Chapter 9 Chapter 9 My Stomach Aches

Serena felt a wave of regret wash over her-she'd just escaped one mess, only to fall into another.

"Damn it, Serena, what kind of messed-up luck do you have?" she silently complained to herself.

Vivian wasn't giving up. She kept smiling and staring at the pair, asking again, "So, when are you two planning to make it official?"

"Uh...well..."

Serena swallowed hard and cleared her throat awkwardly. Under the table, she gave Matthew a subtle nudge with her foot, hinting at him to say something.

Matthew calmly wiped his mouth with the warm towel on the table and answered coolly, "Within ten days, I'll take the marriage certificate to the lawyer and get it done."

Ten days?

Then, as if nothing had just shocked the room, he gently pulled Serena into his arms and placed a light kiss on her forehead. "You've got a sensitive stomach. Don't eat too much tonight. I'll have Susan warm up some milk for you later."

A thunderstorm of mental curses raced through Serena's head.

Excuse me?! Who said my stomach's bad? It's working just fine! I didn't eat all day, and if your mom hadn't been bombarding me with questions, I could've cleared all ten of these dishes by myself!

Noticing her silence, Matthew stood up, plucked the fork from her hand, and started wiping her mouth with a towel, mumbling as he did, "You've got food all over your mouth."

Vivian teased with raised brows, "Wow, can't believe this is the same Matthew I've known-so sweet and caring."

Serena could feel how over-the-top the act was getting-it was starting to spiral.

With a strained smile, she said, "I can do it myself."

Matthew, seemingly satisfied, sat back down and gave a subtle smile. "I'm taking Serena to Bali tomorrow morning."

Bali?

Now where did that come from? Was that improv?

Vivian paused, obviously taken aback. "Oh... vacation, huh? And get the license within ten days..."

"Set up a time to meet Serena's parents. Both sides can talk about the wedding-date, details, all that. Gotta hear what her folks want; can't skip the formalities."

Matthew, ever composed, didn't flinch. "Let's talk about it after she graduates. That's about two years away. There's no rush."

Vivian was stunned. She jumped to her feet. "Wait, you're saying the wedding's in two years?!"

Realizing how off-script this dinner had gone, Serena just wanted it over and done with.

Hearing Matthew say her stomach wasn't well and she shouldn't eat anymore earlier, she immediately clutched her belly, frowned, and let out a soft moan. "Matthew, my stomach hurts..."

"She's not feeling well. I'll take her back to her room so she can rest," Matthew said in a flat, dismissive tone.

Then, without warning, he picked Serena up in a bridal carry and started toward the elevator. "Susan, send up some stomach medicine and warm milk."

Wow, he's really going all in! Even got the medicine part down-talk about full-on commitment to the bit!

This dinner had Serena sweating bullets. It was a full-on brainpower and acting showdown.

She hadn't even gotten to really enjoy any of the food-now her stomach was rumbling loud enough to echo.

Frustrated, she thought, Seriously? A glass of hot milk is supposed to fix this?

As soon as they stepped into the elevator, Serena began to struggle. "Matthew, put me down right now!"

But the gentle act was gone now-Matthew's voice turned cold. "Stop moving."

Serena followed his sharp gaze and looked toward the elevator's glass wall. She could see Vivian watching them intently, a puzzled expression on her face.

Serena instantly went quiet.