Dear second fiancé

CHAPTER 4. not as planned

The narrow window of the living room was slightly ajar, letting in the brisk air of the darkening spring evening. It was a typical Friday evening spend at Lydia's new apartment, accompanied by the two lovely wackos. The living room slash kitchen was too small for a proper kitchen table and chairs, but Lydia was actually more than happy with the wooden wide-enough couch table which was now filled with small bags of chips, pealed and cut apples and oranges — along with a few cans of delightful beverages.

''That's insane!'' Millie's blank daze after hearing the news of an upcoming celebration was a golden sight to see, the opened cold can of beer in her hand gathering wet drops of moist on the surface, ''Dating? Sure, why not — but marriage?!'' She spread her arms dramatically nearly spilling the bitter drink.

''Yeah well I couldn't think of anything else in the moment.'' Lydia's smile would not fade as she tied her hair on a messy bun and let the hands slump down on the crossed legs, ''I know my dad. He wouldn't ask for help —and I can't support him enough with one income even if I somehow managed to get him accept my money in the first place. Which is never.''

''That's not exactly something one should decide in the moment.'' Millie sighed, ''Not unless they are kneeling in front of you with a ring at least!''

''I get what you both are saying..'' Matthew assessed the situation, ''But Livingston-in-laws helping another father-in-law? Now that's a hard one to decline respectfully.'' Matthew leaned against the table with the palm of his hand supporting the chin, ''Smart move Lydia, gotta say.''

''Honey!'' Millie whined at her husband before focusing on Lydia again, ''What about you? Don't get me wrong, I want your father and the employees to have all the possible help they need, but does it have to be this drastic? Are you gonna be happy?''

Lydia took a sip of her own beer, something she would not enjoy much in her past, since Chase would subtly comment how he didn't like her drinking, ''I'm sure I'll manage.'' She quickly brushed aside, but her friends wouldn't let it go that easily. Wishful thinking on her part.

''Don't you think there must be some obligations, though?'' Matthew wondered, ''He's a busy millionaire, or billionaire, soon to be the CEO and you'll be the wife photographed on his side. And I've got a feeling you won't be liking it one bit.'' He pointed a finger, knowing he hit the spot judging by Lydia's aghast pale complexion.

''Right!'' Millie agreed so hard she slapped her husbands back in excitement, ''Your face will be somewhere, I'm sure."

"Oh gosh no!" Lydia gave up and fell with her cheek first resting on top of the table, "I didn't think further than just accepting.." Covered underneath the hair which fell however it pleased, Lydia wanted to melt through the cracks of the wooden floor and continue down until she was in the center of the whole planet. Faraway and hidden.

''Uhm.. Well, it can't be that bad?'' Millie softened, seeing her friend in distress.

''Yeah, you said that his family seemed nice..'' Matthew joined in the attempt, ''He can't be that bad then, right?..''

Lydia sighed heavily, "He seemed.. Silent.. And cold. But he did come and let me know about dads situation. Even if he had another motive.. At least he was honest about it."

"True.." Millie nodded, "We'll stay close. Keep an eye on this whole.. Thing." She sounded not so reassuring.

"No, you know what?" Lydia picked herself up from the table counter, "I'm keeping my job, we'll sleep separately. It's only on paper." Lydia shrugged nonchalantly. Almost too confident, "This isn't going to affect my life that much, i'm sure!"