{CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE}

                                    ~~~~~~~~

The house shimmered with decorations as if preparing for a grand celebration, yet this occasion held a different significance. It marked the arrival of my fiancé, Jackson, to meet my family. It stood as a day of immense joy, meticulously crafted to perfection, second only to the upcoming wedding day, of course.

Jackson had given me the heads-up during our phone chat yesterday that he'd be bringing his buddy along. I was buzzing with anticipation not only to reunite with Jackson but also to get acquainted with his friend.   

My head was spinning with all the house fuss and food prep, but luckily, Mom and the nanny had that covered. I only had to focus on my outfit, hair, and makeup choices— "Oh, how I wished Lisa was here." It struck me that she hadn't shown up or called today, which was odd since she'd normally be here guiding my fashion decisions. Dressing up was her forte, and I could really use her expertise, not just for that, but also to finally introduce her to Jackson.

Approaching my skincare station, I spotted my phone and swiftly dialed Lisa's number. It rang a few times before she answered, but as soon as she did, tears streamed down the phone, piercing my ears with emotion.

"Lisa, what's wrong? Why are you crying? Tell me what's happening," I bombarded her with questions. A sniffling sound greeted my ear, and then her trembling voice broke through, "My mom. Hanna, my mom," she sobbed so intensely that even my ear drops seemed to sense it.

"Lisa, hey, take a deep breath, in and out," I guided her. Once she seemed more composed, I continued, "Now, slowly, tell me, what's going on?"

"My mom," her voice quivered softly. "She's been sick for two days, but it worsened at midnight. The doctor said she needed to go to Germany for cancer treatment, or she might not make it. I'm on the flight now, Hanna, I'm terrified. Do you think she'll make it?" Her tone rose with fear, "Do you think I'll lose her, Hanna? I can't bear losing my mom."

I was caught off guard, torn between hearing Lisa's words and feeling disconnected. 'Mrs. Kris, sick? Two days?' I couldn't grasp it. Did Lisa realize what she was saying? Her mother had been unwell for two days, and she hadn't shared it with me... I felt a mix of anger but mostly concerned.

"Lisa, what do you mean by she's been unwell for two days and you didn't bother to let me know? Why?.... You know what, let's leave that. Where are you now? I'm flying over to you."

"I wanted to, but I couldn't," she responded.

"When?"

"The day you got engaged... remember? When I walked up to you... does it ring a bell now?"

Dang! I feel like such an idiot. I remember clearly when she came up to me looking sad, but I just brushed it off, thinking it was about Henry. I was a terrible friend for not seeing what she was going through. I was so caught up in my happiness that I didn't notice Lisa's sadness.

"Ohmigod! Lisa.... You could have told me regardless. You know what? I'm taking the first flight I can...." my voice trailed off by Lisa.

"You know you can't Hanna, you've got Jackson coming over today."

Without missing a beat, I answered in a rush, "I can cancel it, and besides I wanted you both to meet so badly. Hang on, let me give him a heads-up."

"No, Hanna... don't do it. Today's your special day, make the most of it," she hesitated, then added, "I'll manage just fine."

After a heavy sigh and a brief pause, I questioned, "You sure?"

"I am."

"Got it. Just give me updates, okay? If not, expect a flood of calls from me."

Lisa let out a little chuckle. I was relieved to hear her smile. It was my turn to lift her spirits, after all the times she had lifted mine. We had a deep conversation where we realized it was time to part ways for now. Lisa needed to focus on her mom, and I needed to focus on the present moment. It would be tough without her by my side, especially with the news about her mom, but I had to stay strong, especially for Jackson—I wished they could have met today.

Time dragged on, and I finished my dress-up routine. I attempted my best look, but it paled in comparison to what Lisa would have picked for me. Makeup wasn't my forte, so I resorted to a YouTube tutorial. Surprisingly, the outcome exceeded my expectations—it turned out fabulous!

I glanced at the alarm clock on my bedside table and realized it was nearly the time Jackson mentioned he would arrive. "Shit! How long did I spend?" I muttered to myself as I noted the time.

My silver glass heels were a flawless match with my green satin backless dress, complemented by my all-around silver jewels. And, of course, I couldn't overlook the touch of red lipstick. As I descended the stairs, I beheld the scene before me – everything meticulously arranged, the dishes laid out like a royal banquet, and the exquisite wines adding a touch of elegance to the setting.

"Mom!" I called out with a wide grin, "How do I look?"

"You look absolutely gorgeous, sweetie," she replied, her smile reminiscent of when I was just a little girl. After all, in her eyes, I would always be her baby girl.

"Everything's all set, ma'am," the nanny informed Mom, looking equally elegant. She was more than just staff; she was a cherished member of our family, so it was only fitting for her to partake in the festivities.

"Alright, we just..." Mom halted mid-sentence, her gaze sweeping the room, only to notice Phil's absence. "Where's Phil?" she inquired, prompting us all to join in the search with our eyes darting around the room.

"He was here just a moment ago..." the nanny's voice trailed off upon hearing the door creak open. In walked Phil, hand in hand with a young man, followed by the man's appearance drawing our attention after Phil's entrance.

