What is going on?

Ibitein was in her room when her mother came to inform her about Ferdinand's presence.

Oh I will be right there, she said and hurried out of her room.

Ferdinand! she called and she hugged him.

Hey beautiful, he said with smirk and she blushed.

I missed you so much, she said sadly.

I will miss you too, he responded and she rolled her eyes.

What!

Now you're making me feel sad.

No no.. you don't have to be sad, I mean you choose to be married, he said sarcastically.

She narrowed her eyes at him and said, you're so annoying.. Now that I've decided to be married the world is coming to an end.

Come on don't be like that. Whatever decision you make I'm sure you know what you're doing, Ferdinand said.

It already feels like i don't..

If you're sure of him then no need for second thoughts ibitein, he said patting her shoulder.

I know you want me to stop this as well.

You're the ine to be married, you should know what you want, he exhaled. We make hard choices in life.

I know, she responded with a small voice.

And I'm here to support you for any choice you make.

Thank you.. she smiled at him and he smiled back.

Hey, I saw what you did for Florence at the festival, she said.

I had to.. those girls were always perching on her.

Is that the only reason? ibitein gave him a knowing look.

Probably, he replied

Are you sure there is nothing going on in that flirty mind of yours, she coaxed him.

What do you think is going on? he asked

I don't know, you tell me.

You didn't tell me about meeting your prince charming, did you? he smirked.

Well I would have told you if you hadn't sneaked out with Florence, she replied.

Okay.. fine, I made my moves, he said

Oh man you told her you liked her?

Yes..

And what was her response?

Sh- she said she'll think about it.

Really, ibitein exhaled. It's um-- promising i mean you really like that girl.

I know.. if i didn't i wouldn't talk to her he chuckled.

You're so silly, ibitein laughed. Playing hard to get.

Of course i mean look at me, he praised himself.

Humor me, she rolled her eyes and laughed.

I'm quite handsome,

Mm-hmm

Quite the mayor and of course I'm a gentleman.

Of course i know you're extremely rich, she chuckled.

She was a bit relived you know, Ferdinand smiled.

I remember when we were children, you was shy to talk to her or even play with her, ibitein laughed.

Yeah and it gave her a wrong impression of me hating on her.

That's what she thought? asked ibitein

Yeah.. you know if I had been bold like Ayonadu and told her how I felt, it would have told a different story, he said.

Ibitein's face went sore as she heard Ayonadu's name.

Ayonadu is just a coward, she said with a blank expression.

At least he tried, Ferdinand replied. Speaking of the devil, where is he?

Ibitein shook her head and murmured. I don't know.

I haven't seen him since this morning but I will go by his house again before going to pick Florence, Ferdinand said.

Ferdinand didn't know about Ayonadu and ibitein fight, even ibitein didn't feel the need to tell him so she kept quiet.

I will see you later then, he said standing up.

Okay I will see you soon, ibitein replied smiling.

As Agnes walked along the road her thought wondered. What is going on..? Her skin crawled, on the thoughts of the groom being a possible ghost, she shook the thought off her head. She thought, if this is true then ibitein doesn't deserve this.. she said as tears threaten to fall down her beautiful face. And if it isn't true, it is probably a mistake made by Ayonadu. I'm sure he was wrong about the whole situation. Come to think of it, ibitein is not worried so everything should be fine, she assured herself. She exhaled, after all it's out of probability.

Agnes!! Alfred called when he saw the confusion in her eyes.

Uh? Agnes jerked when Alfred tapped her, uhm Uncle I'm sorry I didn't hear you calling, she said wiping her face.

What were you thinking about and wh- why do you look like that?, he asked giving her a skeptical look.

I- i uhm, I was uhm just uhm, she stammered.

I understand Alfred said patting her shoulder and she exhaled, I know how you feel right now but there is nothing I can do because ibitein is happy with the marriage, he said sadly.

Uncle you don't have to be like that, she consoled him.

Yes yes.. he laughed, I was trying to console you but it turns out that you are the one consoling me.

Agnes gave a small smile, she pityed him because he is going to give his only child away to man unknown to everyone, she frowned at the thought.

Are you okay, he asked when he saw her frown.

I-- i am fine uncle, she smiled

He nodded and said, everything will be fine.

I hope so, Agnes murmured.

They both walked inside the mansion and ibitein called out to Agnes.

Agnes! where have you been? i have been looking for you everywhere, she said worriedly.

I was um i-- I just uh took a walk

Are you okay?

I'm okay ibitein you worry too much, Agnes answered

Seriously! I worry too much? ibitein raise her eyebrows.

I was just saying.. Agnes replied

Just saying? I'm supposed to be worried about you "Ms" she said with sarcasm, you're my best friend and i love you so much.. don't get me worried again okay she said with a big smile.

Ok ma'am, Agnes said with a small smile. I hope the gods protect you my dear friend, Agnes said in her thought.

Come on.. what are you thinking about

Nothing..

Ibitein dragged her as usual into her room.

Look!

Oh my.. your gown is so beautiful, Agnes said with awe, I mean for a breath taking girl you k-

Oh please Agnes stop whining me

I'm not whining.. you didn't even let me finish.

I know where you were heading to..

I disagree Ms.

I refuse to argue with you, ibitein said as a smile creeped on her lips.

I see what's happening here, Agnes said rubbing her thumb on her chin.

Hmm..

Come on, help me with my gown, ibitein said.

Yeah sure

Oh I almost forgot, your brother was here a while ago.

Hmm, what did he come to do, Agnes said with a seemly unconcerned look.

ibitein walked to her cupboard and brought out a box.

He said to give you this, she handed the box to Agnes.

What is this?

Open it..

Ferdinand and his contemptuous act, she muttered.