Chapter 19 — Preparation Begins

"What did you want to talk about, Rain?" Diana asked calmly, standing on the balcony, away from Ivan's sight and hearing.

Rain crossed her arms against her chest and licked her lips. "You and Ivan went on a date?"

Diana's shoulder slumped down as she leaned against the railings. "No, it was a friendly hang out. There's nothing more to it than that," she assured.

"I'll believe you." Rain sounded as though she was doing a huge favor to Diana by believing her. She spoke, "But I would like it if it wouldn't happen again in the future. It's better if you two maintain some distance."

"Sure."

Diana agreed with Rain, although the thought of staying away from Ivan wounded her heart. She wanted to cherish the last few days with him, but it seemed that both fate and Rain didn't want that.

"It's not like I don't trust Ivan or you. I know that Ivan loves me. I'm not insecure at all." Rain flashed a forceful smile at Diana as if making herself believe that Ivan loved her.

"I understand," she mumbled and started walking back to their bedroom.

As soon as Diana entered the room, Ivan inquired, "What did you talk about? Rain didn't say anything mean to you, did she?"

She smiled brightly in his direction. She found his concern cute. He was worried about her. So, she said, "Why would you think that? Have some faith in your girlfriend."

"Okay," Ivan uttered under his breath. He didn't believe Diana and stared at her.

"Stop staring, idiot." She glared at him and went to freshen up. Ivan shook his head and started checking his phone.

After some time, Diana got out of the washroom. Lying down on the sofa before drifting into a deep slumber, Diana thought to herself, from tomorrow the wedding preparations start. I'll need to make opportunities for Rain.

***

"These are the cards Suzanne shortlisted. You can pick whichever suits your taste," Ruyeli told Diana and Ivan, ordering the maids to put down the basket filled with samples of the chosen wedding cards.

They were sitting on the sofa in their bedroom. Diana was in awe as her eyes traveled over the cards. It was fancy and defined the royal wedding. After all, it was the queen's choice.

Diana picked up a random card and said to Ruyeli while checking it, "We will let you know after we have chosen. You may leave if you want."

"No, it's okay. I'm free right now. I can help you choose," Ruyeli offered cheerfully, excited to look over the royal cards.

"That won't be necessary, Ruyeli. Diana and I will choose," Ivan informed her, which made Ruyeli feel suspicious. Both Diana and Ivan were suddenly distant to her; it caused suspicion to ring alerts in her mind. Something was definitely going on.

She gave a smile and got up. "You two have a good time then." Nevertheless, Ruyeli left the two of them alone in their bedroom. As soon as Ruyeli was out of earshot, Diana took out her cell phone and dialed Rain's number.

"Hurry up, Rain. Now!" Diana urged and hung up the call.

Diana's plan was to make Ivan and Rain choose the wedding card together since it would be their wedding. Ivan didn't object. Truthfully, he didn't have a right to object because of the glare Diana threw at him.

As they waited for Rain to arrive, Ivan took out a random glitter-gold card.

"Put that thing down, Ivan. It's ugly," Diana commented with her chin resting on her palm.

"Why? It screams royalty," he joked, dangling it in front of her eyes. The golden glitter caused Diana to snatch the card from Ivan and threw it back on the basket.

"It screams show-off," she retorted.

"Then this must suit your taste." He picked out a light pink floral card. It was pretty cute; only females would like it.

Diana rolled her eyes, aware that Ivan was purposely messing with her. She deadpanned, "The flowers are going to wither even before the wedding day arrives."

"Oh, I'm pretty sure this is your favorite." He handpicked a brown-themed card.

"Do you want me to puke on you?" Diana playfully glared at him, making Ivan laugh.

"I like this one." He tried taking out another card, but Diana snatched the basket away from him. Ivan narrowed his eyes on her.

"You like it, right? Take it then." Diana stuck out her tongue at him. He smirked, accepting her challenge. He thought of a mischievous plan since Diana was tightly hugging the basket close to her chest.

Diana gulped as she noticed his evil look. She could clearly see the cunning plan of Ivan through his piercing green orbs. "No, Ivan," she tried to warn.

"Yes, Diana," with that, he reached out to tickle her. Just as his fingers were about to touch hers, Diana shoved his hand away.

I can't let him get too close to me. Someone might misunderstand. Due to that thought, Diana obediently returned the basket to him. Ivan was disheartened. Getting back the basket wasn't his purpose. He just wanted to make her laugh. He knew something was bothering Diana, yet she wouldn't share it with him.

