“Where are we going?” Darla finally asks after ten minutes. The route seems familiar, but she doesn’t want to make assumptions.

“We’re meeting Nana. We need her blessing, after all.”

“Oh.” Comes Darla’s response. No wonder Damien sent her a beautiful lilac dress early in the morning and asked her to get ready.

They are heading to the Evans’ mansion now, and Darla suddenly feels she’s not ready.

Sensing Darla’s silence, Damien takes her hand and gently rubs his thumb on her palm. “Are you scared of Nana?”

Darla groans. “How can I not? I ruined your wedding and sent her to the hospital!”

Damien laughs. “You were not scared when you did all that.”

Darla wants to hit Damien’s shoulder, and only then does she realise her hand has been occupied all this time. She clears her throat. “Why are you holding my hand?”

“Because I am capable of doing so.” Damien replies simply, a smirk makes its way to his lips seeing a red hue on Darla’s cheeks.

“You and your teasing.” Darla looks at the window, pretending to enjoy the view outside. 

The silence doesn’t last long. “Do you think she would give her blessing? I am not her granddaughter-in-law of her choice, after all.”

“You will know once we get there.” Damien taps Darla’s palm with his thumb once to assure her.

It doesn’t take long before they arrive. Emily is already waiting in the living room, leisurely petting her cat.

“Mrs Evans.” Darla greets, putting on a sweet smile on her face. “How are you?”

Emily hums. “Better after being discharged from the hospital.”

Darla purses her lips, guilt eating her alive. 

“Nana, don’t tease her. Let’s have lunch, I’m hungry.” Damien chimes in, his hand on the small of Darla’s back. 

“You go first. I want to talk to Darla for a bit.”

Damien looks at Darla, and when the woman nods, he gives in. “Alright, then. I’ll wait for you at the dining hall.”

Darla watches as Damien’s figure disappears.

“Sit.” Emily says, gesturing towards the couch. “So you did leave after I asked you to.” She spats as soon as Darla sits down.

Darla purses her lips, unsure what to say. “It was for the best.”

“It was a test, really.” Emily pats her cat twice, and as if it understands, the small creature trots away from the living room. “I wanted to see if you’d really leave, and if Damien would find you.”

Darla frowns. “Why?”

Emily smiles. “True love will find each other no matter what. I’m not mad about the ruined wedding. Not anymore, at least.” She hums.

Darla looks down. Love? Does she love Damien?

As if on cue, Emily gets up and stands in front of Darla. “You don’t have to ask if what you feel is love. Love alone is not enough to maintain a marriage. What matters is finding each other after being separated - whether by choice or not.”

Emily smiles again. “You are a sweet girl. I hope Damien treats you right, and I hope you’d be by his side no matter what.” The elder woman pats Darla’s shoulder. “Let’s go. Damien must be anxious.”