Lilian's pov.
Something's wrong. Ever since I woke up, he's been acting strange, but it wasn't as strange as when he had the wedding date pushed forward. He wanted it to be held on a much closer date. I was worried about what was going on in his head more than anything. Presently, I'm having second thoughts about getting married now more than ever. Father didn't mind at all. To him, his greatest problem had been taken care of. Regardless of how much he hated me, I still hoped that he at least saw me as his daughter, but seeing how eager he is to sell me off, I couldn't be any more disturbed.
"You must be overjoyed at the thought of leaving this place soon." He tells me.
Lately, Nelson has been sleeping in my room a lot. In fact he has even moved in, literally. He's made himself so comfortable and so, news of an Alpha who had fallen in love with an omega had spread like wildfire, but he looks unaffected, otherwise he would have moved out a long time ago.
He walked towards me, placing a shawl around my neck to keep me warm, the winter was just around the corner, if it keeps up this way, I was bound to have a winter wedding.
"It's nothing, I was just thinking of the past."
He placed a hot cup of cocoa with soft white floating marshmallows in my hand.
"If only my mother could see me now, I wonder what she would say to me." I said to him,
"If you want to see her then I would be happy to bring her over. Just say the words. The date has been finalized already, and so, in three days, we will be married."
He took my hand in his and kissed the back of my palms. I really don't know what has gotten over him, because his displays of affection really creeps me out. He wasn't like this last time, I thought he was nice to me but now he's a lot nicer. I like it but it scares me.
I turned around in amazement, clinging on to his shirt sleeves.
"Do you really mean it,you can make that happen?"
I knew deep down that she does not deserve to be present at my wedding, especially since she abandoned me in hopes that I would die. Regardless, I wanted to show her that the beginning of my new life was going to be my breakthrough, and that I was going to shape my fate to favor me however I wanted it, rather than waiting on some imaginary Luna to have mercy on me. I will not let the same thing happen to me and at the end of this marriage I'll be rewarded handsomely, well enough start my life all over. Alas! A light at the end of the tunnel.
Nelson gave me no reply instead he was suddenly looking flustered, almost as if he was holding his breath and forgot how to breathe. Only then did I realize that I was too close, there was little or no space between us. I quickly stepped out of his personal space and then some.
"Of course, she's family after all."
He smiled, clearly satisfied with my answer, he also looked proud of himself. Like he is a god that just granted the wishes of his loyal subject. I thanked him.
...
"This way, the bride's room is this way." I hear Agatha, my designated maid, direct Hilda and her assistants to my room.
The villa buzzed with people going in and out, moving stuff around. It was two days until the wedding. Finally the dressmaker arrived, relieving my very stressed mind a tad bit. Contrary to what I expected, this was not looking like a small wedding, nope. Not in the least bit. I mean, judging by all the arrangements going on, a lot of work is being put into this for it to be a simple wedding. I mean I thought it was more sensible to do things very simply since it is an arranged marriage and Nelson saw me as no less than another common girl on the street or even better, a one night stand. Well, I had no choice in the matter because it didn't concern me even though I happen to be the bride. Left to me, I'd keep it as real as possible, a simple joining and nothing more.
The dressmaker and her two doll-like assistants strutted into my room carrying a large box with a huge K which stood for Klienfield marked across it, which I undoubtedly believed contained the dress. That was a very large box for a dress if you ask me, but I wasn't asked. Hilda, that's the dressmaker, spoke in a thick Italian accent. She looked like she always meant business because after we exchanged pleasantries wasted no time in undoing the ribbons on the box and went ahead to unveil the dress. My dress. This is the first time I'll be seeing it. Beautiful. That was the best adjective I could mutter at the sight of the ivory ball gown. I had never seen anything more beautiful. And suddenly, it all began to feel real. I was really getting married. And I'll be wearing that beautiful dress. I'll be a princess even if it's for a day.
"Go ahead, feel it. It's yours." Hilda said. I didn't realize that I had been holding my breath.
"The bodice was intricately trimmed in lace and Swarovski crystals to soothe your age. The sleeves are made from net, the exact same shade of your skin tone so that when you wear it, it looks as though the lace is glued to your skin and the skirt. We used royal silk with some more Swarovski crystals scattered around it. You're very young and beautiful and your husband said he wants only the best dress for his bride. This is a customized dress. So you'll be the first one to wear it. It's an original Pnina Tornai"
I had no idea what and who she just said because I had never read fashion magazines so I didn't know who was doing what in the industry plus I was too busy gawking at the dress. I felt the fabric, the crystals. Everything felt soft despite how big the dress is. It must cost a fortune. Infact, it costs a huge fortune. My eyes almost popped when I spotted the receipt still in the empty box.
Just then my phone rang and of course, Nelson's name popped up on my screen.
"Lily"
I was speechless when I heard that name. I hadn't heard in a long time because nobody has addressed me that way ever since I left my childhood days behind. It only existed in that time when I was young and carefree.
"Hello, Lily, can you hear me?"
Instantly, teardrops stained my cheeks. I felt warm in my heart. I was happy to be addressed that way again.
"Yeah, I can hear you, Nelson."
"That's great. I'm sorry but I won't won't make it tonight. Turns out it's a bad kick to stay with the bride the night before the wedding. Even though I don't believe in such superstitions, I'll oblige. Just hang in there and don't lose your cool. Okay, it's just two days to ourselves alright."
He sounded so cute. For a second I forgot it was all a plan and almost revealed in the idea of a great life between us. The sound of music echoing on the other side snapped me out of my reverie. He's probably at the same bar we met. I mean, he could be a regular there and well, he's almost out of bachelor hood so he's probably decided to have one last or in this case two last nights of "fun". He's probably with another woman. The thought sent a pang of guilt to my heartstrings.
Suddenly, I felt anger. Why am I so bothered about his love life when it has nothing to do with me. Sooner or later he will find his mate or not but either way, in twelve months I will be long gone from his life. The point is, my time with him is limited and I should not let myself get attached in any way. His business is his business and I will not get involved. As far as I'm concerned, he will still be a free man even after we're married. Thus, I have no reason to get upset about anything right?
"Ly…. Lily….. Lily…"
"Huh, oh yeah sure." I agreed with him and he hung up immediately.
It's better if I get my head off the cloud, I have a wedding to prepare for, and so I have to save my energy and give it all I've got. It is my freedom plan in motion. That's where my head should be.