Perfect CEO

As someone who had been there and done that, Camille knew she had to teach Gwendolyn well.

Lucy, who had been married before, also nodded in agreement.

“That's right. You have to change these habits once you become a married woman. I daresay I've never slept in once when I lived with my mother-in-law. Even on weekends, she'd have me wake at six to prepare breakfast for the family.”

Upon hearing that, Gwendolyn became even more fearful of marriage.

As if it isn't bad enough that I'm marrying my good friend instead of the man I love, I still have to care for my parents-in-law. Oh, dear... How am I supposed to live like that?

“Why does married life sound so sad? If I had known this earlier, I would've stayed single,” she lamented as she slowly got out of bed and walked to the bathroom. “I'll take a quick shower first. Can you get them to wait for me?”

“Sure. I'll let them have their breakfast while waiting,” Camille replied.

Since Gwendolyn didn't bother to shut her bathroom door, Lucy leaned against her bed and continued their chat.

At the same time, the latter couldn't help but think back on how poorly she had slept the night before and the recurring dreams that plagued her.

Argh! I kept dreaming about Gwendolyn's wedding, except everything in it was perfect. The groom was Patrick, and they were both glowing with love and joy! Alas, that's far from reality... Gwen is still marrying Zayden, and nothing else has changed.

“How are you holding up, Gwen? Do you need to take some days off for the wedding?”

Desperately needing to clear her mind, Gwendolyn stood under the shower and let the water beat against her body. Oh, come on... Is Lucy kidding me? Whoever has heard of a bride applying for wedding leave?

Ten minutes later, she stepped out of the shower and stared at her reflection in the mirror.

My, my. I seem to have gotten skinnier, haven't I? Even my face looks smaller and sharper. Ha! To think I've always wanted to lose weight before but never succeeded. Now, for some reason, I managed to shed those pounds without even trying...

With that, Gwendolyn chuckled resignedly as she proceeded to apply a facial mask and blow-dry her hair.

I guess I have to put on an act again... As long as I do it well and set both Zayden's and Grandpa's minds at ease, they might just be able to recover soon.

Not knowing why Gwendolyn hadn't said a word, Lucy leaned against the bathroom door to check on her.

The former looked languid and lazy, what with her still being in her pajamas and her hair in an utter mess.

“Did you not hear my question?” Lucy piped up.

“It'd be even better if I could skip work,” Gwendolyn muttered while drying her hair.

The two women instantly laughed, except there was a hint of bitterness in both their smiles. After all, they knew and understood each other better than anyone else.

As soon as Gwendolyn was done getting ready, Camille returned to the room with two bowls of clam chowder.

“Gwen, have some clam chowder before your wedding. I hope you'll be happy as a clam from here on out.”

Even though Gwendolyn had no older family members with her, Camille stepped up to the plate and ensured the young lady had everything in order.

Her only wish was for Gwendolyn to have a blissful marriage and to live happily ever after.

After taking the bowls from Camille, Lucy and Gwendolyn sat in the bedroom and began tucking into the clam chowder.