Chapter 20
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The wedding preparations had finally begun. After a long discussion between my family and Caius‘ extended family, we all agreed to hold the first reception in my home country. Now that Caius and I were here, our days were busy. Dress fittings, choosing decorations, printing invitations, and various other preparations felt like an endless loop.
However, I didn’t mind. For the first time in my life, I’m looking forward to my wedding day without fear.
Today, I was at the bridal boutique with my family and a few close friends, trying on the dresses I had chosen. Lucas is sitting in the corner, looking at me with an unpredictable expression.
“I still can’t believe you’re getting married,” he said finally, crossing his arms over his chest.
I smiled a little, looking at my reflection in the mirror. “I didn’t expect things to go this far either,” I replied, my hands smoothing out the folds in the skirt of my dress.
Lucas looked over at Caius who was standing next to me. “And you,” he said, squinting. “You should know that if you hurt Althea, I’ll be the first one to come and kick your ass.”
Caius chuckled, not at all intimidated. “I don’t plan to,” he replied casually.
Lucas stared at him for a few seconds, before finally sighing and averting his gaze. “Good then.”
I chuckled, while Caius only smiled faintly.
The fashion designer smoothed the folds of my wedding dress. This white dress with simple details felt light on my body, but there was something heavier in this room, the gaze of my parents who hadn’t left me since before.
I could feel them staring at me, but I pretended to focus on my reflection in the mirror.
“Althea.”
I sighed softly before turning my head. “Yes, Mother?”
Mom looked at me thoughtfully before finally asking, “Why didn’t you ever tell us about Caius before?”
I bit my lip. The question I knew would come up.
Dad chimed in as well. “You didn’t think it was something important for us to know?”
I lowered the hand that had been touching the skirt of my dress. “I just wanted to make sure of everything first before telling you,” I replied quietly, trying to choose the right words.
Lucas, who was sitting back on the sofa, chuckled before commenting, “At least this time you didn’t waste five years of your time with a guy who won’t even acknowledge you.” I turned my head, looking at him sharply. “Lucas.”
Mom and Dad immediately looked at me with confused expressions. I could see their shock clearly as if they had just heard something they weren’t supposed to.
“Five years?” Dad repeated in a suspicious tone. “What does that mean?” he asked, looking
in in t
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at me and Lucas in turn.
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I immediately glared at Lucas, signaling him to shut up. Lucas just chuckles, as if enjoying
the situation.
“Nothing, Dad. Lucas was just joking,” I say quickly, trying to defuse the situation.
Mom squinted as if she didn’t quite believe me. “Althea, what exactly is Lucas talking about?” Mom asked with an intimidating look.
I smiled awkwardly. “Nothing important. Lucas just likes to talk out of turn.”
Lucas chuckled as he raised his hand casually. “Yes, Uncle, Auntie. I’m just joking,” he said, but his mischievous smile didn’t disappear.
I sighed, hoping that this conversation would soon pass before my parents asked further questions.
Caius, who had been silent, finally spoke, his voice calm. “I never wanted to hide my relationship with Althea. If she kept it a secret, it wasn’t because I asked her to.”
I glanced at him, feeling a little guilty. “Yes, this is my own decision,”
“So you chose not to tell the family?” Lucas asked me while raising one eyebrow.
I took a deep breath. “I just didn’t want to rush things.”
Mom smiled a little, but I could see a hint of sadness in her eyes. “Honey, we will never oppose your happiness. Whoever the person you love is.”
Llooked at her with my heart sinking.
Dad chimed in, his voice softer this time. “We just want you to be happy. And to be honest, we were quite surprised to learn of your engagement over the phone instead of witnessing it in person.”
I gave a small nod. They were right. I should have told them earlier.
Lucas chuckled softly. “Good thing this guy isn’t like-”
I gave him a sharp look, warning him not to mention that name.
Lucas chuckled but then raised his hands in surrender. “Alright, alright. I just want to make sure you learn from your mistakes.”
I sighed and looked at my family. “I’m sorry, Dad, Mom.”
Mom smiled gently. “Most importantly, you’re happy now.”
I looked at Caius in the mirror. He smiled slightly, his expression calm.
I nodded steadily. “Yes. I am happy.”
As I was checking my dress in the mirror again, someone walked into the boutique and handed me a stack of freshly printed wedding invitations.
“Are our invitations ready?” Lasked, turning to the organizer who was helping with the preparations.
The woman nodded. “Yes, Miss Leclair and we will start distributing them today.”
I nodded in satisfaction. “Thank you.”
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