Chapter 13
1067 Words
The day Lucy had been waiting for finally arrived. Her first official date with Drake Anderson, the man destined to be hers.
She hadn’t slept properly for two nights, tossing and turning while imagining every possible detail: their conversations, their future wedding vows, even the names of their future kids. Her poor pillow had endured countless whispered practice lines of flirtation.
Momsie, of course, had accompanied her the previous day to pick out a dress. Now Lucy stood in front of the large mirror, eyes sparkling with nervous excitement.
She wore a pink, knee-length, off-shoulder dress that hugged her curves modestly yet prettily. Her light brown hair, silky and straight, tumbled over her shoulders. She had applied only the barest touch of makeup, just enough to enhance her glow, with a dab of lip balm for shine. Pink sandals completed her look.
Lucy tilted her head, striking pose after pose. She looked like a teenager playing dress-up, but in her eyes, she was every inch a goddess.
“Beautiful, right?” she whispered to her reflection, winking.
As if on cue, a loud honk blared outside. Her heart skipped.
“Lucresia, your date is here!” Momsie called from the living room.
Lucy rolled her eyes at the use of her full name but ignored it. She twirled one last time, checked every angle of her outfit, then clutched her purse. With a deep breath, she opened the door, slow motion, cinematic, worthy of a movie scene.
Her eyes found him immediately.
Drake stood by his car, his attention drawn to her against his will. For a fleeting second, she swore he had forgotten how to breathe.
Lucy’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Oh, Drakey, I might just melt under your gaze. I know, I look good.”
He blinked, expression hardening. “Let’s go,” he said flatly.
She extended her hand like a princess expecting a gallant escort. Instead, Drake turned and walked toward the car.
Lucy’s smile faltered. Ugh, so KJ! (killjoy, the worst kind).
Behind her, Momsie leaned in and whispered, “Take it easy with the flirting, Lucring.”
Lucy puffed her cheeks in protest. But she still waved goodbye, chin lifted with pride, and strutted after her grumpy prince. Nosy neighbors peeked out of windows and whispered among themselves. Lucy smirked. Jealous witches. Eat your heart out.
When they reached the car, she lingered expectantly by the passenger door. Surely he’d open it for her. But no—Drake slid straight into the driver’s seat without a glance.
Her mouth fell open. Seriously? Not even a little gentlemanly effort?
Lucy yanked the door open herself and plopped down with a loud thud.
“Tsk. Can you be more careful? This car is expensive,” Drake muttered.
She flashed her teeth in a grin. “Oh, you’re too sweet, Drakey. Protecting your car more than me? No wonder I’m head over heels.
He rolled his eyes and started the engine.
During the drive, Lucy chattered endlessly. About her dress, her neighbors, her favorite ice cream flavor, anything to fill the silence. Drake, of course, kept his eyes on the road, his responses clipped and few.
Finally, Lucy crossed her arms. “Don’t you get tired of being quiet? What are you, mute, Drakey?”
“I’m focusing on driving,” he said dryly. “I want to finish this date as quickly as possible.”
Lucy gasped. “As quickly as possible? You should be cherishing this moment! But fine. I actually love your stubborn streak. You’re my dream guy... grumpy. Don’t worry, I’ll tame you. Drake Anderson, resistance is futile.”
He raised one eyebrow, unimpressed.
She laughed so hard her shoulders shook. “Oh, Drakey. I’ll drive you crazy one day. Crazy in love!”
“You’re already crazy,” he muttered. “No wonder you’ll drag me down with you.”
Her grin widened. “Good idea, Drakey. Thanks for the suggestion!”
Curious about their destination, Lucy tilted her head. “By the way, Drakey, where are we going for our date?”
“The cemetery,” he replied without hesitation.
Lucy clapped her hands, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oh, perfect! A candlelight dinner by the tombstones? Romantic!”
Drake smirked. “Good idea. Let’s do it.”
Lucy leaned closer. “Sure! And then straight to the honeymoon, lying on the gravestones while we—”
He slammed the brakes, jolting her forward so hard her forehead almost kissed the dashboard.
“Do you ever stop?!” he snapped. “You need professional help. You’re too much.”
Lucy rubbed her head. “Ouch! My poor brain almost cracked. You started it, Drakey—I just continued!”
He let out a deep sigh and restarted the car.
Minutes passed with Lucy filling the air, while Drake stayed stoic, though his jaw tightened now and then. She didn’t mind. In fact, she couldn’t take her eyes off him.
This is destiny, she thought dreamily. When you can imagine your future with someone, that’s the one. And I can already see mine.
Her lips curved into a secret smile.
But soon, she noticed something odd. The same street had appeared twice. Then thrice.
“Wait a second, Drakey,” she said slowly. “Are we… going in circles?”
Drake groaned, glancing at her. “To be honest, I don’t even know where I’m taking you.”
Lucy’s jaw dropped. “What?!”
“I really don’t know.”
“What?”
“Tsk. Are you deaf?”
“Huh?”
His forehead creased as he pulled over. She flashed a peace sign and grinned.
“Hehe, just kidding! But seriously, I dressed up for this date, and you didn’t even plan anything?” she teased.
He sighed, long and deep, then shot her a side glance. “Fine. I’ll take you there.”
Her eyes lit up. “Where?”
“EK,” he said.
She blinked. “EK?”
“Enchanted Kingdom. You’d fit right in. You’re as childish as the place.”
Lucy gasped, her hands clapping in delight. “Enchanted Kingdom?! My first time there! Gosh, Drakey, you’re full of surprises!”
Her heart soared. For the first time that day, she thought she glimpsed something sweet hidden beneath his grumpy shell.
This is it. Her prince has a soft side.
- Writer
