19

Chapter 19

France maintained a poker face while looking straight ahead, with Vladimir beside him, who kept glancing at him.

France couldn't believe that within less than a minute, he took back what he said because he saw Vladimir almost in tears. He couldn't stand it because Vladimir's eyes resembled Sonia's, and he looked like his mother.

France paused because a crumpled piece of paper rolled onto his table. He turned and saw the bullies in the classroom throwing crumpled paper at Vladimir, who remained with his head down.

"Teacher!" France shouted, raising his hand. The bullies immediately ducked under the table.

The teacher turned and asked what it was. France reported his classmates who were throwing paper at the transferee.

The teacher quickly found them and scolded France's classmates. Vladimir looked up, and when his eyes met France's, France rolled his eyes and looked out the window.

---

Fabian's chosen wedding planner called me and asked me to come to the venue. I could say that place was perfect and beautiful. Anyway, the wedding will take place in a church—it's amusing because I didn't expect to experience my dream wedding even though it's my second time getting married.

Some staff were staring at me. Some were whispering and asking where the groom was. Usually, the couple visits the venue together, but I came alone.

Other staff members were making fun of me, saying it was obvious the groom was forced into the wedding and wasn't interested. I ignored them.

I hadn't called Fabian because I knew he was busy, but—I looked at the phone I was holding. Maybe it would be better if I sent him a picture.

I took a picture of the altar and sent it to Fabian. I was surprised when he immediately saw it and video called.

I quickly answered. Fabian raised an eyebrow and asked where I was.

"I'm at the venue. The wedding organizer called me," I replied. Fabian held his forehead and said why didn't I tell him immediately.

"Sonia, we are the ones getting married, okay? Not just you. I'm coming there. I want to see the venue," Fabian said, and I saw him stand up and call his manager.

"Aren't you on set right now? Is it okay for you to come here?" I asked worriedly. I knew how busy Fabian was. He often came home at dawn because he also had a company to manage.

"Sonia, it's impossible for me not to give time, especially if it's related to you and our wedding. That day is not just special for you but also for me. I'm coming there. Open your location, Honey," Fabian said before ending the call. I bit the side of my lip to avoid smiling. Why is Fabian so sweet? It made me even more scared—I stared at my phone for a few seconds before opening my location.

I watched some staff arranging things inside the venue. Because it was hot, I slightly lowered my hood, which made me more noticeable. I ignored them and just stared at the altar.

I took a few more pictures to show them to France later. I stopped when a face blocked the camera. Fabian peeked from behind and laughed.

"Sorry I'm late. Traffic—have you been waiting long?"

I saw in my peripheral vision that the staff almost dropped their jaws when they saw the groom. For some reason, I was somewhat pleased with their reaction. Let them be jealous—even with my looks, a very handsome man is still willing to marry me.

"No—it's fine. I just got here too," I said, smiling, and lowered my phone. I saw Fabian take a picture with his phone and then take my hand.

He clasped our hands, and when the camera flashed, I was surprised to see a ring on my finger—I didn't know how to react.

"I had a hard time choosing a ring, so I just had one made," Fabian said. My eyes widened at what he said.

Fabian smiled and said he designed the ring and had it made. I didn't know why, but when I found out, even though the design of the ring was simple, my heart was overflowing with joy. Fabian designed it. I felt him looking at me, so I looked up and asked him why.

"Nothing, I just suddenly want to kiss you."

After saying that, he held my cheek—Fabian leaned down and lightly kissed my lips. I was surprised when we pulled apart, and I told him we were in public.

"So what?" Fabian asked. My cheeks seemed to heat up because of Fabian's intense gaze.

When he kissed me again on the lips, I slightly parted my lips and held his arm. For God's sake, it felt like my heart was going to fall out. This guy—he doesn't choose a place and doesn't care even if people are staring at us. When he decides to claim my lips, he does it, but for some reason—it gives me assurance and a sense of comfort.

He doesn't hide me, and every move he makes proves that I'm his. He wrapped his arm around my waist, and when he seemed satisfied, he nestled into my neck.

"Where's our next stop? The reception venue?"

I swallowed hard. I seemed to forget how to speak because of Fabian's kiss. I heard Fabian laugh and look at me.

"Or do you want to go home now and continue this at the mansion?" Fabian said with a grin. I immediately slapped his shoulder because of that. He laughed, saying he was just joking. I quickly pulled up my hood and hid my face.

Damn you, Fabian. He does nothing but tease me. He enjoys it when he sees me shocked and surprised.

The wedding planner approached and asked Fabian if there were any changes or additions he wanted to make. Fabian put his arm around me and said that if I was okay with the venue, he had no problem. The wedding planner smiled and said I was lucky with my future husband.

I didn't speak and just smiled. Fabian looked at me and raised his eyebrows. He seemed to be saying that the wedding planner was right.

I just laughed and invited Fabian to go to the reception. He should stop teasing me and acting cute. My heart isn't strong enough to support it; it always feels like it's falling when Fabian is around.

The wedding planner accompanied us to the reception venue. I was stunned to find out that Fabian rented the entire place for the whole day just for our wedding. The place was huge, and I couldn't believe it.

