A/N: Hi! Misha here updating again after a long time. If you're following me on Twitter (@mishachrisal) you already know why I haven't been so active in writing for the past few weeks but if you're not then it's because I've been busy with my new job and I asked for time off in writing to give myself time to completely adjust with my new work environment. Anyway, I won't make this long so go ahead and read this chapter. Hope you enjoy! xxxM
"Quickly, get her a towel," Beatrice turns to order one of the maids waiting on them. "Is she okay?" she then asks her grandson who was drawing gentle circles on Veronica's back, her voice laced with concern as she watches the poor young woman coughing.
"I'm ok-" Veronica answers after another cough but Cedric beats her to it.
"Actually gran, Veronica had a bad case of motion sickness while traveling here-"
What's motion sickness got to do with me choking on my juice, Cedric? Veronica thought to herself.
"Morning sickness?!" the mansion staff serving them during the meal also let out gasps along with gran.
The surprised look on gran's face slowly turned into an ecstatic smile. "This is wonderful news." She declares while clasping her hands together and everyone agreed, nodding their heads enthusiastically except for Veronica, who has become speechless once again.
"Call my event planner and tell them that I want a perfect wedding in a week-" the old woman began firing orders to the butler. "-then contact Amelie's boutique. Tell her that I want the wedding gown I ordered as soon as possib- No, wait. Just tell her to come here right now. She still needs to take my granddaughter-in-law's measurements." She then turns from the butler to the couple beside her.
"Now, you two don't have to worry about a date for your wedding because I'll make sure that we'll be able to have the ceremony as soon as possible. Especially that a little one is on the way." She goes on not giving a chance for either of the two to talk and clear the misunderstanding. Gran turns to Veronica while looking at her flat stomach, "-we can't have you stressing yourself for the wedding, dear. Remember, the first trimester is always the most crucial period of pregnanc-"
What? No one's pregnant! Veronica cries in her head before secretly jerking her elbow to Cedric's arm while giving him the look to do something. Getting what she meant, Cedric clears his throat to try and clarify the confusion. "She's not pregnant, gran. It's motion sickness. You know, car sickness."
"Not pregnant?" hearing the utter disappointment in the old woman's tone felt like someone kicked a hole into Veronica's conscience but lying to her would make her feel much guiltier if the confusion isn't cleared up right now. And besides, babymaking is way out of line in their agreement. She didn't sign up for that.
"Yes, gran. Veronica's not pregnant." Cedric says one more time.
"Oh…" is the only word that came out of her mouth before weakly turning to Veronica. "I'm sorry, dear. This old woman got ahead of herself and did something she shouldn't have," she says smiling but it's obvious how heartbroken she is after hearing the truth.
"You don't have to apologize, gran…"
Gran gives Veronica's hand a gentle pat as if to tell her that everything's alright before slowly standing up from her seat. "I'm going to head back to my room and rest." She announces and the butler, Fred is quick on his feet to help the madam of the house. "-Thank you for having a meal with me. It was nice meeting you, Veronica dear." she continues to say goodbye before turning to walk out of the dining hall.
Looking at her from the back and seeing her frail body, Veronica thought that Cedric's grandmother seemed so strong when she first saw her but seeing gran up close and finally meeting her, she must only be putting up a front to not make her family worry just like what Veronica's dad always did after getting sick. Finally realizing the seriousness of her role, Veronica now understood why Cedric went out of his way to fake his wedding just to make his ill grandmother happy.
In haste, Veronica removes the napkin on her lap and stands up from her chair to catch up on them. "Wait!" she shouts and gran turns to look behind her with a questioning look on her face.
"Veronica dear, is something wrong?"
"I'd love for you to help me plan my wedding, gran. To be honest, I have no idea what I should do first and I would be grateful if you can do this for me and Cedric."
Gran stares at Veronica for a moment as if in shock before her expression became vibrant once again. "I'd be delighted to." She responds with a smile before happily taking Veronica's hand to lead her to their living room.
---
Two hours later, Veronica is now deciding on what flowers will be used as a table centerpiece during the reception. When she decided to get gran's help, Veronica didn't expect that it would be right away. As soon as she accepted her offer, Cedric's grandmother didn't waste any time and called everyone necessary to plan a wedding.
"Would you like roses or sunflowers?"
"How about the color motif? Would you prefer pastel colors or neutral ones?"
"Invitations will be ready by tomorrow as long as you hand me the guest list today. How many people do you have in mind? A thousand?"
"Your wedding gown will be intricately decorated with gemstones or do you prefer diamonds?"
"Diamonds, Amelie. No questions asked." Gran interjected in the conversation with a serious-looking face as she reads a catalog on her iPad.
Seeing how chaotic it has been in just two hours, Veronica sat frozen on her chair not expecting things to go this fast.
"I think this is enough wedding planning for the day. My fiancé looks exhausted and it's not even her wedding yet." Cedric says as he walks to where Veronica is to take her hand and help her get up from her seat.
Everyone stops and their questioning gazes all move to Veronica, who can only shrug her shoulders in response.
"Cedric's right." Gran agrees with her grandson while putting her iPad down. "you must be tired already, dear. You should go home and rest. I'll take it from here." She continues saying and Veronica just nods her head in thanks feeling relieved as exhaustion slowly crawl their way up in both her mind and body.
_to be continued_