It was silent for a minute until Rain entered their room, the sharp sound of heels clicking made the atmosphere more awkward than before.

"Hey, guys," Rain greeted and kissed Ivan's cheek. Diana shifted her gaze downwards and moved away from Ivan. She sat on the single sofa, letting Rain take her place beside him. Ivan instantly missed having Diana by his side.

Rain placed her hand on his, making him feel slightly uncomfortable. Diana noticed it and said, "Rain, why don't you start picking your wedding card? The sooner we finish, the better."

Rain nodded and said in excitement, "I'll choose the best one." She started looking through the abundant cards. As expected, Rain only picked the cards Ivan picked out as a joke; the glittery gold one especially. Diana once rejected it.

"Why not? It's golden. It gives off a royal sense." Rain pouted.

"It's too flashy. I won't like such a glittery card if I received one," explained Diana. She was tired of Rain's weird choices.

Ivan was getting bored. He knew Rain had a horrible taste, but he didn't realize before now it was that bad—he wouldn't even know about it if he didn't spend the last few days with her.

"How about this?" Rain showed a royal blue card.

"That's it. Let Ivan choose one," Diana declared.

Ivan stretched his hands out of boredom and said, "Why me? You choose for me, Diana."

"Are you sure you want to leave it to Diana?" Rain eyed him suspiciously, expecting a negative reply. Diana smiled to herself, already knowing what he was going to reply.

"I trust Diana and her choices. I know she will choose the best for me," he stated.

Diana was delighted to hear it. She happily picked the card she liked the most. Rain felt a little hurt, but she covered it up so that she wouldn't embarrass herself.

Diana chose a silver-colored card lined with golden borders and a silver ribbon on the upper corner. There was a dark blue heart-shaped stone on the envelope with floral designs around it.

"How about this one?" Diana showed them.

"It looks nice. Let me see it closer," Ivan let out as he got up and went to Diana's side, leaving Rain. He sat on the armrest of the sofa and leaned beside Diana, looking at the card intently, their shoulders brushing against each other. Diana's heartbeat raced with having Ivan so close to her.

Unconsciously, Ivan brought his face closer to Diana's face, their cheeks only inches apart. His eyes were fixed on the calligraphy design of the card, but Diana couldn't keep her heart under check. That's when her eyes fell on Rain.

Rain was looking down. Diana thought she was crying and immediately stood up, slightly pushing Ivan. With a smile, Diana showed the card to Rain and asked, "Isn't it amazing?"

"Of course. You chose it, Diana. It has to be nice." It was almost as if Rain was taunting her as she further spoke, "Since we have chosen the card, I'll go back to my room. Jasper must be looking for me." Rain got up and left the two of them alone.

"Rain, wait." Diana was going to follow up, but Ivan stopped her by grabbing her wrist.

He said clearly, "Let her go. She needs to stop being so unreasonable if she really intends to marry me." Ivan got upset because Diana was constantly pushing him away due to Rain. He was already getting tired of it.

Diana sighed and took out her phone and dialed a number. As soon as the other person picked up the call, Diana informed, "I have chosen the card. I'll text you what I want its content to be."

When Diana cut off the call, Ivan questioned, "Are you sure it will be okay?"

"I hope so," she answered as she started typing the content to send the text. Ivan stood behind her and peeked at it. He read the text aloud, not aware that someone was eavesdropping their conversation.

Ruyeli was standing outside their room, listening to everything. She had forgotten to inform Diana about her next schedule but found Rain sitting with them.

Hurrying up to Suzanne, Ruyeli began to inform her about what Diana was planning to write on the wedding card and about Rain's involvement in the wedding preparations. After being informed, the queen didn't seem quite happy about what she heard. So, Suzanne had Diana summoned to her chamber.

"I'll get straight to the point since none of us have any time to spare," Suzanne uttered sternly. Diana would be lying if she said that she wasn't nervous at all. It was the queen she was talking to, not to mention that Suzanne seemed mad for some reason. "Why did you involve Rain in your wedding card selection?"

"As my bridesmaid, she is allowed to do it, isn't she?" Diana had her answer prepared in case anyone noticed. After all, secrecy wasn't one of Rain's specialties.

"Okay then. Can you explain the contents of the wedding card you asked for?" the queen demanded.

"I don't understand," Diana let out, feigning innocence.

Suzanne pursed her lips. She held up her phone, showing a text about the contents of the card Diana asked for. "What is the meaning of this, Diana?"