Chapter 25- Second Thoughts

“So you’re the famous Ysabel Crest, I wonder when I’ll get to meet you. My name is Katrina Brandon.” A brunette haired woman is standing by Seth’s door and she looked immaculate. She’s slim and she has the most beautiful lavender colored eyes. She is wearing a strapless bright green dress together with green colored pumps.

“H-hi.” I shook the hand she held out. I’m still trying to figure out if she’s good news or bad. What the hell am I supposed to this with this woman? “Seth’s not home.”

“That’s good, I’m here to see you.” She smiled brightly which I returned with a forced one.

“Please come in.” I opened the door wider for her to fit in and we went straight to the living room. “Would you like anything to drink? Tea?” I offered.

“That would be wonderful. Thank you.” She sat down on the blood red couch and I made my way to the kitchen.

“Mrs. J, can you please put on a pot of tea?” I asked sweetly and she smiled at me.

“Sure dear, in the living room?” She began pouring water in the kettle.

“Yes please, I have a guest.” I told her and exited the kitchen. I passed by the floor length mirror in the hallway and inspected myself. I am wearing a long sleeve button top with a pencil skirt, I was planning on surprising Seth at work but something came up.

“Sorry about that. What can I do for you Ms. Brandon?” I sat on the couch opposite of her.

“I’m here about Seth and please, call me Katrina.” She straightened the crease on her dress and straightened her back. What are we discussing? Stocks?

“What about him?” I asked curiously.

“Here we are.” Mrs. J entered the living room and she almost dropped the tray she was holding when she saw Katrina opposite of me. “I didn’t know you’re here.” Mrs. J began pouring tea.

“Thanks Mrs. J, I’m here to talk to Ysabel.” She smiled sweetly. What is with all the smiling? I’m becoming paranoid about it.

“I’ll be in the kitchen.” She smiled sympathetically at me and exited the room.

“Ysabel, I’m here to warn you.” She took a sip of her tea.

“Warn me about what?” I narrowed my eyes at her.

“Ysabel, I’m not here to cause trouble. I’m here because I want to let you know what to expect.” She talked like she knows me so well.

“What to expect about what?” I placed two sugars on my tea.

“People will judge you from everywhere. They will do everything in their power to separate you and Seth. Ysabel, I don’t want to scare you away but I want to share this with you because I was in your shoes.” She put down her cup of tea and looked me in the eye.

“Katrina, I don’t care what they say. They can separate us all they want but in the end they won’t win. All that matters to me is what Seth thinks of me.” She looked taken aback by my response.

“I can see what Seth sees in you. You’re good for him. I regret ever leaving him but I can see it’s for the best.” She smiled at me and stood up. She sat down beside me and took my hands. “I’m so happy Seth found someone like you. I would’ve come here with war if you were like the girls he parades around the media.”

I laughed with her, I would’ve come with war too if Seth is marrying a slut. “Thank you Katrina. I know it’s not much but it would be wonderful if we have your blessing.” I tightened my grip on her hands.

“You have my blessing Ysabel. I can feel we’re going to be best friends.” She said with glee, she’s not bad after all. I can see why Seth wanted to marry her, she’s perfect.

“Thank you Katrina, I thought you are one of those maniac exes.” We both chuckled.

“I’m sorry to disappoint.” She took her cup and sipped her tea.

“I’m not complaining.” I smiled at her.

“I should take my leave. It was nice meeting you Ysabel. I’ll see you soon.” She stood up and went to the front door. I saw her to her car and smiled. Atleast I have Katrina on my side. I don’t know what I would’ve done if she’s against me.

*-~*-~*-~*-~*-~*-~*-~*-~*-~*-~*

“You look beautiful.” Seth said as I entered his office.

“I wish I could say the same.” I winked at him and sat on one of the stools by the bar.

He narrowed his eyes and stood up. “What does that mean? Are you saying I’m ugly?” He walked towards me and I gulped. He’s not ugly, I was teasing him. It’s hard to tease him when I’m having a hard time breathing.

“Maybe.” I replied in a playful voice. Atleast I tried to make it sound playful.

He bit my lower lip which surprised me. “Seth!” I pouted and he chuckled.

“What made you so happy today?” He picked me up and we sat on his chair.

“Katrina came by the house.” I can see his mood drop a thousand degrees and I held his chin to make him look at me.

“What did she want?” His voice sounded deadly.

“She wanted to meet the woman you’re engaged to.” I gave him a peck. “And she gave us her blessing.” I kissed his cheek. “She wanted us to be friends.” I kissed his forehead.

