Amelie, who had just arrived, patted my shoulder and whispered, "Hello, sister-in-law..."

"Oh my God, Amelie... what are you doing... this is embarrassing if someone hears." I quickly looked around, understandably so—I had asked Amelie to keep my marriage to Sebastian a secret to avoid causing a stir.

"Hehehe, sorry. I’m just so happy. You’re finally my sister-in-law," Amelie continued as she hugged my arm and clung to it playfully, making me chuckle softly.

"You’re so extra, acting like you just won a lottery."

"You’re not tying your hair today, El?" Amelie let go of my arm and looked at me.

"Go ask your brother. He scolded me just because I tied my hair up."

Amelie frowned. "Huh? He scolded you just because of a ponytail?" She sounded confused.

"He said it’s better if I leave it down, said I look ugly with a ponytail." I repeated Sebastian’s words, though I later learned the real reason behind his teasing.

"Oh please, El, that’s just an excuse. He probably doesn’t want other guys to see your neck..." Amelie giggled.

I just smiled. Even Amelie had the same thoughts as her brother.

"El, Mom asked if you’d be willing to stay at our house for a week. She wants you to help me look into her surgery plans."

Hearing Amelie's request, of course I couldn't refuse.

"Sure, I can do that, Amelie. I’ll stay and help you. But I have some errands to finish first, so I might come home a bit late tonight."

"Take your time, El. Finish what you need to do. I just had to pass along Mom's message." Amelie said.

Our conversation ended when the lecturer walked into the classroom. Amelie and I turned our attention back to the lecture. Although honestly, my mind was wandering all over the place.

**

"Hello, Sarah?" I quickly confirmed Sarah had answered my call.

"Hello? Yeah, El, what’s up?" Sarah’s voice came through clearly from the other end.

"Are you busy right now?" I asked while nodding and thanking the online taxi driver who had just dropped me off at my apartment. I had purposely taken a cab home to pack some clothes and essentials for my stay at Sebastian’s house tonight. I also wanted to get my car so I’d have more flexibility.

"Nope, I’m not busy at all. Just having coffee and chilling by myself." Sarah replied. "Why?"

"Wait for me, okay? I’ll be there in half an hour. There’s something important I need to talk to you about in person."

"Hmm, typical you, always leaving people hanging! Fine, hurry up and get here, I’ll be waiting!" Sarah sounded excited and impatient.

"Okay, wait for me. I’ll bring some tiramisu, but from the other store. I don’t want to get stuck in traffic at your favorite bakery."

"No need to bring anything, I already bought some cake at my usual place earlier, just to avoid the traffic," Sarah laughed.

"Oh great, that means I can just mooch off your cake."

"Dream on. It’s almost finished..." Sarah laughed even more.

"Fine then, I’ll bring my own cake," I giggled, "I’ll hang up now, need to finish packing."

After calling Sarah, I continued packing the items I’d take to Sebastian’s place. Though I’d be staying for a few days, I only brought what was necessary, figuring I could always come back if I needed anything. I also did a quick cleanup of my apartment, gathered dirty laundry to drop off at the laundromat, and messaged building management to request cleaning services while I’d be away.

After more than half an hour, I was finally done with everything.

**

"Did you have class today?" Sarah asked. I nodded. "Yeah. Why?"

"Just curious... you’re wearing your hair down today?" she pointed out.

I smiled at Sarah’s expression. "Why? Don’t I look good with my hair down?"

"Well... not bad. It’s just that I’m so used to seeing you with a ponytail and Bebi with her hair down. I thought that was your way of setting yourselves apart."

I chuckled, "Oh my gosh, you’re so observant. I didn’t even do it on purpose."

"Oh? I thought it was a signature look or something," Sarah laughed too. "Anyway, you said there’s something important you wanted to tell me in person. Hmm, must be a big deal then."

I clapped my hands. "Wow, how did you know it’s something important?"

Sarah shook her head. "Come on, El. It’s obvious. You don’t usually ask to meet unless it’s serious."

I just gave an "oh" and grinned sheepishly.

"So, what is it, El?" Sarah asked.

"Well..." I took a deep breath, unsure how to explain yesterday's sudden wedding.

"Yeah? What is it? Why so serious? Don’t scare me, El... What is it you’re trying to say?"

"I... I married Sebastian yesterday afternoon..." The words rushed out with a long exhale. I looked at Sarah, trying to gauge her reaction.

She went quiet for a second before smiling gently. "Oh wow! I kind of suspected it, but I didn’t expect it to be this soon, El."

I stayed quiet, not knowing how to respond.

"So this is the big news you wanted to share?"

I nodded and spoke softly, "Yes, that’s the main thing. I need your support, Sarah. Do you think I made the right decision by accepting Sebastian’s proposal to marry him?"

"El... it’s not for me to decide if it was right or wrong. That decision should come from your own heart. Do you feel happy? Cor not? Now that you’ve married him you can feel it by yourself..."

I blushed at her question.

***