Chapter 229: Chapter Two Hundred and Twenty-Nine

Rose

I have been dealing with some wedding things most of the day, getting the last of the invitations done while Jayce has been in bed, asleep, trying to heal his hangover. I am going to wake him, though, because he needs to eat if he wants to suck up the alcohol. I grab my bag and head out. I can’t be bothered cooking, so I will go out and pick up dinner for us. I need to be careful what I buy in case it makes him sick. I left a note on the pillow in case he wakes and panics because I am not around.

I hop into the car and drive the distance to one of Jayce’s favourite restaurants to get him burgers and fries, those will soak it up. Arriving outside, I head inside. I should have called ahead for my order; I wasn’t even thinking at the time. It will take a little longer, but it is fine, it will be worth it because the food is amazing. I am glad when I see the line isn’t too long for takeaway and take my place to wait for it. I ordered us both the same and myself a coffee to drink while I am here. It is better than standing around doing nothing.

I glance around for a table and find one close by, so they don’t need to search for me when my order is up. It is nice to have a little break after being so busy today. I didn’t plan to be, but once I started, that was me. I watch the world fly by as I sip my coffee.

“Rose.” I hear my name being said in a hiss.

What the hell? I glance up, and the second I do, I roll my eyes when I see someone from the past stand before me. Lillian! I forgot about her. She disappeared. She clearly still has a problem with me. It has been months, shouldn’t she be over it by now?

“Hello, Lillian,” I say sweetly because I know it will piss her off. I am nice to her.

“Why are you eating all alone? Did Jayce finally see sense and end things with you?”

“No, I am waiting for food to take home to him. Jayce and I are fine, more than fine. Didn’t you hear? We are engaged to be married?”

Lillian scoffs. “You really think he will show up on the day of your wedding? He will run for the hills.”

I laugh because she is being pathetic. “No, he won’t. We will get married, not like it is any of your business. I thought we were past all of this. I thought you had met someone, so why do you still seem to have a problem with me?”

“You are still delusional, I see. A man like Jayce can’t be tied down. You will be ditched at the altar, Rose and you know it.” She sounds so confident in her words.

I stand so I am face-to-face with her. “Lillian, grow up. Jayce and I are happy in love. We are getting married, and there is nothing you can do about it.” I hiss and walk away.

“It will never last, Rose,” she calls after me.

I stroll to the counter and wait there for my order. I won’t let her get to me. If it were six months ago, she would have gotten in my head, but I have come a long way since then. Jayce has come a long way since then. I roll my eyes, and soon my name is being called. I get my order and leave quickly before she decides to come back and continue. Stupid bitch! She had better not become a problem again.

I return to the car, and the scent of the food fills my car. I can’t wait to tuck in. I get lost in my thoughts on the way, remembering all the hassle she causes along with Jayce’s mom. I forgave his mom because she made an effort and apologised, but Lillian means nothing to me. I need her to stay away from me, away from Jayce.

I arrive home and take the food straight to the bedroom. Jayce is still sound asleep. He isn’t going to sleep tonight if he sleeps any longer. I set the things down and take a seat on the edge of the bed, shaking him.

“Jayce, my love, you need to wake up. You have been sleeping for hours. I have food for us. Burger and fries from the restaurant you like.” I say.

He groans, and it takes him a minute to come too. “What time is it?”

“Six, you have been sleeping for like five hours.” I chuckle.

Slowly, he sits up and runs his fingers through his messy hair.

“I didn’t mean to sleep so long, but I feel better for it.”

“Good, you can eat then.”

I disappear into the kitchen to get some water and ketchup for dinner. By the time I return, Jayce is already stuffing his face. I laugh, shaking my head and slip in next to him, taking my food before he ends up stealing that too.

“This is so good, I am starving.” He says, shoving some fries in his mouth.

“You will never guess who I ran into when I picked up dinner?” I can’t help but roll my eyes at the thought of it.

“Who? Whoever it was, you don’t seem happy about seeing them.”

“Lillian. She started on me the second she spotted me. Asking if we were still together. When I told her we were getting married, she said we would make it, and you would stand me up on our wedding day.”

“God, don’t tell me she is back! I thought she had moved on and was with someone else?”

“Me too. I swear she better not start coming around again.”

“If she does, we will make sure she leaves again. She won’t have anyone on her side like that last time. You know everything she said was nonsense, right? I would never do that to you?” he sighs.

“I know you wouldn’t. I am not letting her get into my head this time.”

“Good. I am sure she will get bored in no time.” He shrugs, taking a bite of his burger.

Jayce doesn’t seem phased by it, which is good. It means none of us care she is around again. She had better not show up at his office. I push any thoughts of her to the back of my mind and focus on my food. I have more important things to think about.

“The rest of the invitations are done. I did them today. We can send them out on Monday.”

“Rose, you should have woken me up. I would have helped.”

“It is fine. You did most of the planning while I was away. I don’t mind. It is another thing ticked off our list.” I smile and kiss his cheek.

“Thank you,” he smiles.

Not everyone we invited may come. It depends on whether they are willing to pay for the travel. We have included in the invitation that there is no need for them to book a room, as that is taken care of. We will wait and see. It won’t matter if some of them don’t, the most important people will be there with us.