The ride back to the mansion was too short and by the time that we arrived, I wasn’t at all mentally prepared to break the news of our wedding to his parents. How things worked on this island was obviously quite different compared to what I was used to. Normally, you would tell you parents before you got married and not the other way around. Not that there was anything seriously wrong about what we did on normal standards, but it was just unusual.
I remembered that Reiner did mention that we didn’t need his parent’s permission for us to get married. Although I trusted that that was the truth, what would happen if they disapproved. I was definitely on good terms with Queen, and I was beyond thankful for all that she had done for me. However, that didn’t mean that she wanted me as her daughter-in-law. As for King, well, I didn’t even know where to start.
“We’re here. It’s been a while since you were last here, right?” Reiner said casually as he parked the car right in front of the mansion.
Seeing the mansion brought back so many memories. I could vividly remember the first day that I got here and how desperate Reiner was to send me back on the first flight home on the following day. Many things happened since then. I also recalled the day that I moved out of this mansion and how I ran into Reiner and Rachael. Those were the crazy rollercoaster ride days. I sighed softly to myself when I noticed that those crazy days were probably not over yet.
“I guess it’s good to be back…” I mumbled softly.
My body froze and that cemented the fact that I wasn’t at all ready for this. The door to my side opened and I saw Reiner standing there as he bent down and offered me his hand. Time to get out of the car now. Shit.
“Thank you…” I whispered as I placed my hand in his.
He helped me out of the car, but I hesitated to take a step forward towards the mansion. Although I promised Queen to visit her at the mansion, it didn’t really work out. Sadly, I had to admit that I didn’t think that I would get to return here to this place the day that I left. I never imagined that the next time that I came back here, I would be with Reiner nor that I would come back here as his wedded wife.
“Ready?” Reiner asked as he placed his hand at the small of my back.
I knew that he could sense my hesitation and that I was probably causing him to worry about me again.
“I’m not ready but I guess I have to be…” I replied honestly.
“We’ll get through it. At least you’re not carving out lumps of my flesh with a knife…” he teased.
“Was that what it felt like for you?!” I asked in shock.
Maybe he was just putting on a brave front. Did I really cut him that deeply while my hands were shaking?
“I’m joking. Let’s go,” Reiner said before his large had ruffled my hair adoringly.
“Its not funny. It’s definitely not funny! Stop pulling on my arm!” I cried out in protest.
…
“Is King and Queen home?” Reiner asked one of the maids who happened to be cleaning around the living room at that moment.
With everything that had taken place, it was probably right around dinner time when we arrived at the mansion. For some reason, I found myself silently wishing wistfully to myself that King wouldn’t be home.
“They’re both here. Umm…I guess they’re probably in the dining room by this time. The kitchen staffs finished the dinner preparation a little while ago,” the maid replied before she turned to bow slightly at me.
I didn’t recognize her, but her reactions told me that she remembered me from my time here at the mansion.
“Thank you. Let’s go, Natalia,” Reiner said as he pulled on my arm for me to follow him.
“Umm…should we shower and get changed first or something…” I suggested weakly.
Of course, I wanted to look more presentable to his parents. The white linen dress that I had on didn’t really put me in any type of advantage. Also, a part of me wished to have more time to mentally prepare myself for what was the come.
“Let’s not put this off more than we need to,” Reiner replied knowingly before he grinned wryly at me.
Sometimes, I just hated how well he knew me and what I was thinking.
“Well, if you say so…” I mumbled as I followed after him towards the dining room.
Before entering the room, I pulled on Reiner’s hand. Reiner immediately turned to me with a curious look on his face.
“Umm…do I look…ok?” I asked nervously as I ran my fingers through my hair.
I didn’t have any make up on and I didn’t even have a chance to properly comb my hair. Undoubtedly, I looked like a little mess. Not to talk about the fact that I haven’t taken a shower since yesterday. To put it simply, I didn’t feel very comfortable and confident in my own skin right now and I’m about to meet my in-laws. Have mercy on me please!
“You look beautiful…always…” Reiner replied without hesitation.
Reiner bent down and kissed my forehead softly. The warmth of his lips seemed to reach my toes as I radiated from his love. My heart skipped a beat as if it wasn’t used to this after all this time.
“Don’t I stink?” I asked a little seriously.
“A little…” he replied before winking at me.
I hated him… a little. Although I knew that it was partially my fault for asking. At least, he was being honest.
Before I could think of another protest, Reiner wrapped an arm around my waist before he smiled at me. I felt a slight push against my back as he opened the door with his other hand. Suddenly, I felt like an unprepared actress being thrusted on stage and then the spotlights were on me. I should have rehearsed my lines!
–To be continued…