Chapter 23— Sweet Deception

Raphael’s POV

After the long moment of silence, I picked up my phone and was about to text Diana to let her know about the change of things, but I stopped halfway into the text.

I wondered If she was going to like it. I didn't want to jeopardise this opportunity I had to marry the woman of my dreams.

Gramps noticed that my behaviour was a little bit off. "Are you thinking about the past?" He asked

"No, I am worried about Diana."

"Diana? Why?"

"I don't think she's gonna like the idea of inviting all this many people to the introduction."

"Then don't tell her about it"

"Gramps?" I protested.

"Come on son, do you want her or not?"

"I want her so much Gramps"

"Then do as I say."

"But if I don't tell her she's going to come the way she's supposed to dress to an office-"

"That's not a big deal" he interrupted "That can be arranged, Raphael"

"But how Gramps?"

"It's simple, does she not have friends?"

"Gramps? What does her friend have to do with this?"

"Are you going to listen to me or not boy?"

"Okay, Gramps, I am all ears; hit me," I said chuckling.

"First things first, do you know any of her friends?"

"Yes, I do; she's staying with her."

"Oh, that's perfect then, I presume you have her number?"

I nodded.

"That's sharp, my grandson. Now tell the friend about it and watch what she's going to say; I bet if you are right about Diana, then her friend will tell you not to tell her."

"And then what gramps?"

"And then you plan on how to get her a very beautiful dress."

"That's all?" I asked, surprised

"Yes, that's all my son,"

I smiled, but the smile quickly faded away. "I don't know, Gramps, I am not sure if this would work out well."

"It will, Raph, trust me," Gramps said, patting my back. "It's late now; I need to go rest; please make sure you get some rest, son."

"Okay, I will, Gramps goodnight."

"Goodnight son."

Immediately he left, I picked up my phone and did as he had said, and to my greatest surprise, Ciara agreed not to tell her about it, and she also agreed to get the dress for her.

All I just needed was to send her the money to buy the dress and the shoes.

I smiled.

I went to my gallery and clicked on the picture of Diana I had secretly taken when she was in the gown fitting.

I slept off with the phone on my chest

****

The sun was shining brighter. I had a good feeling about the day.

Surprisingly, the phone on my chest was still on my chest when I woke up, which meant only one thing I had slept soundly.

I smiled.

"Today's definitely going to be a good day" I muttered.

I rushed into the bathroom and began to get ready for the day's activities.

The introduction party.

Just as I was preparing, my phone beeped.

It was a message from Marcel,

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR INTRODUCTION TODAY, BRO; I WISH YOU THE WORST THINGS THAT CAN EVER HAPPEN ON A DAY LIKE THIS.

After it was a devil emoji.

Anger fueled within me.

If I had my way, I would have made sure he was nowhere around the introduction party; I couldn't trust him.

But Gramps insisted that they attend if they want to, saying that no matter what happens, they are family.

Honestly, I didn't see them as a family anymore, not after what they did to me and now to Diana.

I only saw them for who they are now. DESPICABLE HUMAN BEINGS.

I was about to reply to the message when I got a text from Ciara saying that Diana had left the house for the company.

I chuckled.

Though I didn't fully like the idea, it felt good to have a little bit of fun with her.

I knew she would be pissed off when she finally arrives at the correct venue.

Immediately, I wired the amount for the dress and heels I wanted her to get for Diana.

With a big smile on my face, I texted an address to Diana, then went back on to continue dressing up.

When I was done, I stepped out of the room; I didn't know Gramps and Grandma Audrey were done.

They were sitting in the living room, waiting for me.

"Kids this day, I wonder what they do that delays them in dressing up." Gramps teased

"Come on, Gramps," I smiled.

"You looking sharp my grandson." Grandma complimented.

"Thanks, Grandma, you are looking beautiful as well," I said, Bowing my head in a French style.

"So I don’t get a compliment?" Gramps asked, his gaze drifting between mine and Grandma's.

"You don't need one, Gramps; you are too old for that", I teased.

"Too old?"

I ignored him.

"Let's go now; we can't keep our distinguished and prominent guest waiting," I said.

"And hope the bride is on her way."

"I believe so I already sent her the address."

"Okay, perfect, then let's move."

We got to the venue, and everywhere was so beautiful and sparkling. As I moved around observing the venue, I got a call from Diana saying she was at the address I gave her, and she thought it was the wrong address.

I assured her it wasn't and then went out to get her. After so many complaints, she followed me in, still complaining bitterly. I just smiled and watched her cute little angry face.

It was mesmerising to my heart.

Gosh, it was hard to wait.

I fantasised about having her on my bed on our wedding night.

I picked up my phone to check with Ciara. If she was close, I caught Diana several times spying or taking a sneak peek of my phone.

I felt happy in a way, not sure why, but maybe because I thought she was jealous and thinking I was talking to a woman.

I was talking to a woman, except that it was her friend and it was concerning her dress. Shortly after, she came, and then they went to change.

They took a little bit of time.

But it didn't matter when I saw her coming out the door that led to the part where the restroom was.

My jaw dropped.

I couldn't believe my eyes.