“I can manage, really," Bettie interjected quickly, realizing his intention.

But Lance seemed undeterred by her protest and gently took hold of her ankle in one hand, the shoe in the other. "Just lift a little," he instructed softly.

Though Bettie felt a surge of warmth from his touch, an instinctual urge to withdraw momentarily flickered within her. Despite this, she remained still as he deftly slipped the shoe onto her foot in a swift motion.

Biting her lip, Bettie reluctantly complied when he reached for her other foot, lifting it obediently as he slipped on the second shoe.

After stepping back to admire Bettie, Lance's gaze intensified, his deep eyes ablaze with a fiery passion. "Much better."

Lance wished they were getting married right then and there.

Officially married.

After their excursion to rent the wedding outfits, they indulged in a dinner out and then embarked on an errand to gather kitchen essentials.

By the time they exited the supermarket, the clock had already struck past nine.

“You take these to the villa, and leave the wedding dress in the car for now. I'll bring it to the studio in the morning," Bettie instructed, gesturing toward the bags of shopping.

With a weariness from the day weighing on her, she closed her eyes and began to rest in her seat.

Lance didn't respond.

After a period of silence, Lance's voice broke through the quiet.

"We're here, time to get out."

“Alright.” Bettie yawned, rubbing her eyes as she groggily unbuckled her seatbelt and pushed open the car door.

As she stepped out onto the driveway, her senses suddenly sharpened, and she turned to Lance in confusion. “Why did you bring me here?" she asked, her brow furrowing in surprise.

The car was parked in the villa's driveway.

“Let's bring everything inside first, and then I'll take you back,"

Lance said as he moved to open the trunk.

"Okay..." Bettie nodded, following Lance's lead.