Kathleen understood that Wynnie was coming from a place of concern.
“Thanks for your understanding, Mom. I’ll think about it.”
Wynnie responded with a solemn nod. “Remember that no matter what decision you make, my husband and I will always be on your side.”
“Of course.”
“Why not show me around since it’s my first time here?” Wynnie grinned.
“I’ve just moved in today and barely know my way around.” Kathleen blushed.
“All the better! Let’s explore together,” replied Wynnie as she took hold of Kathleen’s hand.
Oh dear, her palms are freezing even with the heater on. I shouldn’t have let that she-devil Nicolette off so easily!
They began their tour of the mansion and finished by the time the sun started to set.
“Why not join us for dinner, Mom?” Kathleen invited.
“It’s all right, dear. I’ve already taken too much of your time.”
She did not savor being the third wheel in their relationship. It was best to leave them both to sort things out together.
Wynnie chose to take her leave promptly.
Kathleen ushered Wynnie to her car.
“Are you aware that Samuel intends to have the wedding ceremony as soon as possible?” Wynnie queried while getting into her car.
Kathleen inclined her head. “Well, it’s not as if there’s anything I can do about it.”
Wynnie heaved a sigh.
Samuel was still oblivious to the most pertinent part of getting back into Kathleen’s good graces.
It was just like him to be irretrievably set in his own ways.
After all, bad habits die hard. It would have been unrealistic to expect such a drastic turnaround from Samuel in such a short time.
“Fret not as I’ll be helping out with the wedding preparations as well. Samuel will have his share of work to do, but promise me you’d tell him off if you’re not happy with his choices? Don’t keep it all to yourself.”
“Sure, Mom. I’ll bear that in mind.”
“You best head in now that the weather has dipped. I shiver to think of what Samuel would do to me if you caught a cold,” Wynnie jested.
Kathleen’s face heated up with embarrassment as she stared after Wynnie’s car as she drove off.
Kathleen had just returned to the warmth of her home when Samuel arrived.
Kathleen stood and walked toward the entrance where Samuel was standing, his body emanating the residual cool of the outdoors. “Did you take your afternoon nap?”
Kathleen dipped her head in mute assent.
Samuel handed his coat to Sebastian and proceeded to drape his arm around Kathleen’s shoulder. “Let’s eat. We’ll discuss our wedding after dinner.”
Kathleen felt weighed down with resignation.
Is there really any point in a discussion? Why not decide everything yourself and get things over with?
If only she had the courage to voice her thoughts out loud.
After their meal, Samuel led Kathleen to the study to begin their discussion.
Kathleen was at a loss.
She used to imagine what her wedding would be like back in the day.
Now, however, it seemed as if she were merely a shell of her former self.
All her hopes and wishes of a dream wedding felt like they had been dashed upon a cliff.
“Just do whatever you see fit.” These words tumbled out coldly as Kathleen stood and excused herself.
Samuel’s brows knitted. What now? Isn’t this what she wants, getting a say?
Just then, the shrill ringing of his phone broke the burgeoning silence.
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