Chapter 8
Iscratched my head awkwardly. “I’m pregnant.”
“Cough! Cough!”
Frank Graylen choked on his tea, sputtering as his face turned beet red.
I patted his back for a long time before he finally recovered.
“Feeling better now?”
k stared at me in shock. “You’re not joking, are you?”
“What’s there to lie about?”
Frank probably hadn’t expected such a bombshell. He’d only asked for a simple explanation, but I dropped a game–changer.
That afternoon, he dragged me to the hospital for a check–up.
At the same time, we visited my mom in the inpatient ward.
Both my parents were there. My mom, frail but smiling, held my hand tightly.
“My sweet Krystal can be a bit temperamental. I hope you’ll be patient with her,” she said to Frank.
“I think she’s wonderful,” he replied without hesitation.
“Seeing you two happy together puts my heart at ease,” my mom murmured.
“Mom…”
We stayed for a while. As we were about to leave, my dad spoke up.
“When the wedding happens next month, your mom and I will visit the Graylen family to meet the in–laws, alright?”
“Dad, Mom’s health-”
Dad laughed heartily.
“Your fiancé found a doctor to treat her. She’s been getting acupuncture for a week now. If this continues, she might be able to stand in another two
weeks.”
“Really?”
No wonder Dad had been all smiles this time.
I turned to Frank, surprised. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I forgot.”
“Then it’s settled. Next month, we’ll meet the in–laws, and then-”
“No need,” a voice interrupted from outside.
The Graylen family elders walked in, carrying a bounty of fruit.
“Apologies for arriving late,” Frank’s mother said warmly.
My dad slapped his thigh in astonishment. “Oh, you shouldn’t have! How thoughtful of you!”
“It’s no trouble at all,” they replied.
The two families chatted cheerfully, their conversation flowing smoothly.
11:47
Photos, Lies, and Fire
Frank and I exchanged glances, and he nodded at me.
“I have an announcement,” I said, clearing my throat.
Everyone turned their attention to me.
“Well… I’m pregnant.”
The room erupted into joyous laughter.
“That’s wonderful! A double celebration!”
“How fantastic!”
ling, I turned to look at Frank, only to see Eason standing by the door.
He must have come with the elders. His eyes were red, his expression unreadable.
Without a word, Eason turned and left.
After the visit, we were heading out of the hospital when I stopped to use the restroom.
Suddenly, hands clamped around my neck, gripping tightly.
“Whose is it?”
“Eason, are you crazy?”
“Whose child is it?”
“Frank’s!”
“And he believes that?”
I coughed, my face turning crimson. The next moment, Eason was kicked away.
Frank rushed in, looking at me with concern. “Are you okay?”
I nodded.
Frank turned to Eason. “I’ve never doubted her.”
J
He placed a reassuring hand on my waist.
“Let’s go. Our parents are waiting downstairs.”
“Alright.”
As we walked away, Frank added softly, “Once we’re married, he won’t bother you again.”
“Why?”
“In the Graylen family, whoever marries first stays to inherit the family business. The other has to move to Europe to run the branch.”
I nodded in understanding.
The wedding venue was stunning.
When we chose it, we were already impressed, but on the actual day, it exceeded all expectations.
Mom’s recovery was even better than anticipated. She could stand and walk with ease.
The wedding was lively and joyful.
As I waited nervously in the dressing room, Frank noticed my unease and reassured me.
11:48
Photos, Lies, and Fire
Chapter 8
“Don’t worry. He’s already on a plane to Europe. He won’t come back to disrupt anything.”
“Okay,
The ceremony was lively, the atmosphere celebratory.
As we walked out, I was still nervous.
The officiant interacted with us, and finally asked the key question:
“Do you, Miss Krystal Alison, take Mr. Frank Graylen to be your husband, to cherish and honor him, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, for the rest of your life?”
1looked into Trank’s eyes. We smiled at each other.
White doves soared above the venue, and balloons floated into the sky.
Under the sunlight, we kissed.
Applause thundered from the crowd below.
Our wedding was perfect.
[The End]
