"Iza, brace yourself," Dr. Jansen murmured tenderly to his daughter. He placed a soft hand on her shoulder. "Don't think about what your Aunt Esme said to you. It's best to cast everything out of your mind and to be joyful right now, for in a few seconds, you two will be bonded by destiny."
She rubbed the corners of her eyes with her palm as she murmured, "Daddy, thank you for your kind words."
When the door opened, she turned around, hoping her buddy had delivered good news. She hoped Shanda would be given a new bridal dress. Yet, judging by the sadness in her eyes, she could tell Shanda was disappointed. Brigitte arrived behind her.
Izabella was glad to see Aleksander's assistant arrive. Her hands, however, were empty.
At this time of day, Brigitte said, "It's impossible to acquire a
