.And as the son-in-law, he was obliged to do that much.
Despite feeling wistful, Mr. Fowler eventually passed Rea's hand to Stan. "I hope you will both cherish each other from now on."Rea told him, "We will."Thereafter, it was the usual proceedings of a wedding, with exchange of rings and vows, the wedding speech, and the luncheon!Though everything went smoothly, Mrs. Fowler could not help shedding tears.She was pleased that her daughter was finally getting married, especially since she was looking forward to this.But now that Rea really did marry, she was worried that her life might get difficult and unhappy.Such was the worrisome nature of mothers.-Later, Stan led Rea to Isaac's table.They were all acquainted, but Stan introduced everyone once again to reacquaint them with Rea.After all, she was no longer Zachary's friend's cousin now, but Stan's wife.Erin was grinning from ear to ear. "Congratulations.""Thank you." Rea smiled in return."Congrats," Baby said, imitating the adults.Rea reached out to stroke his c
Zachary said, "I heard you sealed the deal with Rea Fowler, and her family is preparing for your wedding."Stan smiled. "I'm the look of success—getting a girl couldn't be simpler. See? I'm getting married already.""Well, I guess we're all taken now," Erin said.Tommy poked his head up just then. "Congratulations, Uncle Stan.""Thank you." Stan chuckled, patting his head."Also, I heard that you're marrying into the Fowler family?" Zachary asked.Everyone turned to stare at Stan in shock, but it was understandable.Stan was not that modest that he would have to go that far—he had money and was successful enough to afford a wife.Still, Zachary—who knew the Fowlers—suggested, "To be fair, they do need someone to take care of the family business…"-Either way, it meant that Irene's family would be delaying their return trip to Franconia.After all, none of them had expected to attend Stan's wedding so soon after Zachary's.Stan himself did not expect that either, as he had
"What's the problem? We've already slept together," Rea said as she put her clothes on.She frowned as Stan was still on the bed and not moving. "What, are you going to stay in my bed forever?""What am I supposed to wear?" Stan shrugged. "You haven't brought my clothes here.""I'll get it for you."Rea remembered his suitcase then and hurried downstairs to bring it up."Wear whatever you like. I'll be waiting downstairs," she said and hurried away.Stan got out of bed and put on a suit—it was only right to dress formally when it came to discussing marriage.After cleaning up and heading downstairs, he found Rea sandwiched by her parents.Stan had no idea if she had already mentioned it, but both Mr. and Mrs. Fowler were both staring at him, leaving him further tense.Clearing his throat, Stan began, "Excuse me, but—""Yes, we agree to you marrying our daughter.""You mean marrying into our family," Rea corrected them.Everyone else was staring at her before asking all at o
If Rea asked her parents now, they would only get sad, and life would become difficult for everyoneWhat should she do to make them happy?Right, she could get married! Her parents would definitely be pleased. As for the choice of bridegroom, did she not have one readily available here?If Stan could pretend to be her boyfriend, he could definitely be her husband too.They could fake their marriage if they had to!Putting the medical file back where she found it, she wobbled up to her feet and left the room.Stan had yet to step out of the bathroom when she returned, so she sat on the bed and waited.After a while, Stan stepped out with a towel around his waist and paused when he saw Rea sitting there. "Where are my clothes?" He asked, presuming that Rea had forgotten since there was nothing on the bed or the table. "My suitcase is still in your car trunk."Rea turned toward him. "Let's get married."Stan was left speechless for a moment and soon chuckled, "Did you forge
Mrs. Fowler smacked her daughter, but while Rea thought she was angry, she said instead, "Just do your best."Rea's mind was blown—were her parents bewitched? They were completely different from before! A long time ago, her parents had used to tell her that she did not have to marry as long as she was happy.But later on, they had persistently sent her on blind dates… and now, they were telling her to seduce a man?Touching her mother's forehead, Rea asked, "Are you sick?"Mrs. Fowler slapped her hand off. "Your dad and I are leaving now.""Yeah." Mr. Fowler nodded. "The chauffeur is waiting."Rea walked them to the door and watched as their car left before returning inside.She did not go upstairs since Stan was asleep, and she would be bored—she was the type who just could not sit still.However, it was inappropriate if she left since that would leave nobody home.In her boredom, she thought of pranking Stan. She headed upstairs to find him asleep, and soundly at that.Ca
Unable to argue against her parents, Rea said, "Fine, fine. Whatever you say."Mrs. Fowler smiled. "Then help Stan upstairs to get some rest.""Which room?" Rea asked.Mrs. Fowler realized with a start and quickly said, "Oh, there's no bedding in the guest room… So let him stay in your room."Rea was left staring at her in shock. "When did you get so open-minded? Letting a man stay in your daughter's room?"Mrs. Fowler shrugged. "What can he do when he's drunk?""Haven't you heard of drunken fumbles?" Rea asked.Both Mr. and Mrs. Fowler shook their heads at the same time. "Nope."Rea was left totally speechless—this was just outrageous!She would think that Stan was actually their son, if it was not for the fact that they were not acquainted before.They were not like this before either—even if they were urging her to get married, they were not throwing her at a man like this!Mr. Fowler then said, "If anything happens, we'll demand that he takes responsibility and marries y
"I get it," Stan replied quietly. "I wouldn't have been upset even if you didn't explain yourself. But since you did, I forgive you."Rea's brow creased as she pursed her lips. "See? I knew it. We really shouldn't be too nice to you."While Stan was speechless, Mrs. Fowler was enthusiastically putting food on Stan's plate. "This is our family's favorite dish. Try it."Stan nodded after a bite. "It's good."Mrs. Fowler smiled, while Mr. Fowler poured him a glass of wine. "Can you hold your liquor?"Stan smiled. "More or less.""You're being humble now." Mr. Fowler smiled at him. "You're definitely a good drinker.""A little."Rea had enough right then. "Dad, Stan has work to do, and he has to return to Franconia tomorrow. You're going to make things difficult for him."Mr. Fowler smiled awkwardly. "Right…" "You think?" Rea huffed, snatching his wine away. "Everyone only gets to have one glass."Mr. Fowler glared at Rea. "Party pooper."Rea shrugged. "I'm doing this for your
Rea turned her head aside. "Then what's your hobby?"Stan did a double take and remembered his life… which was work and more work.It had been years since he took leave, and he would not get to goof off the last few days if it had not been for Zachary's wedding.Hobby? He certainly did not have anything like that.Now that he thought about it, his life was boring and monotonous, and he did not have anyone very close.That was why he wanted a kind, understanding wife to care and offer him company while he took care of her needs.When he looked up at Rea, he clearly felt that she was not for him—he needed someone to take care of him, but with her, he would be busy taking care of her instead."You're looking at me weirdly," Rea suddenly said."How so?" Stan asked.Rea moved closer, looking him in the eyes and asking solemnly, "Don't tell me—you've fallen for me?""You don't just suffer from a flawed personality—you're narcissistic too."Stan pursed his lips and checked the tim