BARAC'S POV:
"Why are we here, Barac?" Father asked, looking around as he stepped out of the car. I'd told them yesterday evening to prepare to follow me to the cathedral the next morning.
"I'm curious too." Elena looked at me.
"What are you up to?"
"You're going to be—" I paused as I sighted Agnes and Lara. There were some people with them, but still, they were faces I recognized.
"Let's go." I turned to Father and Elena, stretching my hand towards Agnes.
They looked at each other before following in silence. I could see the confusion written clearly on their faces.
"Hello, beautiful..." I mused as I reached Agnes. "You look stunning as always, my queen." I curtsied and reached for her hand.
She scoffed and gave me her hand to kiss before looking at Father.
"Mr. Fyodor." She bowed slightly, glancing at me. "Barac has said so many great things about you."
Father looked at me and smiled.
"I'm curious about what he's said."
"I just let her know what an awesome father-in-law she'll have," I cut in after greeting Lara and waving at the others.
"Father..." Father paused, surprised.
"Father-in-law?"
"Wait." Elena looked at Agnes.
"What's he—"
"He didn't say?" Agnes interrupted with a grin. "We're getting married."
"Which is sudden to all of us," one of the men in the group cut in.
"This is surprising," he looked at the others, "isn't it?"
"They've kept it under wraps for a long time and just decided to get married. That's normal, isn't it?" Lara cut in, glaring at the man.
I winked at one of them in the group—the woman in charge of Terre merchants. She smiled back. She must've been part of the plan with Agnes.
"Jake Reagan." I looked at the man that had asked the question. He flinched in surprise.
"My darling has told me what an excellent team lead you are." I looked at Agnes.
"She's a bit shy to say it outright, but she does appreciate all of you." I looked at them.
"Thank you all for coming." I bowed.
"It must've been tough leaving the children at home, Lisa." I looked at one of the ladies with a smile.
"I hear you've got such a great love for them."
She smiled back and glanced at Agnes.
Lisa Werber—the only person I had connected with because of our failing marriages in my past life.
Agnes walked to me and placed her hand on my shoulder. I smiled at her and winked. She must've been surprised.
"Let's not keep the bishop waiting," she said, tightening her grip on my shoulder.
______
"Let's have a word," I whispered as I got to where she stood. She looked at me for a while before answering.
"What do you want?"
"It's important, Lara," I replied in a firmer tone. I looked at Agnes; she was busy on a call. Father and Elena were at the other end of the room waiting for me since we'd concluded everything.
She followed me to a corner and looked at Agnes before turning to me.
"What's so important?"
"It's clear that you don't like me." I nodded. I'd never found out why she hated me so much.
"I don't care." I scoffed.
"Great." She scoffed.
"Guess we've got that part out of the way. Doesn't seem so important to—"
"Jake Reagan." I interrupted.
She stared at me for a second before speaking.
"Why that name so suddenly?"
"He's a spy from her elder brother," I replied. "Be careful."
"And I'm supposed to believe that?" She stepped closer. "What's stopping me from believing that you are a spy yourself?"
"It's great to think that way." I smiled.
"Agnes..." I paused. "She's lucky to have you."
"Answer my question." She glared at me. She exhaled after we locked eyes for a few seconds.
"Which of the brothers?"
"I don't know," I replied, turning to leave. "I just know that he is."
That was a lie, but I didn't see the need to give her all the information.
Perhaps a test of her capabilities.
"That's my wedding gift." I turned to leave. "I'm suspicious." I turned my head to look at her.
"She needs me."
"I'll be watching you," she muttered, turning her face.
"I'll come to her house later," I mused. "Since we're a couple now."
I laughed softly as I walked away. Agnes was still on the call; an issue must've come up.
I'd never paid attention to what was happening with her until I started spying on her in the past.
"Latest Groom," Elena mused as I walked toward them.
"Shouldn't you be with your wife?"
"You should be happy for him," Father laughed. "He's brought you an elder sister."
I laughed as I looked at them. In the past, I'd just attended alone because of how much I hated everything going on around me. It was heartwarming to see them so cheerful.
"How are things with the debt collectors?" I asked. "Have they started calling?"
"You should be enjoying your wedding, Barac." Father shook his head. "Let this old man take care of those shameless people."
"Alright. Let's go." I laughed.
"You're coming with us?" Elena asked.
"Shouldn't you be—"
"Driving me away already?" I interrupted. "How heartless."
She huffed and looked away.
"Congratulations, asshole," she muttered before walking away.
"She'll come around." Father tapped my shoulder and nodded.
"Congratulations, son."
I looked at Agnes before I walked off.
"It'll be beautiful this time."
_____
AGNES' POV:
I exhaled as the call ended. This damned family— not even giving me a moment to rest from their schemes.
"What's going on?" Lara asked, walking closer.
"You seem worried."
I scanned the room. Everyone had left except us. Even that damned man.
"Where did he run off to?" I asked, looking at her.
She exhaled before answering.
"He said he'll come to your house later."
"We'll stay at the hotel tonight," I mused.
"They won't let him into the house without my permission."
She shook her head and laughed.
"I love that."
"Has he been troublesome?" I asked, walking closer to her.
"No," she answered. "It's just..."
"What's up?"
"He says Jake's a spy from one of your brothers."
My chest tightened immediately.
"How did he find that out?"
"He didn't say." She sighed.
"He's so suspicious."
"He won't be much longer." I scoffed.
"I'm going to clip those wings."
She stared at me for a while.
"What's up with the call?"
My fist clenched against the phone.
"Father's calling for a family dinner," I replied. "He wants to meet the bastard."