He looked relaxed. “I thought she was there to scare you away.” He hugged me and I rested my head on the crook of his neck.

“Nothing will scare me away.” I mumbled and I trailed kissed down his neck to his chest.

“Thank you.” I lifted my head up and looked at him.

“What are you thanking me for?” I asked curiously.

“For not leaving.” Just before Seth could kiss me, a knock was heard by his door. “Come in.” I was not expecting this.

“Grace.” I said in a surprised tone.

“Mom.” He stood up and I scrambled off his lap.

“Nice to see you again Ysabel, I’m here to confirm something.” She said in a business like tone.

“What about?” Seth asked in the same tone.

“Are you two really getting married?” She asked and I almost told her no, it was a forced engagement.

“Yes.” Seth answered, Grace and I both gasped. Now that is just wonderful. Did I agree to be his wife? No! How will we ever get out of this one?

Grace clapped her hands and began walking towards me. She hugged me and sniffled. I hugged her back and tried to calm down the poor woman. “Welcome to the family dear.” She gave me a kiss on the cheek and I felt a blush creeping its way to my cheeks.

“Er- thanks Grace.” Now this is awkward. Seth didn’t even propose properly and we haven’t exactly talked about that yet, are we even getting married? This is all going so fast, I don’t know what else to do. If I were another woman, I would be thrilled at the idea of being the wife of one of the most eligible bachelors in town.

I’m not thrilled, I’m not thrilled at all. In fact, I’m the opposite of it, I’m goddamn pissed! I don’t know what is true and what isn’t. Do I have a fiance? Am I getting married? Am I his girlfriend? What the hell is happening to the world? I don’t know what else to think. Katrina gave us her blessing, Grace is thrilled to have me as a daughter in law, what else is missing? Oh yes, Seth’s opinion in all of this!

“When’s the big day?” Grace sounded so excited and ecstatic and I don’t want to spoil her fun.

“We haven’t discussed the wedding yet.” Seth answered for me. “Maybe it’s best if we set aside the wedding details for now and let Ysabel breathe, it’s still all very overwhelming for her.” Seth gave me an apologetic look.

“Sorry dear, I’m just so excited to hear that my boy is finally getting married!” Grace clapped her hands.

“Mother.” Seth said in a warning tone.

“Oh shut up, let your mother be happy for once.” She gave me one last hug. “I should go and let you plan your wedding. I will talk to you later mister.” She pointed at Seth and then she left.

“Okay, so when’s the big day?” He asked as soon as his mother is out of hearing range.

“Seth! Are we getting married?” I asked in a serious tone.

“Ysabel, I know I haven’t properly proposed and I haven’t even asked your parents but I will do all of those as soon as you agree. I’m not rushing you into anything and I’m not asking you to marry me right away. Ysabel, all I’m saying is, I want you to make the decision and I will respect it.” He stopped and looked at me.

“Seth, I don’t know what to do. Everyone is expecting a grand marriage and I don’t know if I can give that just yet. We just started dating a week ago and now we’re engaged? It’s a little too fast.” I admitted, it’s all moving too fast and I can’t keep up. Everyone is expecting me to marry him but I don’t know if I can handle it.

“I understand. Ysabel, I’m so sorry if you feel pressured into marrying me and I understand if you don’t want to push through with it. I can call the magazines and tell them the wedding’s off.” He fished his phone out of his pocket and began dialing.

“Seth.” Before he could look up, I kissed him. He pulled me against him and I savored his sweet and intoxicating taste. He nibbled on my lower lip and I gave him access to enter.

“What was that for?” He asked as soon as we caught our breath.

“Seth, I don’t want you to cancel the wedding, all I’m saying is, I need time. I need time to get used to being beside you. I want to know if I can handle being with you. I want to know if we can work everything out on our own.” I placed my hands on his chest.

“Thank you.” He murmured in my ear. “You can take all the time in the world. Just please don’t leave me.” He pulled me in for a hug which I returned.

Only then did I realize, he hasn’t even told me he loves me. Does he? I am not marrying him if he doesn’t.

As for me, do I love him? I have strong feelings for him and they are different, so different from the ones I felt for Greg. Is it possible that I’ve fallen in love with him without realizing it?

-----BETTER-----THAN-----DREAMS-----BETTER-----THAN-----DREAMS-----

A/N

This story is coming to an end and I don’t want it to. I am finishing this on a good note so please stay tune for it. There will be no sequel because I already planned out everything for Seth and Ysabel.

Question time: What’s preventing them from pushing through with the marriage? Is Ysabel really over Greg? Is Seth really over Katrina? What do you think will happen in the next chapter?

Please comment!

-G