A month later, after the New Year, preparations for the wedding began. However, Lance didn't let Deanna worry about any of it; he just wanted her to wait peacefully to become his bride. Deanna couldn't argue with him and finally accepted his intentions.
Julia was also free from worries. To avoid appearing idle, the two often gathered with their children. One day, while they were together, the topic naturally shifted to honeymoons.
Julia curiously asked, "After the wedding, are you going on a honeymoon?"
"We have the idea, but we haven't decided where to go yet. How about you and Lionel?" Deanna looked over curiously.
Julia replied, "I want to visit the place where Lionel grew up, but I don't want to interact with the Grants. They..."
Although she didn't finish her sentence, Deanna understood. She didn't know how to help her friend with her in-law issues since she was an outsider.
She sighed and said, "If you really don't like it, try to keep your distance. There's a saying that distance makes the heart grow fonder. Maybe if you stay away for a while and with Lionel mediating, things might improve."
"That's all I can do," Julia sighed and changed the topic, not wanting to dwell on it.
Deanna played along but still felt worried for her friend. Poor relations with in-laws could affect family harmony in the long run. Since she didn't have such problems herself, she didn't know what good advice to give.
That evening, when Lance came home, Deanna told him about it, hoping he could offer a solution.
Lance found her concern amusing. "You're overthinking it. Although I haven't interacted much with the Grant family elders, I understand them a bit. They have the typical aristocratic pursuit of interests. As long as that's there, even if they don't like Julia, they'll tolerate her presence."
He paused and continued, "Moreover, if Julia stands her ground, those two won't dare trouble her; they'll try to please her instead."
Deanna pondered over his words. Just then, Lance suddenly moved closer, startling her.
"What are you doing?"
"I've called you several times, and you didn't respond," Lance looked at her with a hint of grievance.
Deanna laughed awkwardly and said, "I was thinking about Julia's situation. What did you say?"
"I said you're more concerned about your friend than me," Lance pulled her into his arms jealously.
Deanna found it amusing and kissed him on the cheek. "I'm just worried about Julia. But now I'm not worried anymore. You're right; as long as Julia is strong, the Grant family won't be a problem. So don't be jealous."
She smiled sweetly at him, unaware of how beautiful she looked in his eyes. Under the light, her face was like a blooming flower, with a faint scent of post-bath freshness wafting into his nose.
"One kiss isn't enough to make me not angry," Lance said hoarsely, staring intently at her.
Without waiting for Deanna to respond, he leaned in and captured her soft lips. Their lips met in an ultimate display of tenderness and desire. Under Lance's skilled touch, Deanna quickly surrendered, leaning weakly against him.
Who knows how much time passed before they ended up in bed together in a deep embrace. That night was destined to be a sleepless one.
...
When Deanna woke up again, the sun was already high in the sky. She stretched lazily and sat up in bed, noticing that Lance wasn't in the room but didn't mind. After freshening up and eating something, she went to the garden to practice yoga.
Half a month passed like this until the day before the wedding. After breakfast, Deanna looked at Lance and remembered something she hadn't dealt with yet.
"Is Eula still alive?"
She had given Lance the medicine back then but had forgotten about Eula amidst childbirth and other events.
Lance was also taken aback, having clearly forgotten about Eula too. "I'll check. She should still be alive; if she had died, our people would have contacted me."
He picked up his phone to confirm with his men. A few minutes later, he hung up and said, "She's still alive. Do you want to see her?"
"Yes," Deanna nodded after thinking for a moment.
She wanted to see if Eula had any regrets. Moreover, the most heart-wrenching revenge is letting your enemy see you living better and happier than they are.