To my shock, it was... Jackson!! Fuck! He's already here?! I hurried into the kitchen catching a glimpse of his face, thankful he hadn't spotted me yet. Uncertain if I was ready or if my dress was perfect enough, I just needed one more look and some final adjustments. The nanny dashed after me, her eyes wide in surprise at my abrupt departure.

"Everything okay, Hanna?" she inquired, tilting her head to catch a glimpse of my expression, my backless dress now in her line of sight.

I exhaled a sigh of relief, like someone struggling for air with asthma, "I believe I'm okay, just need a glass of water," I uttered, prompting the nanny to pause in her steps as she swiftly picked up a glass from the table, the sound of water cascading into it.

"Here," she handed me the glass of water, "thanks," I gulped down a large sip, nearly finishing half of it in one go.

"Did you catch a glimpse of him?" I inquired after downing the water.

"Oh, I couldn't. I hurried to you when I saw you leave. But he arrived with another young man, nonetheless."

"Must be the buddy he mentioned," I remarked, glancing back at her, my gaze fixed on the expansive glass window in front.

"I think you should head out there," she suggested.

"Oh, not at this moment, I need a breather. Gosh! I'm so jittery!"

"It's all good, totally normal to feel like that sometimes, especially in moments like this." the nanny said.

"You suppose?" I inquired eagerly, My eyes fully reflecting my nerves.

"I don't think so... I know so," she grinned, "but if you presume you still need a bit of fresh air to gather yourself, I'll stick by your side."

"Aww, thank you, that's the sweetest thing ever," I embraced her, holding onto the half-filled glass of water. Stepping back, the chatter from the sitting room grew louder, particularly my mom's distinct voice. She was engrossed in their conversation, her laughter resonating through the kitchen.

"Mmm," I exhaled softly, "I believe it's about time to head back now."

"Alright," the nanny responded, "and I think I better hang onto that for you," she mentioned, noticing my absent-minded grip on the glass, nearly walking off with it towards the sitting room.

"Ohh, thank you..... But I'm gonna need it when I get out," I informed her.

"It's fine, I can hold it for you. You can't go out there with a glass of water in hand; now give me that," she said, pulling the glass of water from my grip and using a doily as a cover.

Upon entering the sitting room, seeing everyone in good spirits, I let out a light cough to shift their focus to me.

Noticing my appearance, Jackson arched his impeccably groomed brows. He stood up gracefully and strode towards me with a seductive smile playing on his lips. As he reached me, he extended his hands and complimented me, "You look incredibly stunning."

Just as I was about to reach for Jackson's hand, the sound of shattering glass interrupted our moment.

I turned to find the nanny, her eyes wide, hands trembling, the glass of water now lying in pieces on the floor.

Mom wheezed, rising from her seat, while Jackson's friend seated beside her nonchalantly turned his back to observe the unfolding scene.

I was taken aback by the nanny's obliviousness to her actions, frozen in place with wide eyes and a trembling stance. A gentle pat on her shoulder snapped her back to reality. Upon realizing the chaos she had created, she hurried unsteadily towards the stairs, clutching the railing for support, one hand covering her gaping mouth in shock.

Mom intercepted my move to follow her, sensing my intent. Though curiosity and concern gnawed at me, Mom's intervention reminded me it was wiser to let her be.

My day was a disaster! Lisa's issue, and now this mess! I felt a wave of sadness engulf me as all eyes turned towards us. Mom made the call to end it there, suggesting it was time for our guest to leave after the chaos.

"Who was that lady back there?" Jackson's friend, walking on Jackson's left, inquired, gesturing towards the house as we strolled towards the gate exit of the compound.

"She's the nanny," I responded. "I'm really sorry about that. I have no idea what got into her."

"Oh, don't worry about it," Jackson's friend replied casually.

"Did you catch the way she glared at me?" Jackson turned to me, concern etched on his face, as I stood to his right.

"Did she?" I responded with a hint of confusion in my voice.

"Never mind," he dismissed before proceeding, "I didn't properly introduce my friend. Meet Victor," he turned to me, then to his friend, "Victor, this is Hanna, my soon-to-be wife."

"She looks stunning, just as you've always gushed about," Victor reached out for a handshake, and I mirrored his gesture with a smile gracing my lips.

After a few more talks with them, I pulled Jackson by the side, taking an excuse from Victor for my action. It was time I suggested my thoughts of living close to my family. My heart was racing at how he was gonna react. But to my surprise, Jackson easily accepted; his statement.

"If that's your heart's desire, then I'm all for it. I can't bear to see you distanced from your family if that's not your wish, and I'm completely supportive of the idea," Jackson affirmed, his tone reflecting genuine care and consideration.

What more can I say—he embodied every trait I'd ever envisioned in my partner. Handsome, rugged, and towering—yet beyond that, his kindness and thoughtfulness knew no bounds. And his affection for me was truly unconditional.

I shut the gate behind them, planting a gentle kiss on his cheek as he departed. Today's happenings felt like a dare to me, and the only way to face it was to confront the situations head-on: Lisa and the Nanny.