IN THE WORLD OF LOVE

Preparations

As said, Simon's mother Izabella Clifford was at their house, early in the morning. Saying many things need to be done today, so better to start the day early. However, Serena took about half an hour to get ready and come out of the room. Serena was very silent all the while, behaving like an obedient girl. And this did not go unnoticed by Alexander Williams. He was wary but did not say anything, because he knew what might have ticked her off. After the scene in the study yesterday, he closed himself in a room, drinking. He did not come out until late midnight. Alexander knew about the little rendezvous between Serena and Simon. He had yet to talk with her. He wanted to be the one, to tell his dearest daughter about the marriage, not Simon. Even though it was a "deal", he wanted to be the one to tell. He thought it was better for her, to have a life of her own, away from miseries. He thought he would talk to her about it tonight.

It was decided, that first Izabella and Serena would go for a dress fitting and then would go to the wedding planner and discuss what preparations and decorations need to be done according to their choices and preferences. And then they would decide the list of invitations and Serena would go meet Simon, for what propose she doesn't know.

All the while Serena was quiet, yesterday's events were fresh in her mind. She didn't know for what part she was most sad about, the fact that Simon would do this or the fact that her father was an equal participant in this whole situation. She did not know what she was feeling, happy or sad. should she be happy about getting married to her crush or be sad under the circumstances she is getting married. Serena had yet to face her father and honestly, she did not want to. All wants she is to be left alone. Again she was not given the choice to do so. So she silently, let happen, what is happening, there was no point fighting. Although there was a plan cooked up in her mind and she was waiting for the right time to implement it. One thing she thought the most about today, is her mother.

The time passed by and so on she finds herself in an exquisite wedding dress. It was beautiful in every sense. But Serena did not feel that way, It was good but not her type.

She was standing in the trial room looking at her exact look-alike in front of her. slowing caressing the dress she thought if only her mother would be here on this occasion. Things might have been different. Immediately She shook that thought out of her head.

She came out of the dressing room, taking short steps towards where her mother-in-law was sitting. Izabella at once stood up and circled Serena slowing and said...

"My, my, Serena, you look beautiful. doesn't she Cathy" she also asked her designer and the owner of this shop.

Cathy, who had a bored look on her face said

" yes, mam indeed, " She was a woman in her late thirties.

However, Serena's expressions say otherwise. She thought, even if she does not want to be in this situation, she could make the best out of this. She wouldn't want to give her dreams of the perfect wedding dress. so she said,

"But, it is not bad to have the best options as well, I think I want to try that one," she pointed out towards the rack of 'the best wedding dresses'.

Izabella thought for a moment and at last, agreed. The salesgirl out the dress she pointed out. And Serena tried it out.

This one was as exquisite as before but rather, it looked more lively on Serena. It was a mixture of white and gold. The texture was soft. The chest was covered with flower vines and small leaves and the bottom was embroidered with roses. It was simply gorgeous.

It was not long after all the billing formalities were done. The duo was done with one of the tasks on their 'to-do list '...and their next stop was to the wedding planner, who welcomed them with a huge smile on her face. Looks like everyone was having a great day except me, why can't people once drop their

'I am happy today, as it is a new day act', she thought to herself.

About like after an hour, they were done explaining to the wedding planner about the arrangements. Finally done with yet another task on the list. As it was almost afternoon, means it's lunchtime for Serena. She had not done breakfast, and food is what she lives for. So, the duo decided to have lunch.

They stopped, or more as the driver stopped at a cosy-looking restaurant. After taking their respective seats a waiter came to take their orders. After a much-heated conversation between both the mother in law and daughter in law, they concluded on Chicken pram lasagne, the waiter however with an annoyed look on his face went back.

As their food was yet to arrive, izabella decided to take a moment to look at Serena.

Serena was staring into the space, her face was expressionless but her eyes told another story. Izabella did notice Serena's behaviour and it did not sit quite well with her. She had a soft corner for the girl.

"Your mother was a very dear friend of mine," she suddenly said.

Serena looked up confusingly, "huh?" she asked.

"Your mother, she was a dear friend of mine," Izabella repeated, keeping her one hand on the table and the other under her chin. Serena didn't know what to say, so she kept quiet.

"Her marriage was out of love but a compromise also. At least that's what she thought. She was the first and last love of your father. She always believed that love and affection would always change even the twisted hearts. Guess what, she was right but it cost her, her life. She put all of her trust in your father. She loved him,"

"Why are you telling me this, and how do you know her?" Serena asked.

"We studied in college together. Serena, I know this isn't right. I am not telling you to give Simon a chance right away, give him the hardest time you could. But think, wouldn't you want to know the reasons. Things aren't what they seem to be, Wouldn't you want to wait for the answers. If I were in this situation I would want to hear what other people have to say, and then give my decision. I would wait to turn things in my favour. I wouldn't want to run to the hills the minute situation turns bad, or cry over the fact 'why me'.

just hear him out, he might have a better explanation. Even after that, if you don't want to, I will support you and stop this marriage...... Just think about it, " she said, as if on cue the waiter came with their food and they both without saying anything further, started eating.

Serena was angry and revealed at the same time. Hearing about her mother's life she was satisfied. What better explanation could he have, she thought. All-day long she thought about two things, one was her mother and another was Simon and this marriage... She didn't know what to think anymore, escape this marriage or agree to it without making a fuss. She might have thought of not going to a secluded meeting tonight but now thought against it.

Now she thought, she would get answers tonight, might it be Simon or her father or both.