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
Irene's family arrived in Zidonia a couple of days before the wedding, and Lulu and Zachary were on hand to receive them.Irene gave Lulu a bear hug as soon as they met, teasing her softly in the ear, "Things went faster than I thought, huh?""I didn't want to reject Zachary," Lulu said—she was doing her best to make things work between them."It's great if you have that mindset," Irene said quite emotionally. "I'm happy for you and earnestly hope you two will find happiness."Lulu clapped her on the back. "That's enough."There were plenty of people around.Just then, Stan Hill said, "Shouldn't you two be thanking me?"On Lulu's first return to the country after her plastic surgery, Stan had returned with her, disguising her as his relative.Still, Zachary joked, "If I'm thanking anyone, it's Irene, not you."Stan snorted. "Fine, I'm taking her away."Turning to Lulu, he said, "Come on. We're going back to Franconia."Zachary took Lulu's right then. "She's mine now. You can
Lulu smiled as she glanced at Isaac before turning back to Tommy. "You do resemble your daddy because you're his son."Tommy grinned, while Zachary said, "Alright, this isn't the place to chat. They must be tired from the flight too—let's get them to their hotel first."Lulu quickly nodded. "Alright, everyone get in."Zachary was driving the first car, and he glanced at Isaac from the rearview mirror. "I didn't clean your house since no one has stayed there for a while. Instead, I arranged for you to stay at a hotel, but I've booked the entire floor for your convenience.""Good," Isaac replied.Tommy then said, "I'm hungry, Uncle Zachary."Zachary chuckled. "Get some rest, then we will go eat. I've made arrangements—you'd definitely feel full."Tommy whooped and leaned against the window to take in the sights.Suddenly, he sighed emotionally like an older man. "Things haven't changed much around here."Zachary chuckled. "How long have you been abroad? Things don't change that
"When did you become that nice?" James asked.Erin rolled her eyes. "I've always been that nice, and have I ever been mistreated? If I did, when was that? Do tell."James got in bed to hug her. "I'm just kidding, okay? I know you're the kindest and most caring wife."As he spoke, he pressed his lips by Erin's collarbone, and Erin cringed because it tickled. "Okay, stop it."James, however, moved on to kiss her ear. "I want to hold you."Erin turned and nestled against his arms, and with that, they both lay down in bed, peacefully and blissfully.Still, the bliss lasted briefly as James' phone started ringing.He whipped it out and saw that it was a call from Zachary. "We're at the restaurant. You can come over now.""Alright," James replied and put away his phone."Are they calling you for dinner?" Erin asked.James nodded, and she said, "Then go."James straightened his clothes and stared at her. "Are you really not going?"Erin nodded. "Yeah, no. I'm tired."James leane
Stan chuckled. "When did you become so generous? That's not like you."Zachary filled his glass to the brim and asked, "And how was I before?"Stan made a face as he thought. "Can't quite remember, but nothing good.""Quit slandering me." Zachary snorted. "My bride is here too, and if she dumps me because of your slander, you'll have to compensate me with another bride."Stan sighed. "How? When I don't have one myself? But you can have me if you want.""No. Stay away." Zachary refused to play along.Either way, it was a calm dinner and everyone was happy for Zachary and Lulu.It was not easy for them to find each other again and happiness."Here. An early toast to your happiness." Stan raised his glass, and Zachary clinked glasses with him."Hope your dreams come true." James raised his glass as well, and Zachary refilled his own before accepting James' toast.And when that was done, Irene raised her glass of fruit juice as well. "Congratulations for finally getting together.
As Baby started running toward the pinwheel vendor, Lulu had to chase after him. "Slow down, or you'd fall."Nonetheless, Baby took one of the pinwheels as soon as he reached it, and the vendor did not seem to mind. The child was adorable, and he liked children taking his pinwheels since the adult would definitely pay for it anyway.To no surprise, Lulu patted Baby's head while asking the vendor, "How much?""Fifteen," the vendor replied, even flashing his payment QR code.Lulu paid up and turned to find Baby smiling happily as he held the pinwheel, which was whirling against the breeze in the air.That was children for you—a mere trinket could keep them happy for a while.Childhood was indeed perhaps the happiest time in a person's life, as they could play without worrying about a thing.-After they returned from the lake, Irene brought Lulu her gift.Weighting it in her hands, Lulu asked, "Money?""That's for your wedding." Irene rolled her eyes."Alright, then I'll keep
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