PHB 81
Lucas looked at himself once again in the mirror, ensuring that nothing was lacking in his attire and accessories.
If there were no hindrances, in just an hour, his wedding party would soon take place. His entire extended family was probably already gathered in the hotel’s main ballroom, which he had chosen as the venue for this lavish event, celebrating this historic and sacred day in his life.
Not only that, but even his father had been pacing in and out of the hotel room, double-checking Lucas’s appearance and readiness. He was making sure with great seriousness that after this, he would be prepared to embark on a new life with his wife.
“Mr. Lucas,” Felix addressed him, who had been in the room with Lucas, waiting. “How long do you plan to keep gazing at yourself, Mr. Lucas? Honestly, I’ve been watching you for more than ten times now, making sure everything is perfect – from makeup, hairstyle, suit, to the shoes you’re wearing. But, if I may say, everything is already perfect. There’s nothing missing or needing fixing.”
Lucas smiled shyly. Apparently, his actions had not gone unnoticed by his assistant. However, Lucas had his reasons for doing all of this. He just wanted to shake off the nervousness that had been lingering within him.
“I think I’m nervous. That’s why I’ve been so unsure of what to do all this time. Seriously, I’m really nervous. I’m afraid I might say something wrong.”
Felix chuckled softly. It was amusing to him how his usually confident and self-assured boss was now feeling nervous and restless. After serving for years, this was the first time Felix had seen Lucas this way. Lucas always faced various types of clients in his business meetings, always ready for new challenges when presenting his business to investors. He had never been nervous or jittery when leading meetings with so many important people in attendance.
So why was he so nervous now, on his wedding day? Was Lucas experiencing pre-wedding jitters, the anxiety and restlessness that many brides and grooms feel moments before officially tying the knot?Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
“I think all brides and grooms go through the same thing, sir. They get nervous and anxious. So what you’re experiencing, Mr. Lucas, is perfectly normal. Most likely, everything will return to normal after it’s all over. So, don’t worry.”
Lucas nodded. What Felix said was true. He had never felt like this before.
“Yeah. But, is there any way to overcome it? Because of the nerves, I’ve been wanting to go to the bathroom all the time. But once I’m there, I don’t really do anything. Just pacing around makes me tired.”
Once again, Felix smiled. He found Lucas’s complaints amusing, but when he saw how nervous his boss was, he couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. Lucas was clearly extremely nervous and anxious. It was like he was waiting for the results of a crucial exam.
“Would you like something to eat, Mr. Lucas? Or a snack, perhaps? It might help calm your nerves. Usually, when we focus on doing something, we forget about what makes us nervous or anxious,” Felix suggested, wanting to help. At the very least, by eating before the event, Lucas’s mind could be temporarily distracted. “Or… if you don’t feel like eating, you could read the news while waiting for the wedding planner to call you to go to the venue.”
Lucas seemed to consider Felix’s offer. Upon reflection, he thought it might be better to read the news instead of eating something that could make his stomach uneasy later. Moreover, reading would help him divert his focus for a while.
“I’ll just read the news, then. If I eat, I’m afraid I’ll make a mess. My makeup might get ruined, and it would be a hassle to touch it up. I’m sensitive to those little bristles.”
“Huh? Bristles? Whose bristles are making Mr. Lucas uncomfortable?” Felix wondered, trying to grasp what Lucas had just said.
“Those bristles, the ones from the makeup brush that’s applied to my face. They make me shiver and sneeze all the time.”
Laughter erupted from Felix’s lips once again. His mind had been wandering in a completely different direction. He had no idea that Lucas was referring to the bristles from a makeup brush.
“Oh, I see… I thought you meant something else.”
“Something else, huh?” Lucas teased. “Come on, get me the tablet already. I want to read the news now. Why are we talking about bristles?”
Felix nodded repeatedly. “Alright, Sir. Let me get your tablet for you.”
Felix then walked over to a neatly arranged bag on the table not far from the sofa. He opened it and took out Lucas’s tablet, which had been stored there.
However, before he could hand over the smart device, Andreas appeared at the door, seemingly checking on his son’s condition once more. He had been coming in and out of the room to ensure that Lucas was doing fine.
“Is there anything else, Dad? If you want to know how Lucas is doing, trust me, he’s perfectly fine. So, there’s no need to ask repeatedly.”
Lucas, who was sitting on the bed, immediately called out, appearing curious as he watched his father enter the room once again.
In truth, it wasn’t a problem for his father to check on him repeatedly. However, Lucas was getting annoyed because every time his father entered, he asked the same questions over and over again. It was becoming tedious.
“Are you really ready?” Andreas asked with a very serious expression. He walked closer and deliberately took a seat right next to Lucas.
“I’ve answered the same question ten times already, Dad. I’m ready, 100% ready,” Lucas tried to reassure him. He did his best to dispel the doubt that was clearly visible on his father’s face right now. “What’s going on with you, Dad? Why are you the one doubting now? Haven’t we discussed the wedding plans multiple times? I’ve agreed to all the requests you’ve made. So, why are you suddenly unsure?”
Lucas stared intently at his father’s face, waiting eagerly for the answer. He was becoming puzzled himself because just yesterday, his father had been urging him to hurry up and have the wedding party. So, why the sudden doubt now?
“It’s not that I’m not sure. I’m just thinking, Luc. I’m worried-”
“Pa,” Lucas interrupted. “Why are you worried now? I won’t come to any harm. So, don’t stress or doubt like this. Just relax, Dad. I’m confident in the decision I’ve made. Everything will be fine. I promise.”
Andreas took several deep breaths, trying his best to build trust in what his son had just conveyed. After all, if Lucas himself was 100% sure of his decision, why was he the one doubting it now?
“Papa only wants the best for you, Luc. I’m just afraid you won’t be happy after getting married.”
Lucas laughed, feeling either understanding or ironic. It was quite something that on the big day, or right before the event, his father had doubts about his decision.
“Come on, Dad. The wedding party is about to begin. There’s no time for doubt now. Once again, I assure you that I’ll be just fine. I promise this wedding will succeed as you hope. I promise it will bring happiness and give you many descendants to continue the Morales family. So, once again, there’s no need to doubt or fear what you’re thinking now. Trust me, everything will go smoothly after this.”
Andreas took another deep breath and nodded. Convinced in such a way, he couldn’t deny that he was feeling increasingly calm.
“Alright, if your decision is firm and you have no doubts, I’ll leave everything to you, Luc. I can only pray that your marriage will be long-lasting and happy until death do you part.”
Lucas was truly moved by the prayer his father had just offered. He hugged him tightly, as if they were about to be separated by a great distance after this.
“Dad, don’t worry. Lucas will be happy.”
Just after they released the embrace, there was a knock at the door, followed by the entrance of one of the wedding planners. They signaled Lucas to get ready to leave for the venue to begin the wedding ceremony.
***