Verena and Louis continued their walk down the seemingly never-ending corridor as they made their way through the stately mansion.
The walls bore impressive, unfamiliar architectural details and were adorned with artwork that captured Verena's attention. She marvelled at the unique style and craftsmanship of the paintings, utterly unaware of their age.
"This painting is 200 years old," Louis informed her, his smile revealing his affection for these historic pieces.
Verena's eyes widened in amazement. "That old?" she whispered in astonishment.
Louis nodded, his eyes still twinkling with delight at her reaction. Ajax, who had been leading the way, turned slightly to ensure they were following, noticing Louis's deep affection for Verena. He couldn't help but think that the young master was truly and deeply in love with this girl.
Finally, they arrived at their destination. Ajax halted and informed them, "Here you go."
Louis knocked on the door, and a voice from inside invited them to enter. With a shared glance, Verena and Louis stepped into the room.
Grandpa Cian gestured for them to take their seats as they entered the room. Verena and Louis followed his instructions, but their demeanour couldn't have been more different. Verena was feeling nervous, her heart racing, while Louis remained calm and composed.
"Verena, I am very sorry for how my family has welcomed you. This is not how I planned the dinner for you both," Grandpa Cian began, his voice carrying a hint of regret.
Verena managed a warm smile despite her nerves. "It's okay, Grandpa Cian. I understand," she replied, her voice steady but her eyes betraying her unease.
Grandpa Cian leaned forward slightly, his gaze serious, as he addressed Verena directly. "I would like
to ask you just one question, and I want an honest answer."
Verena and Louis exchanged knowing glances, wondering what Grandpa Cian had in mind.
Did he want to test Verena's love for his grandson? Was he trying to gauge whether she would truly take care of Louis?
Anything, Grandpa. Ask, and I will honestly answer," Verena assured him, her voice unwavering.
The question that followed took them both by surprise. "Did you really kill a person four years ago?"
Grandpa Cian's inquiry left Verena's eyes wide with shock, and she swallowed hard. Louis, equally stunned, grappled with the implications of her response.
Verena hesitated, and Grandpa Cian, noticing her discomfort, sighed before offering reassurance. "You can trust me with your secret," he said.
Louis, sensing Verena's apprehension, reached out and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. She looked at him, and he smiled and nodded, silently urging her to answer truthfully.
Verena returned her gaze to Grandpa Cian and replied with conviction, "No."
He heaved a sigh. "That's it," Grandpa Cian said with a nod. "I will not ask you how you got tangled in a series of lies, but I hope you can leave that part of your life behind."
Verena's eyes darkened with a mixture of relief and gratitude. Grandpa Cian continued, "As my granddaughter-in-law, I welcome you wholeheartedly. Remember, you have my support. If anything happens in our family, come to me without hesitation."
Verena stood up and approached Grandpa Cian, gently taking his hand and pressing her lips to it.
"Thank you so much, Grandpa Cian," she said sincerely. "May God bless you with good health."
"Amen," Louis and Grandpa Cian replied in unison. Verena returned to her seat, her heart lighter than it had been moments before.
Grandpa Cian then shifted the conversation to a more cheerful topic. "Your wedding is in a week. The event will be held at the Grand Heisenberng mansion. If you wish to invite your beloved guests, the invitations will arrive tomorrow."
Two days before the wedding, Verena had gone shopping for dresses with Juliette, Eisley, and Rosie.
She had informed Juliette about her impending marriage to Louis, and initially, Juliette had been angry with her.
However, as she understood the significance of the situation and the fact that Verena must have been missing her family, she let go of her anger.
The girls had arrived at the Sassi Bridal Boutique, and Verena could tell from a single glance that it was one of the most upscale boutiques she had ever walked into.
"Welcome to Sassi Bridal Boutique, Mrs. Lincoln, and Ms. and Mrs. Heisenberng," the boutique manager professionally greeted them.
Juliette couldn't help but find the situation amusing when she saw the beautiful bridal dresses on display. "This is hilarious!"
"I suddenly want to get married," she added, laughing. Rosie chimed in, "I want to marry too, but I haven't found my prince charming yet."
Eisley intervened, "Enough now, girls, let's focus on Verena's dresses."
Rosie, however, had a question on her mind. "Don't you think your children are behaving well at home?" She knew that Eisley had left her children at home with Marvin.
