Hello There, Stranger

Part 22

The wedding rehearsals were already scheduled, and Erika will be meeting the list of people who were part of the wedding entourage. It was funny to her that she had no say at all about the whole preparation. Even her maid of honor was not a decision that she picked. She was also so preoccupied with other things that she didn't mind how Lani ran the show. She could ruin the wedding and there wouldn't be anything she could do about it.

Not that I care, I just want this to be over and done with. She thought.

Erika chooses a simple mesh splice black dress paired with a diamond stud and necklace that Francis gifted her. She wanted to feel comfortable so she wore some flat jelly shoes to accommodate her increasing weight. She stared at herself in the mirror and smiled, it didn't look bad at all, apart from her growing belly wala namang masyadong pagkakaiba sa kanyang itsura niya nuon at ngayon though a lot of times she usually felt bloated and heavy, Francis always made her feel pretty, regardless if she thinks otherwise.

Biglang may matitipunong mga braso ang humagip sa kanyang beywang and Erika smiled warmly knowing well enough who it was.

"Are you ready?" He asked whispering to her ears. She nodded in response while they both swayed their body from the embrace.

"Do you want to skip this dinner rehearsal and just stay home instead? It seems all pointless." Francis commented and Erika couldn't agree more.

"Do we need to do this with all those people? We could just really get married right now, just us and your family and I think that would be perfect rather than deal with those fake smiles and over the top get together with strangers who don't have our best interest" saad nito.

Erika stared at him and touched his face. If things had been different, she would have wanted to choose the second option, she only wanted a simple, intimate wedding and nothing else, but she also knew that this also signifies power and status in the Gutierrez clan.

Our world is different. Erika thought. However, she made a vow that she would thrive no matter what.

"In the end, all I wanted was to be with you, the process doesn't matter to me." She assured him.

He smiled at her and kissed her lips softly. "Are you sure it's okay that we didn't invite your parents to this event?" He asked her.

"Yes, it would be too much for one night," Erika uttered.

"Alright, let's see how Lani's plan can make this ceremony better or worse" saad ni Francis, and both of them chuckled loudly.

A few more weeks and the wedding would take place on a farm on one of the properties owned by the Gutierrez'. A chapel was built inside it and that's where the ceremony would happen right across the chapel is a massive barn adorned with drapes and sparkling lights that made the place jaw drop. Erika roamed her eyes around and was surprised at how beautiful the transformation was. She was impressed, to be honest how Lani pulled it together.

Guess if you have the money, outcomes are guaranteed. 

When they settled in, both Erika and Francis went their way to exchange their greetings with a few guests and family on the Gutierrez side. When they saw Lani, Erika smiled warmly at her. But Lani's eyes were sharp and sternly disapproving of her look.

"A bride wearing black on her rehearsal dinner? That's quite a statement" she commented trying to sound civil.

Erika ignored the sarcasm but instead, she made sure to thank Lani for her effort and appreciated how beautiful the setup was.

"This is not done yet; on the day of the wedding the chapel and the reception will be filled with fresh flowers adding to the rustic charm of this entire place" She proudly said, and Erika just smiled.