MATHILDA'S POV

"I'm so happy, Mathilda! We must tell your father this wonderful news later. He'll be so glad to see his beloved daughter finding a life partner. Oh, dear God, Mathilda! I didn't see this coming at all! To be honest, Fredric and I had a little argument last night about your wedding."

Mrs. Rosa pulled me into a tight embrace, her tears still streaming down her cheeks.

"Yes, I'm lucky to have Mathilda," Fredric said smoothly. "You're amazing, Grandma. And I'm really sorry about what happened last night. I just... lost control."

He wasn't finished-he just *had* to add another romantic flourish to his performance. As if we were characters in some cheap drama, he wrapped an arm around me again and whispered sweetly to his grandmother. I didn't dare look up at him. I knew the moment our eyes met, he'd glare at me like a lion eyeing its prey.

Then Fredric's phone rang, interrupting the moment. Mrs. Rosa stopped speaking, startled by the sudden sound. My gaze accidentally fell