After days of careful observation, Dr. John insisted on moving Lillian immediately. He noted a slow response to his potions, and they might be able to take out the demon's blood with a few intensive treatments.
Christina, who had been losing hope, found a glimmer when her mother regained consciousness briefly last night. Though Lillian's condition prevented her from speaking, her smile amidst adversity injected a dose of confidence into Christina's weary mind.
However, another pressing matter weighed on Christina: her grandmother's reaction to the sudden marriage announcement. Margaret was initially against the idea, mirroring what Lillian's response might have been. Yet, after discussing the situation at length, she reluctantly conceded, recognizing the positive influence the groom had on their beloved family member.
As for Christina's father, Margaret had sent him back to manage the family restaurant in town. Despite causing a scene, Margaret's firm warning kept him in check, ensuring his return to their hometown. Reylan discreetly ensured he remained there until after the wedding, unwilling to risk any disruptions on such an important day in his solitary century and a half of life.
"Please take care of her," Margaret requested Reylan as they stood on the hospital terrace, watching the helicopter prepare for departure. With a nod, Reylan silently acknowledged her request as Christina had mentioned she was aware of their deal.
Christina kissed her mother's hand before descending from the helicopter. Embracing her grandmother, she walked alongside Reylan as they watched the aircraft take flight, with Margaret and Dr. John waving from the distance.
"How long will the journey take?" Christina asked, staring at the diminishing helicopter.
"About 20 minutes. It's a short trip," Reylan reassured her as they watched the helicopter disappear into the sky. Nexus Center was situated near their neighboring city of Veleton amidst the woods, and offered the best care for Lillian, especially with Dr. John accompanying her.
Feeling a momentary relief now that her mother was in capable hands, Christina shifted her focus to fulfilling her contractual obligations. They would attend Reylan's family gathering later, a prospect that both intrigued and unnerved her.
"I'll pick you up after finishing some work at the company. Blaze will take you to the villa so you can get ready," Reylan informed her, referencing their previous discussion about his family's eagerness to meet her. It was mainly her grandfather who was dying to know more about her, and family was just an excuse.
Christina nodded, the anticipation building as they made their way to the elevator. With her mother's care ensured, she now needed to concentrate on navigating the complexities of her impending contract marriage.
Upon reaching Dr. John's office floor, they encountered the frantic Blaze. "Can't you answer your phone for once?" he grumbled, showing his phone as he entered the lift, eliciting a smile from Christina. In these past few days of mental struggle, the banter between Reylan and his brother had become a source of amusement for her.
"What's the matter now?" Reylan's nonchalant response only made her shake her head.
"The head designer is at his wit's end with your extravagant requests for the wedding rings. He's on the verge of quitting," Blaze explained.
"If he can't handle such a simple task, he better quit before I kick him out," Reylan retorted, his determination unwavering. All he had asked was his favorite red stone to fit into his bride's ring. But his brother was making it sound like a big deal.
As the lift descended to the parking lot, Christina couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement mixed with apprehension. While she had agreed to the marriage, the rapid pace at which things were progressing left her feeling uncertain.
And most importantly, her soon-to-be husband's dual nature frustrated her. His persona kept oscillating between a wicked devil and a gallant hero, making it hard to understand what he truly was!
The brothers' banter continued until they parted ways, with Blaze becoming her new confidant during the journey to Elysium Estates. They couldn't help but rant about Reylan, something that built a good bond between them.
---
[A few hours later]
Christina stood before the mirror, a small smile gracing her lips as she examined her reflection. Darren had meticulously prepared several outfits for the evening's gathering, but it was the knee-length, flared skirt in charcoal grey that caught her eye. Paired with a crisp white satin blouse and a tailored blazer in a matching grey, its sharply defined lapels imbued her with a sense of confidence.
Drawing her brown hair into a sleek, high ponytail, a few loose strands framed her face delicately. Her makeup, a subtle smokey eye, a hint of blush accentuating her cheeks, and a bold red lip, added a touch of glamour. Satisfied with her appearance, she grabbed her sling bag and made her way out of the room.
In the hall, Reylan turned at the sound of her footsteps, his eyes glinting slightly under the dim light. A subtle smirk played on his lips as he admired her understated yet stylish attire, perfectly reflecting her personality.
"How do I look?" Christina descended the stairs, her gaze fixed on Reylan as he lounged on the sofa.
"Doesn't make up for all the hours you wasted," he deadpanned, earning a scowl from Christina. Rising from the couch, he motioned for her to follow. "Let's go."
What a barbaric jerk! Christina huffed, and quickly nodding at Darren, she followed him outside.
As they drove towards the venue, Christina couldn't help but inquire about Reylan's family. "Should I act like a kind, sweet woman, or a psychopath like you?" she quipped, earning a disapproving glance from Reylan.
"Just be yourself. You don't need to impress anyone; my grandfather is already smitten," Reylan replied, his tone filled with confidence.
"At just one meeting?" Christina wondered aloud, considering the possibility of a familial resemblance.
"But be on alert; one mistake, and they will slice you with their interrogation," Reylan cautioned, acknowledging the eccentricity of his family. Christina nodded, her lips pursed in thought.
"I am sure you will do it before anyone else," she remarked, unable to resist a jab on how he had gestured to slice her throat a few days ago.
Reylan smirked at her comment. "Seems like you have understood me well in a short span," he replied, steering towards their destination.
Christina faked a smile and turned her gaze out of the window. "Wait, aren't we going to his mansion?" she queried, noticing they were heading in the opposite direction.
Reylan shook his head, his expression unreadable. "We are dining at our resort," he explained, taking a different turn at the junction. His grandfather didn't like his own family stepping inside his mansion, as they all had blooded their hands somehow, having their share of crimes against humans. And it was also the very reason why he was so hesitant to hand over the seat to any of them.
After a few minutes, they arrived at the resort. Reylan parked in front, and a valet quickly appeared to take his car. Just as Christina was about to step out, Reylan unexpectedly grabbed her hand.
"Wh-what are you doing?" Christina grumbled, her heart skipping a beat as their faces hovered inches apart.
"What the" Christina's protest was cut short as he grasped her collar and drew her closer, a trick to silence her words and send a shiver down her spine.
Reylan expertly buttoned the buttons she had left undone, exposing a sliver of her neck and collarbone. He sensed her heart race, beneath his touch, a self-satisfied smile gracing his lips. "All set," he declared, leaning back with a satisfied grin.
"I will suffocate to death!" Christina grumbled as she adjusted her collar.
"Do you think I will let my wife even before marriage?" Reylan teased, his smirk widening. "Don't worry, sweetheart. The air conditioning is great inside."
Christina rolled her eyes, huffing in exasperation. He was really a psycho!