章 2: Chapter 2: Heartwarming Surprise
Elizabeth sat on her huge king-sized bed, which she had continued to occupy even after years of her husband's passing. Ever since he died three years ago, she had bawled and wallowed in self-pity, feeling lost. But then she met Séraphine, a daughter of a nobody who worked tirelessly. Every time Elizabeth visited that particular location, she would see Séraphine working so hard.
It wasn't in Elizabeth's nature to approach her in anyway, but one rainy day, she needed help getting into her car, and Séraphine offered that help. From that day on, Elizabeth had loved Séraphine unconditionally and saw her as a perfect match for her grandson, Basil. Even though she had no idea Basil had someone else in his life, he hid it well. When Elizabeth brought Séraphine home to live with them and get to know her grandson, Basil couldn't resist his grandmother's request.
Elizabeth remembered that day vividly, and she had never missed her late husband whenever sweet Séraphine was around. In her mind, nothing could ever come between the great love and compassion she had for Séraphine.
"Grandmother, pout your lips like this."
Séraphine was focused on selecting the perfect shade for Elizabeth's lips. She had just finished the old woman's makeup. Why hire someone when she could do it better than a professional?
Elizabeth always praised her, "Daughter-in-law, is there anything you can't do?"
Séraphine would always smile proudly at those words.
"Grandmother, would you like red or purple?"
Séraphine wanted every color on the old lady to match the gifts she had received earlier. Red would match the heels Elodie had given her, purple would complement the necklace her sweetheart Basil had gifted, and the dress she bought was lavender sewn with gold.
"Ha, you decide. You know best."
Without much thought, Séraphine chose red. She leaned in. "Red, then. It'll match the heels." As she applied it, she continued, "Grandmother, I really think you should try the heels on. It's your special day, and you need to look amazing. I'll follow you around in case your feet hurt, and I'll carry something flat just in case. Would you wear them?"
Her eyes sparkled as she eagerly awaited a "yes." The old lady saw that and decided it wasn't a bad idea after all.
"Only because you say so."
Séraphine beamed and blew her a kiss, unable to kiss her cheek due to the makeup. "Now... Grandmother, look."
Séraphine stepped back to let Elizabeth see her made-up face in the mirror. The old lady's eyes and mouth widened as she tried to touch her face, surprised at her reflection. Séraphine stopped her. "No touching, or you'll ruin something."
Elizabeth flashed a bright, sincere smile. "Daughter-in-law, is this really me?"
"Yes, Grandmother, it's you. Now, let's get you into your dress. We don't have much time."
Elizabeth beamed with gratitude throughout the process. Once they were done, she remarked, "It suits me so well. I should undress and save it for your wedding day."
"No, Grandmother, I want everyone to admire you today. It's your day, remember? And if you love the dress that much, I can contact my designer to make another one for you."
Elizabeth let out a hearty chuckle. "That'll take too long. I want you to get married as soon as possible."
"I know, Grandmother. But I promise the wedding can wait until your new dress is ready."
Elizabeth shrugged lightly. "Don't be silly, daughter in law. I can't wait. I'm too old now. You know I can always re-wear this one."
When their chatter ended, Séraphine went to her shared room with Basil to dress up, while the old lady joined the event, which had already started. Séraphine took her time to finish up, and by the time she returned, the grand foyer was filled with guests and relatives, glasses clinking as Elizabeth made a toast.
"Cheers to my old, yet new age," she laughed at her own words.
The sound of Séraphine's heels clicking as she descended the stairs didn't go unnoticed by Elizabeth. Perhaps because the corner of her eyes and ears had been attentively fixed there, anticipating Séraphine's arrival.
"Ah, now she's here," Elizabeth announced, drawing everyone's attention to Séraphine.
She looked utterly beautiful in her knee-length velvet red dress and heels. "Oh, gracious, my daughter-in-law is so stunning."
Séraphine beamed, both shy and slightly embarrassed, as she moved closer to side-hug the old woman. Elodie's face turned beet red, and her smile only made it worse.
When Elodie's eyes drifted to Basil, who glowed with pride at Séraphine's beauty, and noticed the glances he exchanged with her, jealousy simmered within her. Her blood boiled. She wanted to stab Séraphine, but wouldn't that land her in great trouble, considering how much everyone seemed to love the young lady?
Séraphine reached Elizabeth and gave her a light kiss on the cheek. "Grandmother, look, we're matching," she pointed out the similarity between the old lady's heels and her own dress and heels.
"I'm so happy. I'm having a good time now that you're here," Elizabeth responded warmly.
Séraphine glanced at the old woman's feet, noticing the swollen veins. She leaned in and whispered, "Don't worry, Grandmother. I have flat shoes nearby. If your feet start to ache, just let me know, alright?"
Elizabeth chuckled but waved it off, "Ah, let me tell you all how wonderful my daughter-in-law is," she declared proudly. "She made everything I'm wearing right now. Isn't she so great and deserving of my love—and my grandson's, too?"
All eyes turned toward Basil, who smiled and raised his glass in acknowledgment.
Someone next to Elodie chimed in, "How lucky. I'm so jealous," their words making Elodie feel suffocated, though she couldn't walk away.
As time went by, the old lady became fully occupied with guests and relatives, introducing Séraphine to everyone and showering her with praise. Séraphine, now holding a pair of flat slippers in her hand, was exhausted from all the smiling and walking. Basil seized the opportunity. As if hearing Elodie's urging voice in his head, he approached Séraphine and whispered sweetly.
"You're tempting me so much, you know that?"
Séraphine turned and smiled at him. He bit his lip, and something inside her fluttered with excitement.
"Aren't you tired of Grandmother's praises by now? Your feet must hurt."
Séraphine bit her lower lip and, with sparkling eyes, replied, "What can I do? She enjoys my company, after all."
"Meet me in our room in a few minutes. I've set up a surprise for you."
Séraphine smiled and nodded.
Basil walked away, wiping his suddenly sweaty palms. His eyes met Elodie's, who smiled at him and gave him a thumbs up. "Good job," she mouthed.
He took a deep breath, already feeling a pang of regret over the plan he'd just set in motion.
---
Too much walking around had made the evening seem endless. Around 9 PM, Séraphine finally remembered what Basil had whispered to her earlier.
Grandmother, however, showed no sign of tiring, and while Séraphine loved spending time with her, she was starting to crave some time alone with Basil. Living in a house full of people made it difficult to spend time with her fiancé, especially with Grandmother always wanting her by her side.
"Grandmother, if you need your flats, they're right here. Basil called for me."
The old lady whined, sounding slightly sad. "Have I taken too much of your time?"
"No, no, Grandmother. It's your birthday. You're allowed to take as much of my time as you want. It's just that Basil has been waiting for a while."
"Alright, go ahead, then," she said, patting Séraphine's arm. "But don't let him make you do anything foolish, okay? Now, go, go, go."
Séraphine placed the flats by her side and walked away, ascending the stairs to her shared room with Basil.
As she gripped the doorknob and pushed the door open, her mouth dropped open, eyes widening in shock.
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