Cassie shot a glance at me. "Uh, except I'm stuck in a dream with you, of course you're getting married."
The thought of getting married really made me scared, but then again this stranger kind of had me rethinking my choices.
It has been a few weeks now and it's just been showers of love and attention from Rob, which sort of made me overwhelmed with emotions.
"What if this is all roses underneath a pile of thorns? I'm really scared" I said, clutching tightly onto the pendant.
Love was never fair to mum, rather it was poison coated with sugar. She thought she married the best man. The one who had seemed to take all her worries away.
If only she had known he was nothing but a monster.
My body was fueled with anger and hatred as the thought of dad crossed my mind.
Cassie's hands found mine, wrapping both into hers. "Hey, I know you keep thinking of whatever happened between your parents, but I just want to let you know that Rob is not your dad! And will never be."
For a moment, I felt reassured and safe to know that Rob didn't seem like that kind of man.
He wasn't flashy, or cocky or tried to wave his wealth in my face-mostly because he didn't have much.
And then at the hotel he sounded really genuine. If he wanted to hurt me then he would have, but he didn't.
For a second I was glad I met him at the club instead of whatever loser grandpa would have paired me with.
"Look! Rob seems like a total gentleman and someone who'd stop at nothing to get the woman he wants. You can tell already from the little gifts" Her voice remained calm and soft. "That's a man whose intentions are pure."
She continued. "Don't run from what might be good just because you had a bad experience before, I want you to follow your heart babes"
I gave a faint smile.
A knock fell on the door and in came the house servant.
She held onto a ribbon wrapped package which peeked my curiosity cause I hadn't ordered anything.
"Excuse me for intruding ma'am, a package for you." She said, walking up to me with a small smile.
"What could that be?" I stared curiously at the strange package before proceeding to open it up.
I didn't need to ask who cause I already had an inkling on who that would be.
Cassie's face was gleaming as though she was the one who got the package. "Open it, quickly" her voice was laced with curiosity as well with excitement.
I opened it up and the fresh smell of chocolate drizzled croissants filled the air. Inside was also a small card.
"Ouuu a love note" Cassie teased as I pulled out the note.
I cleared my throat to read it out loud. 'A little treat for my soon to be bride" A blush crept on my face the moment I realized what I'd just read.
Cassie squealed, "oh my God, Jenna! That's sweet!" Clapping her hands dramatically.
I was too flustered to respond.
I could sense my cheeks burning with shame, well the good kind. Even the house servant couldn't help but give a subtle smile before turning to leave.
I stared at the note again. Bride to be. This was getting real.
"Who's this man and where can I order a Rob please?
I rolled my eyes. "Stop ittt.....he's just sweet"
"Just sweet? No girl." She drew me in closer, holding up my chin. "Sweet is chocolate, sweet is ordering pizza when I'm hungry. This man is a romantic, don't you see?"
Part of me still remained scared. His gestures only made way for feelings I didn't plan towards and that made me even more scared.
To love and be loved. That idea has always seemed foreign. I'm sure mum too was excited at meeting her first love.
"What if that's what he wants me to believe?" I turned away from Cassie.
My smile now turned into a frown.
Cassie's voice cut through the air "Believe what Jen? Are you good?" Her gaze met mine with genuine concern.
I nodded "Yes I am...it's just a lot"
Cassie inched closer. "You're overthinking this"
I couldn't help it. This feeling.
I've never had someone make me feel so important, or loved. This would literally be my first ever committed relationship.
"I'm not overthinking anything. What if saying yes would ruin everything." I added softly.
"Look at me!" Cassie grabbed my shoulders, yanking me back and forth as though I'd lost track of my senses.
"Aren't you getting it! Rob loves you. Even if you both barely know each other he still wants to give this a chance". She paused to gather her breath. "If he never wanted to go with the wedding, he'd never have showed up for the goddamn dinner!"
She was right, I didn't see through all that till now.
But this wedding isn't what I need right now. Even if he loves me, I'm only convinced he's doing all this because grandpa is pushing it.
Cassie is right. I shouldn't overthink this. This wedding is only just a facade and nothing else.
All I need to do is follow up with the initial plan. Get married and get a divorce after 3 months.