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good in it—despite having had plastic surgery, the way she carried herself never changed, though she was now more withdrawn—like the silence that follows a storm.Soon, Lulu returned, now in that dreamlike dress.There was a trail of spiraling frills that stretched irregularly waist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
Zachary stood still, leaning against the doorway with his hands in his pockets. He watched as sunlight spilled in, shrouding Lulu and Star in a golden glow that almost seemed unreal.He walked over to hug Lulu, fearful that it was a dream he would wake up from.Lulu stiffened but did her best to fight her fears and smile at him. "What is it? I'm changing Star's diaper—can't do it if you're clinging to me like this. Let me go…""Don't. Just let me have a couple more moments." Zachary was clearly reluctant, even tightening his arms around her.Eventually, he murmured, "Lulu."Lulu looked up. "Yeah?"Zachary smiled. "I don't know if I'm dreaming, even though I'm hearing your voice and breath.""Are you still drunk?"Zachary rested his chin playfully on her shoulder. "Nope, been sober for a while. I just suddenly feel so happy seeing you with Star… everything I went through is insignificant compared to what I have now."Lulu lowered her gaze as the past played out in her mind.It
Irene was keeping Lulu company in the dressing room, with a professional makeup artist doing her work as Lulu was supposed to be the most beautiful woman today.Tommy blinked his round dark eyes. "You look so beautiful today, Mrs. Slate."Lulu smiled at him from the mirror. "You're so sweet, Tommy.""I'm serious," Tommy said.Lulu laughed and turned to Irene, "Where's Baby?""He's with Isaac," Irene replied. "He likes running everywhere, as expected of toddlers."On the other hand, she could stay here peacefully with Tommy, since Tommy knew how to stay put, while she would be gone already if she brought Baby.Children are less difficult when they are older, after all.Lulu grinned at Tommy in turn. "You're a big boy now."Tommy puffed his chest proudly. "Of course. Mommy said I'm the little boss in our circle.""Our circle?" Lulu raised a brow.Tommy explained. "Mommy said that I'm Baby's brother and also brother to Aunt Erin's baby and Star. That makes me the boss."Lulu r