"Send flowers to my fiancée," Marcel said, eyes still on his screen.
Claire jumped a little, almost dropping the book in her hand. "Y-yes, Sir. Right away." She pushed her glasses up from her nose to her eyes and quickly wrote it down in her planner.
Just as she turned to leave, his voice stopped her. "Wait. Get her a dress too. A proper one. I don't want her showing up looking silly."
He gave a short laugh, not quite a smile. "Something that says 'she's taken.' Loud enough for everyone to hear."
Claire nodded, forcing a polite smile. "Of course, Sir."
Later that afternoon, she walked through the mall, pretending to browse. She passed rack after rack of dresses, her eyes landing on one that made her stop. It was deep blue, strapless, with a slit that showed just the right amount of leg. Bold but not too much.
She held it against herself in front of a mirror.
For a second,just one,she let her guard down.
"I've been with him for three years… why her? Why now?"
The thought hit her hard. She put the dress back and reached for a plain lilac one that looked safe, almost dull. But then Marcel's voice echoed in her mind.
"Proper. Don't want her looking like a fool."
Claire stood still for a moment, then went back for the blue dress. She added a pair of heels, a simple silver necklace, matching earrings, and a bouquet of white roses. She made sure everything would be delivered to Lucy's address.
####
Lucy had just stepped out of the shower when her phone rang.
"You have a package at the gate, ma."
She frowned, tying her robe tighter. "A package?"
When she got downstairs and opened the door, her eyes widened. A luxury dress box sat there, along with a pair of heels, a jewelry set, and fresh white roses. A small card was placed between the flowers.
Be ready by 7 PM.
####
Lucy took her time getting ready. If they were going to show her off, she would make sure they had something worth looking at. She styled her hair into soft waves and applied just enough makeup to bring out her features. The dress fit like it had been made for her.
At exactly 6:59, a sleek black car pulled up in front of her house.
She stepped in.
Marcel was seated beside Jeremy, who looked like he was enjoying himself already.
"Wow," Jeremy said, nudging Marcel. "Someone actually came dressed like they mean it."
Marcel turned toward her. His eyes moved over her slowly. Then he gave a short nod. "It works."
Lucy raised an eyebrow. "It works? I almost twisted my ankle getting into these shoes ."
Jeremy let out a laugh, ignoring her father's part.
"And she still looks better than half the city. Marcel, admit it,you finally got something right."
"I didn't pick the dress," Marcel said. "Claire did."
Lucy blinked. "Claire?"
Jeremy leaned back, amused. "Of course. Claire. I bet she looked at that dress and thought, 'If only.'"
"Jeremy," Marcel said sharply.
"What?" Jeremy held up both hands. "I'm just saying what everyone's already thinking."
Lucy looked out the window. She didn't want to admit it, but the words stung a little. Was Claire hoping this marriage didn't happen?
The car moved through the city, but silence filled the space.
Jeremy tried again. "So… dinner with the king of poker faces. Everyone ready?"
"Be quiet, Jeremy," Marcel muttered.
Lucy gave a soft smile. "I think I'll be fine. I just hope your parents don't hate me."
Jeremy grinned. "If they do, I'll marry you instead."
Lucy laughed, but Marcel didn't.
"If you touch her, I'll throw you out of this car," he said quietly.
Jeremy blinked. "You know I'm joking, right?"
"I'm not."
Marcel repiled.
Lucy turned to Marcel, caught off guard by his tone. But instead of saying anything, she leaned back in her seat and said under her breath, "Well, lucky for me I like a little danger."
When they pulled up to the Johnson's,Lucy's heart skipped a beat. Someone was already waiting on the porch.
"Marcel! You're finally here!" Mrs. Johnson called out, arms wide open.
Marcel stepped out and gave her a soft smile. "Hey, Mom," he said, returning her hug.
Then he turned and reached for Lucy's hand. "Lucy," he said, a little too formal, "this is my mother."
Mrs. Johnson didn't hesitate. She pulled Lucy into a warm, genuine hug.
"Oh sweetheart," she said as she pulled back, "you're even more beautiful in person. Welcome."
Lucy forced a smile. "Thank you. It's lovely to meet you."
Inside, the house was filled with comforting smells and quiet chatter. Mr. Johnson greeted them with a firm handshake.
"You're just in time," he said. "Let's eat."
The dining table was set like something out of a movie. Lucy felt a little out of place,everything was too perfect. Too sincere. And none of it was real.
Jeremy sat at the far end with a glass of wine. "Well, well," he said, raising a brow. "The lovebirds have landed. So... when can we expect the babies? I need to prepare my godfather speech."
"Jeremy," Marcel warned, his tone sharp.
Mrs. Johnson waved him off with a chuckle. "Don't mind him, Lucy. He likes to talk nonsense."
"Only the truth," Jeremy muttered, taking another sip.
"Anyway," Mrs. Johnson said, turning to Lucy with a twinkle in her eye, "have you two thought about colors yet? I was thinking soft blush tones and maybe a little gold for the reception. What do you think?"
Lucy blinked, caught off guard. "Oh..uh..I hadn't really thought about that."
"what!, there's no time," she said cheerfully. "And it's never too early to start imagining. You'd look stunning in an ivory gown. Or maybe satin? You strike me as a satin girl."
Lucy laughed lightly, unsure how to respond. "I… I guess I'll find out."
Dinner moved along with light chatter.
Midway through the meal, Mrs. Johnson gently touched Lucy's hand. "You feel familiar, darling. I can't explain it, but it's like I've known you for years."
Lucy hesitated. "Really?"
Mrs. Johnson smiled. "Yes. You already feel like family."
Lucy blinked fast, smiling through the tightness in her chest. "That means a lot. Thank you."
Jeremy let out a soft snort. "You sure she's not already pregnant? You two are practically glowing."
Lucy nearly choked on her drink. Marcel didn't react, but his fork hovered mid-air.
Mrs. Johnson rolled her eyes. "Ignore him, Lucy. He thinks he's a stand-up comedian."
"Oh, come on. I'm just saying what everyone's thinking," Jeremy said with a grin.
Lucy kept smiling, answering questions, laughing when expected. But with every second, the guilt got heavier. She was lying to people who were nothing but kind. And worse part of her didn't want to leave.
She glanced at Marcel, who had been quiet all night. How did someone raised by such warm people grow up so cold?
####
Later that evening, Lucy unlocked her door and stepped inside. She barely got a chance to relax before she heard movement outside.
Her whole body tensed. She grabbed a shovel from beside the door and stepped out quietly, her grip firm.
She raised the shovel. "Who's there?!"
"Whoa, hey...it's me!"
She froze.
"Dad?"
He stepped into the light, hands raised. "You were really about to swing t
hat thing at me?"
Her shoulders dropped in shock. "I thought you were a thief!"
"Well, it's good to see you too,my baby." he said with a grin. "I'm back."