I walked inside—it looked just like I imagined, but I didn't expect it to be that big.

I looked around and then heard Fabian talking to some staff.

"Make sure there are no beans of any kind in the food prepared for the wedding. I don't want media or anyone taking pictures and uploading them on the internet during the wedding because Sonia definitely won't be comfortable."

I approached Fabian and held his arm. Fabian looked at me.

"It's okay if there's a photographer," I said. I wanted us to have at least one picture.

Fabian laughed and said there would be one.

"There can't be no photographer. I plan to have a wedding portrait made and hang it in our bedroom."

He even acted like he was taking a picture of me. Like a child. I just laughed and lowered one of his hands.

We stayed at the reception venue for a while because Fabian wanted to clarify the preparations for the reception.

The wedding invitation was already made, and Fabian showed it to me. Fabian asked if there were any people I wanted to invite.

I didn't speak, so he looked at me while holding the invitation cards.

Fabian smiled slightly and said it was okay if there were none. It was only then that I realized I had been alone from the beginning.

I had no real friends or family. Fabian handed me a wedding invitation.

"Do you want to go on a date now? Let's visit the places you used to go and the people you want to see."

I paused and asked why. Fabian took one of my hands and placed the invitation in my palm.

"I have a strong feeling that among the many people who surrounded you before—there is one or two who haven't forgotten you."

I closed my lips and whispered that it was impossible. I was sure of it.

My world revolved around work and Victor, so it was impossible. The one person who became my best friend stabbed me in the back and took my husband.

"If there's one person you give that wedding invitation to—you'll grant me one wish. And if there really isn't anyone and you don't give a wedding invitation before we get home, then I'll grant you one wish," Fabian said. I just laughed because the game seemed childish. I agreed because I knew Fabian would insist on it.

One thing I learned about Fabian. As long as he knows it's good for me, he will insist on it even if I don't want to. He doesn't take no for an answer.

Fabian invited me out of the reception venue and opened the car door for me.

"You have 3 minutes to tell me four places you want to go."

Fabian was the driver, and I was in the passenger seat. There were only three places I usually went, and I told Fabian about them.

"Then the people you want to visit or see."

Out of the list was the Valencia mansion. I thought hard. The first place we went to was my favorite shop that was surely open.

Fabian whispered something when he opened the backseat and I got out. I asked him what it was.

"I said this was the place I thought you would go," Fabian said. I looked at him and asked how.

"Because you mentioned in a note that you had a favorite bread, and I saw the shop's logo on the paper bag."

I just pursed my lips and answered fine. Fabian was now wearing a cap and facemask when we entered the shop.

I immediately ordered and asked for it to be taken out. We couldn't stay long there because there were many people, and someone might see Fabian.

But even though Fabian was wearing a cap and facemask, some people still glanced and took pictures of him. Aside from being tall, Fabian's body was perfectly built.

I slightly covered my face with my bag. Fabian held my wrist and gently lowered it. I looked up. His attention and gaze remained on me.

"What are you doing? Is there a problem?" Fabian asked. Embarrassed, I said that people were taking pictures.

"You won't burn up from the camera."

Fabian pulled me closer to him. Softly and whispering, I asked what he was doing.

"So we can burn together when the camera flashes. You're so scared."

That's a cue, I pinched Fabian's cheek and pulled it. He said "aww" then laughed. I often don't know what he's up to but—I eventually laughed too because of his playfulness. He never fails to make me laugh and lighten my mood.

The woman at the counter handed over two paper bags. Fabian took them and then handed me an iced coffee.

My eyes immediately lit up and I held it in my hands. I didn't order an iced coffee, but it seems Fabian already knows what foods I like.

We walked towards the parking lot and then I saw the old man again, the one I gave bread to last time. He was carrying a garbage bag again but looked cleaner than before. He was walking past the shop.

"Tay!" (a respectful term for an older man)

I didn't know what happened but Fabian suddenly coughed, so I turned to him.

"Are you okay?" I asked, patting Fabian's back. He turned to me and gave me a strange look.

"Why?"

"Young lady, you're here again."

I turned to the old man and immediately smiled. I said I bought some bread again and planned to give him two.

I took from Fabian's hold and grabbed the separate paper bag. It was organized based on the type of bread.

"Oh, thank you, dear. This is perfect, I was getting hungry."

I couldn't take my eyes off the old man who happily took it. The old man then looked at Fabian.

I wondered why Fabian seemed uneasy. He looked like he had seen a ghost.

"Dear, who is this with you?"

I scratched my cheek. Should I say he's my fiancé? I felt a bit shy.

"My fi—fiancé, sir," I introduced Fabian. The old man immediately smiled widely and told Fabian he had found a very good wife.

The old man patted Fabian on the shoulder and turned away. I glanced at Fabian who was still looking at the old man.

He cleared his throat and looked in the other direction. Was it just me or did I see Fabian smile?

"Fabian?" I called to get his attention. Fabian stopped and turned to me.

"Let's go. We have three more places to visit," Fabian said, putting his arm around me. I could see satisfaction on Fabian's face. I just smiled because Fabian's mood was contagious.