Meeting Celine.

“What if I mess it up? She will know…that we're not in love..” Thea panicked as Daisy helped her into a beautiful short white dress.

It was elegant and perfectly suited her slender, yet subtly curvy, figure, hugging her body in all the right places.

“Take a deep breath! I'm sure she won't be asking uncomfortable questions.” Daisy offered, her heart racing as well.

She had no clue what was at stake but she was scared for her friend, worried that this might blow up in her face.

“Do you think she knows who I am? And what happened with my family?” Thea asked, biting her nails as she stared down at the tiles, shaking.

Daisy placed her hands on Thea's shoulders, holding her in place and forcing her to stare her in the eyes.

“It's alright! Take a deep breath! I'm sure Seth has something up his sleeves and he doesn't strike me as a man who would put you in an uncomfortable situation.”

Thea scoffed, her eyes glancing briefly at the double doors leading outside the change room; if only she knew how messed up their agreement was.

“Sure. He won't.” Thea flashed her a faint smile.

A soft knock sounded at the door. "Come in," Thea called, assuming it was one of the staff, coming in to tell her it was time to join Seth in the hall.

The door swung open, and Seth stepped inside. He was no longer in his wedding suit, having changed into a charcoal-grey suit. His hair was still perfectly in place, and his eyes seemed to pierce through the air as they landed on Thea.

He paused, just inside the doorway, his gaze sweeping over her, taking in her appearance.

For a fleeting moment, Thea saw it again; that look in his eyes when she walked down the aisle hours ago. It was a subtle widening of his pupils, a momentary softening quickly masked by his usual cool demeanor.

Hell, she would kill to know what those eyes mean!

"You look..." Seth began, then paused. "Appropriate."

Thea felt a wry smile touch her lips.

"Thank you," she said, taking it for what it was, a supposed compliment.

"Celine is here," Seth stated, his tone business-like once more. "She's waiting in the lounge.”

Thea glanced at Daisy who gave her an approving nod; she'll be just fine. Seth turned on his heels, striding out the door while Thea tagged along behind him.

Her heart gave a little jump; what if she messes up? What if Seth's Grandmother knows all about her family drama? Thea swallowed, calling the hateful glares Runes' mother had flashed her the day she was disowned.

Thea exhaled, remaining calm even though her heart was threatening to burst out of her ribcage!

She followed Seth to a cozy lounge area where an elderly woman with perfectly styled silver hair, sat gracefully on an armchair. Her eyes, a warmer shade of blue than Seth's, twinkled the moment they settled on Thea.

“My goodness, she looks even better in person,” Celine said, her voice filled with warmth.

Wait, she knows her? Thea's gaze flickered to Seth but he paid her no attention, his eyes fixed on the older lady.

"Celine, this is Thea, my wife," Seth said, his voice surprisingly soft as he addressed the older woman.

“I know who she is!” Celine snapped and returned to Thea with a warm, genuine smile. She rose and, with surprising agility, took Thea's hands in hers.

"My dear, it is an absolute pleasure to finally meet you! Seth has told me so little, the scoundrel, but you look amazing my dear." Her grip was surprisingly comforting. "Welcome to the family, my child."

Thea felt a genuine blush warm her cheeks."Thank you, Grandma. It's a pleasure to meet you too."

"Oh, call me Celine, dear." Celine chuckled. "So, tell me, Thea, where is your family? I would have loved to meet them at the ceremony." Her eyes, though kind, were keenly observant. "I don't recall seeing any Balmeros on Seth's guest list."

Thea's breath caught. She had hoped to the creator that Celine wouldn't ask her this precise question.

She opened her mouth, searching for the right word but with her heart hammering against her chest, nothing.

“They…”

Seth cuts in.

"Thea's family is... rather private," Seth interjected, his voice was surprisingly even."They prefer to keep out of the public eye, especially with all the media attention our union is bound to attract."

Celine paused, her gaze flicking between Thea and Seth, her eyes narrowed on the duo.

“Oh? Well, that's a shame. I was looking forward to welcoming them properly." She didn't press further, but Thea couldn't stop her heart from pounding so loudly.

“They send their blessings and their regards, “ Seth adds smoothly.

Thea felt a pinch in her heart, and lying to Celine made a knot form in her stomach.

“Well, we'll have enough time to get to know each other soon enough. Let's get the party started.” Celine laughs.

She holds Thea's hands firmly, leading them both towards the venue while Seth tags along from behind.

“I'm so sorry I missed the Church ceremony, I was stuck in terrible traffic and couldn't get out for hours!”

Thea smiled. “I understand. You're here now, that's all that matters.”

《Reception》

The dinner progressed smoothly, filled with polite conversations, a few pictures with the bride and the groom, and a whole lot of eating.

“How did it go with Seth's Grannie?” Daisy asked, pulling Thea into a corner.

Thea sighed. “It was okay I guess. She's like a really sweet lady too.”

Daisy smiled. “Told you. You were worried for nothing.”

Thea shrugged. Maybe she's right. Celine has been nothing but kind to her but it seems she knows nothing about her family disowning her.

Or did she choose to ignore it?

“Looks like your husband can't seem to keep his eyes to himself.” Daisy teased, gesturing at Seth in the other room.

His eyes were fixed on her, studying her quietly. Next to him is a man of similar height, staring at Thea as well with a polite smile on his face.

“Who is that?”

“A friend maybe? So what's the plan for your wedding night?” Daisy teased and Thea gasped, covering her mouth.

“What? You two are getting married! And this isn't the first time that you know…”

“Daisy!” Thea cautioned, her brows furrowed, but her cheeks were flustered.

“What? But that night…how was it? Good? Great? Awesome!”

“Daisy!” Thea cautioned once more.

“Eventually, you two are going to have sex, believe it or not. I'm trying to prepare you for that. ” Daisy said, glancing over at Seth and then her eyes flickered over to man standing next to Seth, he was quite the looker.

“Hey, I'm just glad you're okay. It's been a rough week for you and if Seth breaks your heart, I'll kill him. I mean it. Goodlooking or not.”

Thea smiled, her eyes beaming with appreciation. “Thank you.”

As the evening began to draw to a close, and guests started to depart, Celine turned to the newly married couple, her eyes sparkling.

"Now, my dears, the most important question! Where will you be having your honeymoon? I trust Seth has planned something absolutely marvelous?"

Seth froze. Thea saw a flicker of genuine surprise cross his face, quickly masked.

A honeymoon. Of course. It was a standard expectation of a newly married couple, a clear oversight.

He hadn't considered it, nor had she.

The silence stretched. Thea knew she had to step in.

"Oh, yes, Grandma," she said, forcing a bright smile. "Seth has planned something wonderful. We're actually going to wait about a month or so. There are a few pressing business matters he needs to finalize first." Her perfect smile twitched, struggling to stay in place.

She was a terrible liar.

Celine gasped in horror like Seth had just ruined the young lady's life! “My world! Seth, a honeymoon isn't something you postpone for work!”

Thea laughs, a nervous giggle. “It's fine Celine. I understand that he's got a lot on his plate and I'm okay with…”

Celine shook her head, she was not so easily swayed. “Nonsense! A newlywed couple needs time to themselves, to truly bond. Business can wait for a few weeks, Seth. You work too hard."

She pulled out her phone, her fingers flying across the screen. "I simply won't hear of it. I know just the place. The Royal Serenity Suite at The Grand Regent Hotel is the most beautiful hotel in the city, perfectly private. I'll book it for you for two weeks, starting tonight."