"He can take good care of them," Eisley confidently replied, dismissing any concerns about her children's behaviour.
They were then ushered into a private dressing area. The boutique manager explained, "Ma'am, these are the collections specially designed for the Heisenberng wedding."
Verena was intrigued. "What do you mean by that?"
The manager replied, "Mr. Cian informed us about Mr. Louis's wedding, so the new collection we're creating has been inspired by your upcoming wedding."
Verena smiled appreciatively. "That's very kind of you."
The manager suggested, "You can start trying them on," and signalled to her assistant to bring refreshments for the girls.
Meanwhile, back at the grand mansion, Marvin found himself covered in paint. His sons had decided to embark on an impromptu painting session, but instead of using a canvas, they chose to use their father's belly as their creative outlet. Little butterfly designs began to take shape, painted by tiny hands.
Louis heard the commotion and entered the room, only to burst out laughing at the sight of his brother-in-law covered in colourful designs.
Marvin, trying to maintain his dignity, declared, "Stop laughing at me! You're getting married too, and in less than two years, you'll be in my position. Mark my words."
Louis chuckled, his heart warmed by the thought of becoming a father someday. "Who's afraid of being a father, Marvin?"
Marvin, who was technically Louis's uncle but closer in age due to Grandma Wendie's young marriage, responded playfully, "I'll believe it when I see it."
Louis received a call and left the room, leaving Marvin with their mischievous children.
Meanwhile, Verena had tried on numerous dresses, but the girls kept rejecting them. Exhausted from changing in and out of dresses, she sulkily walked back into the dressing area, scolding the girls playfully.
"I won't forget about you two when it's your turn!" Her threat was met with laughter from the mischievous trio.
Verena's next and final dress caught her eye immediately. It was an exquisite gown adorned with white diamonds that shimmered like stars against a midnight sky.
Her heart skipped a beat as she stared at her reflection in the mirror, noticing that her makeup had been expertly done to complement the dress.
With a deep breath, she stepped out of the dressing room, only to find that no one was there. Panic began to set in until she saw a sign that read, "Step onto the platform for a special surprise."
Curiosity piqued, she followed the instructions and waited, wondering what surprise awaited her.
As the curtains were dramatically drawn away, revealing Louis standing before her, Verena couldn't help but feel her heart skip a beat. She hadn't anticipated his presence and was momentarily stunned by the sight of him. However, instead of a smile, Louis looked pale and breathless, his gaze fixed on her.
Verena, puzzled by his reaction, was about to ask why he looked so stricken when Louis spoke up, his voice deep and intense. "I'm afraid you can't wear it."
Her heart sank at his words, and she looked down at the stunning dress she had been admiring just
moments ago. She let out a sigh, realising that he might not want her to wear it for some reason.
But Verena was determined to make her point. "Don't say that," she protested softly. "This dress is so beautiful, and I want to wear it. I know it is quite expensive. Call me a little selfish, but can't I make a wish?"
Louis continued to gaze at her with the same intensity, leaving Verena worried that he might not budge on this matter.
However, his expression suddenly softened, and he gently flicked his finger against her forehead before speaking.
"Indeed, this is the most beautiful dress," Louis admitted, his tone tender. "But I don't want you to wear this dress on our wedding day because I'm afraid someone else will steal you from me."
Verena's mouth opened and closed in disbelief as she stared at him, utterly taken aback by his words. She hadn't expected this reasoning.
She felt a surge of emotions, ranging from frustration to amusement. Almost impulsively, she felt like pushing him and getting down from the platform.
At that very moment, the door swung open, and the other girls walked into the room. Their reactions were immediate and filled with awe.
"Oh my God!"
"We definitely did the right thing by calling my brother; otherwise, how would he see her as a bride first?"
Juliette, moved by the sight before her, came closer and hugged Verena, who was still processing Louis's earlier words. "You are the most beautiful bride I've ever seen," Juliette whispered.
Verena, though touched by their reactions, couldn't help but make a lighthearted comment to dispel the tension.
"Don't jinx me," she laughed, her cheeks slightly flushed as she turned to look at Louis, who was already watching her with an affectionate gaze.
The other girls joined in the laughter, and Verena felt a warm sense of camaraderie and love among them.