Ch 51: Preparations 2.0

Serena's POV

I never thought I'd be that bride. The one who stands in front of a mirror, staring at her reflection like she just walked out of a dream. But here I was, smoothing my hands down the soft, intricate fabric of my wedding dress, half in disbelief that this was actually happening.

The white gown was elegant, with delicate embroidery along the bodice and a flowing skirt that shimmered slightly under the soft lighting. It wasn't overly extravagant, but it fit me—comfortable, practical, yet undeniably beautiful.

Rodan, standing nearby with Cristina in his arms, watched me with wide, awestruck eyes. "Mommy looks really, really pretty today."

I turned to him, amusement flickering in my chest. "Oh? Only today?" I teased, raising an eyebrow.

Rodan's face scrunched up in panic before he quickly backtracked, "No! Mommy always looks pretty! But today, extra pretty!"

I laughed, ruffling his already messy hair. "Good save." Then, unable to resist, I leaned forward and kissed his forehead before pressing another kiss to Cristina's soft cheek. My baby let out a giggle, her tiny fingers grabbing at the fabric of my dress.

Rodan beamed proudly, standing a little taller as he held his baby sister. He had insisted on carrying her himself, despite my concerns that she was getting heavier. But he was determined, and to his credit, he was handling it like a pro.

I took a deep breath, feeling excitement bubble inside me. This was it. I was getting married. To Valerie.

Honestly, I had tried to argue that she should be the one walking down the aisle instead of me. It only seemed fair, considering her personality. But, in the end, it had been decided that I would do it. I was still unsure how that happened, but here we were.

At least there was one thing we both agreed on—we didn't want to see each other's outfits until the actual ceremony. We wanted the real, authentic reaction when we laid eyes on each other at the altar.

I was dying to know what Valerie looked like. Knowing her, she had probably chosen something dramatic. Or maybe she went for something shockingly simple just to mess with me. Either way, I couldn't wait to see her expression when she turned around and saw me.

A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. The door creaked open, and my breath caught when I saw who it was.

Grandpa.

He stood there in a well-tailored suit, his usual commanding presence softened by a gentle smile. His sharp eyes took me in, scanning me from head to toe, and then he let out a quiet chuckle.

"My, my… How fast my grandkid grew up." His voice was warm, filled with something that made my chest tighten.

I hesitated for a fraction of a second. Not because I didn't expect him to say that, but because… well. Was I really his grandkid? I had possessed Serena. Did that still count?

But as I looked at him—at the way his gaze held nothing but pride and nostalgia—I pushed those thoughts away. I am Serena now. And maybe, just maybe, that meant I was his granddaughter.

I gave him a small smile. "Luckily, you made it."

Grandpa exhaled, something flickering in his eyes. Sadness? Regret? I wasn't sure. But he nodded. "Of course. I wouldn't miss this."

His gaze shifted toward Rodan and Cristina, who were both watching him curiously. Rodan tilted his head, his grip tightening slightly around his baby sister as he studied the older man.

I smiled. "Rodan, Cristina, this is your great-grandpa."

Rodan's eyes widened slightly in realization, while Cristina simply blinked at him.

I nudged Rodan forward. "Go on, greet him properly."

Rodan immediately straightened his back, adjusting Cristina carefully before stepping forward. Then, with practiced grace, he performed a perfect courtesy. "It's nice to meet you, Great-Grandpa."

Grandpa blinked in surprise before letting out a deep, hearty laugh. "Hah! What a well-mannered boy."

He reached out and ruffled Rodan's hair, making the already-messy strands even wilder. Then, his expression softened as he crouched slightly to their level. "Nice to meet you, too, little ones."

Rodan, as if something had clicked in his mind, suddenly looked at Grandpa with newfound excitement. "You're really strong, aren't you?"

Grandpa chuckled, amused. "I'd like to think so."

Before I could react, he effortlessly lifted both Rodan and Cristina into his arms.

Cristina let out a delighted squeal, tiny hands patting at Grandpa's face, while Rodan simply grinned, settling comfortably in his arms like he had known him forever.

Watching them, something warm curled in my chest. Family.

I let them enjoy their moment before clearing my throat. "Alright, you three behave. The wedding is about to start."

Grandpa nodded and gently set Rodan down, passing Cristina back to him. I sighed when I saw Rodan's hair, which had gone from 'slightly messy' to 'disastrous.' Without a word, I quickly fixed it, smoothing down the unruly strands.

Rodan giggled. "Thanks, Mommy!"

Then, I turned to Grandpa, only to notice his tie was slightly off. Without thinking, I stepped forward and adjusted it, making sure it was perfectly in place.

"Thank you… for making it," I murmured, finally meeting his eyes.

Grandpa blinked, as if caught off guard for a moment. Then, his expression softened completely.

I hesitated only briefly before wrapping my arms around him in a firm but quick hug.

And he hugged me back.

I smiled.

Yeah.

I could confidently say this was one of the best days of my life.