Chapter 9 Marrying Into The Langford Family 9

• Upon spotting Richard, Violet immediately put on an obedient front. “Dad, I was just joking around with Veronica!”
• A smile flitted across Veronica's lips as she said, “That's right, Dad. Well, now that the joke's over, I'll go back to my room now.”
• “Veronica!” Richard called out. He stepped forward and informed her, “Since you're moving to the Langford residence tomorrow, you should go shopping for some clothes. You can buy anything you want. Think of it as a wedding gift from me.”
• “No need, Dad. I know money is tight now. I don't need anything else.” Veronica declined his offer.
• “We receive many betrothal gifts from the Langford residence, which should be yours in the first place. Besides...” Richard held his tongue and gave Veronica an affectionate glance.
• Veronica gave a curt nod. “Alright. I'll go shopping later and return later at night.”
• Richard murmured in assent as he watched Veronica heading out. Sighing, he turned and trudged upstairs slowly.
• After stepping out, it occurred to Veronica that she wouldn't be able to gather with her friend after getting married as she had to take care of her comatose husband and uphold the Langford family's reputation.
• She dialed a number, and it was soon answered.
• “To what I owe the pleasure, my friend? Is the sun rising from the west today?” Eevee Ortiz's teasing voice rang out from the other end of the line.
• Eevee had been Veronica's best friend ever since junior high. After they graduated from high school, Veronica enrolled in the Film Academy while Eevee chose to major in fashion design.
• Hearing her friend's cheeky voice, warmth spread in Veronica's heart. After her mother's passing, the only people who showed her affection were her father and Eevee.
• Hence, Veronica decided she would do nothing but have fun with her best friend all day long.
• “I've been busy with my studies. It's fall break now, so I called you immediately. Isn't that good enough?” Veronica chuckled.
• Eevee giggled and responded, “Let's meet at one of our usual hanging spots!”
• “Alright. See ya!”
• Veronica cut the line, the anxiety etched on her brows disappearing into thin air.
• It was a fine day. The sun was out and the weather was warm, making it perfect for an excursion. The street was bustling with pedestrians, including some couples who were stuck to each other lovingly.
• Veronica got on the bus and occupied a window seat. She glanced at the scenery outside and got lost in her memories.
• Ah, if only time can stop when I was in high school. Life was simple back then.
• “We've arrived at Sunshine Street. Please remember to check your belongings before leaving...” The announcement rang out from the system, bringing Veronica back to reality.
• “Sir, wait a minute! I'm getting down here.”
• She hastily got off the bus and heaved a sigh of relief. “Ugh, I nearly missed the stop.”
• “Ronnie!” A petite figure rushed over and flung her arms around Veronica excitedly.
• “Eevee! Oh, I've missed you so much. You're getting prettier by the day! I almost couldn't recognize you!” Veronica exclaimed.
• “Oh, you brat. Stop teasing me. I'm nothing compared to you, you gorgeous lady.”
• As they exchanged banters, Veronica felt her mood lifting gradually.
• “Come, let's go shopping today. We haven't had fun in a while.” Eevee took Veronica's hand and led her to the shopping mall nearby.
• “Okay!”
• Eevee declared, “Let's shop till we drop!”
• As Veronica was docile and Eevee was feisty, their classmates used to wonder how they ended up being best friends.
• “Ugh, I'm drained,” Eevee announced as they reached the lounge to take a breather. She tossed her shopping bags aside and flung herself onto the couch.
• “Ronnie, we used to roam around for hours without feeling tired. Now, my legs don't feel like mine just after a short while.”
• Veronica frowned slightly. “You're overreacting. These are mostly your purchases,” she chided. “Why are you complaining that you're tired when I haven't said anything?”
• Eevee's smile widened upon hearing her best friend's words.
• “Oh, my darling Ronnie. Thank you for your efforts today. We're friends, right?”