Tatiana's POV

“We are done, ma'am,” the makeup artist, Clara, said, taking a step back. A soft smile stretched on her lips as she added, “You look beautiful, Mrs. Steele. Your husband will be stunned by your new look.”

“Yeah,” I subconsciously replied, my eyes fixed on the beautiful woman in front of the mirror. Her neck was adorned with jewelry which I knew was very expensive.

Is this the kind of life Lena lives? I wondered, turning sideways to admire the fitness of the gown.

It was a long arm satin V-neck gown that pushed up my chest perfectly.

“Thank you, Clara and… Jane.” I smiled, staring at my reflection.

“Um… you're welcome, Mrs. Steele,” Clara answered. I glanced at her in the mirror and caught sight of her uneasy expression.

“Is something wrong?” I questioned.

Her eyes widened slightly, and her lips opened to speak; however, Jane beat her to it, saying, “We haven't styled your hair yet, Mrs Steele.”

“Oh? That.” I gasped softly and turned around sharply. “I don't think I'll need your help for that. I can… I style my hair myself.”

“Really?” They chorused, facing each other.

“Yeah,” I smiled, rubbing my palms together. “So… why don't you both inform my husband about the dress? You can tell him that you're done and that I'll be down in a few minutes.” My voice trailed off as I thought of an excuse.

Their heads nodded along waiting for me to complete my sentence.

“Girly problems?” I laughed nervously.

“Girly problems?” Jane muttered, her eyes falling down to my stomach.

I followed her gaze down and back to her. A knowing smile curled on her lips, and she said to Clara. “I understand what Mrs. Steele means. Let's give her some privacy.”

“Oh? Okay,” Clara answered, grabbing her makeup tools. I watched quietly from the side as they opened the door and exited the room.

“That was close.” I exhaled, rubbing my chest. At that moment, a honk came outside the window, interrupting my mini-attack.

“He's back?” I gasped, running to the window. I yanked the curtains apart and glanced down at the parking lot, and just as I expected, a white SUV was there.

I rushed to the dressing table and grabbed a comb. I didn't know how to style a wig.

“What should I do?” I bit my lips, anxiety crawling through my skin. I grabbed my phone, unlocked it, and logged into my YouTube app.

I clicked on the search bar and within seconds of scrolling. I found the video I was looking for.

I placed my phone on the table and stared at my reflection.

“Let's go.”

Two hours later.

“Welcome, Master Andrew,” the steward greeted us as we walked into the palace before me.

I bit my lips from opening in awe. The place was luxurious!

Everything screamed ‘money’

From the flowers in the garden to the salt in the kitchen, everything seems worth ten times my entire life's savings, or probably more than that.

“Ugh,” I shuddered at the thought.

“Are you cold?” Andrew's deep, warm baritone voice rasped.

My lips fell open: “Yeah… I mean no. I'm not cold.”

I felt a pull on my waist, and I raised my head up to see him staring down at me. His green eyes glowed softly, staring at me warmly.

“If you're uncomfortable meeting my parents, Lena. We can turn back now,” he whispered, his right hand cupping my cheek.

My heart twisted, and I felt two deep slams against my rib-cage.

"What's going on?” I thought, staring at my fake husband who was closing the space between us.

“Mr. Steele?” I stuttered, my mind spinning in circles.

What should I do?

Should I push him away?

My hands clenched my dress tightly, as I stood foolishly, waiting for whatever was going to happen.

Andrew's head tilted sideways, closing his eyes as he closed the gap between us.

However, just as his lips were almost close to mine, a deep cough sounded ahead of us.

My eyes snapped open. I threw all my weight into pushing him away, but the force sent me stumbling backward instead. Andrew didn’t even flinch; I could only watch as the world flipped, and I started to fall.

“Ahhhh!!!!” I screamed. Andrew's expression remained the same, as he reached out his hand to grab my wrist.

My face twisted ugly as pain shot through me. His grip tightened around my wrist as he pulled me roughly towards him.

“Are you okay, Lena?” His voice vibrated in my ear, and my eyes slowly prayed open. I was in Andrew's embrace with my hands wrapped tightly around his waist.

I opened my mouth to speak, but someone beat me to it.

“What a beautiful sight to see.” An old man's voice rang in my ears.

“Grandpa…” Andrew replied, and my eyes widened like saucers. I turned my head the other way to see who it was, and to my shock there was more than one person.

I’d expected an old man, but standing before us was an entire generation.

And the strange thing was that they all wore big smiles on their faces. Some tried holding back their laughter, looking away from me.

“Lena… welcome to our family,” an elderly woman said, walking towards us. “You’ve changed since the last time we met. I didn't expect you to be with my son,” she added.

Giggles rose behind her and my brows raised up in confusion. I followed her gaze and lifted my head to look at Andrew, who was also looking down at me.

Then it clicked in my head.

I was still hugging Andrew in front of everyone!

“Ah! I'm so sorry!” I gasped, pushing him away from me. I took some steps back, lowering my head in shame.

How embarrassing!

“She's so cute.”

“She hasn't changed much.”

Their laughter rang in my ears, and all I could do was stare at my feet.

“Don’t be sorry, Lena. Come… let's dine together.”