Alisha's POV
I stood in the corridor, occasionally glancing at the tightly shut door, anxiously pacing back and forth. Although Gray promised to keep our secret, considering his past actions, I felt worried. What if Orathe knew the truth and didn't allow me to marry Louie? What would I do then?
Louie... Just the thought of that name made me anxious and worried. I couldn't waste too much time…
Finally, after numerous times of gazing at that closed door, it finally opened. Orathe and Gray walked out.
I looked at Orathe's face, trying to gauge her mood from her expression, but I failed. Gray, on the other hand, wouldn't even meet my gaze. Holding my breath, I watched Orathe approach, feeling immensely nervous under her gaze. I couldn't help but speak in a pleading tone, "Mom, please..."
Orathe looked at me and asked, "Alisha, have you truly made your decision?"
I nodded vigorously. Orathe stared at me, silent. Her gaze was too profound for me to understand. Just when I thought she might refuse again, suddenly, she pulled me into a tight embrace. "Alright, I agree. I hope you won't regret it and start a happy marriage."
In Orathe's warm embrace, I breathed a sigh of relief. She agreed! A mom would always give in to her child. I hugged her tightly, choked up, and said, "I will, Mom, I promise. Please trust me."
She gently patted my back and said, "Well, as your mother, apart from giving you my blessings, I want to tell you, if one day you feel that marriage becomes a burden for you, don't be afraid or upset. You can choose to leave and come back to me. This will always be your home. You will forever be my little princess. Remember that."
Hearing Orathe's words, tears welled up in my eyes. I buried my head in her embrace, feeling warmth and reassurance.
After getting Orathe's approval, I couldn't wait to see Louie and share the good news with him. He would be delighted to hear it. Indeed, "Really? I... I am really..." Louie seemed ecstatic and stumbled over his words.
"Of course, it is true! How could I deceive you with something like this?"
"I have been worried very much. Gray told me on the way that your mom wouldn't easily agree to our marriage, so he asked me to be prepared for a long wait. I didn't expect her to agree so soon..."
"Don't listen to Gray; let me tell you, he is mischievous and loves to scare me for no reason. You won't be in his team, right?"
"Well, I will always stand on you. But, Alisha, have I been too impolite? I haven't actively gone to see Orathe after returning to Blood Dawn. Will she be upset with me?" Louie sat on the bed, asking anxiously.
"Oh, don’t worry. Because you were injured, the doctor said you needed rest. I and Orathe explained; Orathe won't mind it."
"But it's not right. I should have..."
"Orathe has arranged it. She plans to invite you for dinner. Will you oblige?" I teased Louie mischievously, leaning against the window.
"My pleasure!" Suddenly, Louie stood up, strode to me, and then bent to take my hand, devoutly kissing its back.
I blushed instantly, not daring to meet his intense gaze.
"Alisha, I never dared to imagine that one day you would actually agree to marry me. If this is a dream, I hope Moon Goodness never wakes me up." Louie gently caressed my cheek.
Upon hearing this, I felt touched and aching inside, softly responding, "No, Archie, all of this is real, believe me."
Louie smiled faintly at my response, then reached out, embracing me. I could feel his seriousness and joy in his gesture. Unfortunately, this embrace was interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Louie, though I really don't want Alisha alone with you in a room right now, and I detest your foolish smile while holding my sister, believe me, I am not purposely disturbing you both." Gray leaned against the door, shrugging as he spoke.
Louie and I quickly separated. "Gray!" I yelled, embarrassed and annoyed.
"Alright, my little princess, you can hug him whenever you want. But now, Louie's mom is here, so I suggest you both get ready. It is time to meet your future mother-in-law."
Hearing Gray's words, I widened my eyes. "So soon?" Remembering the torturous moments with Archie's mom, Stephenie before, I couldn't help feeling a little nervous.
Louie seemed to sense my emotions; he reassured me, patting my shoulder, "Don't worry; I am here for you. Taria will like you, trust me."
Hearing Louie's words, I felt a sense of comfort. Yes, Louie would always be there for me, and Taria wasn't Stephenie. I encouraged myself. However, meeting Taria didn't seem to go smoothly.
"Taria, hello, welcome to Blood Dawn. I'm..."
Before I could finish my words after meeting Taria, she interrupted me. "Alisha, I know you. You might not remember me, but I have met you. At your wedding with Archie."
Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the entire hall suddenly turned icy.
"Mom!" Louie's expression was serious, trying to stop Taria from continuing.
"What? Did I say something wrong? Did I mistake her identity, or did she not marry Archie?" Taria raised her voice, questioning.
"Enough!" "Shut up!" Gray and Louie spoke simultaneously.
Louie sternly addressed Taria, "Mom, Alisha is the person I have chosen to spend my life with. So, I hope you can show her the most basic courtesy and respect, okay?"
Taria's icy gaze shifted from Louie's face to mine; I felt the disgust and hostility in it, and involuntarily lowered my head. Her voice matched her cold gaze. "Louie, you talk about courtesy and respect to me. But for this woman, how respectful and polite have you been to your mother?"
"I'm sorry, Mom, but I hope you can accept Alisha, love her as you love me. You don't know how good she is; she..."
"I don't need you to introduce her to me. No matter how good she is, it is not enough reason for you to marry your cousin's ex-wife! She is simply not worthy!"
"Mrs. Blancato... watch your language! This is Blood Dawn. Alisha is the princess of our pack. If you cannot show basic respect, Blood Dawn doesn't welcome you." Gray's voice was stern.
"I don't need you to threaten me! I will leave right away! Louie, come with me now!"