The Mermen's Bride

Gigi hurried to the kitchen, only to confirm what Bubbles had said.

There, doing the dishes, was Aqua—still wearing her pretty little pink dress meant for tonight's event. She quietly scrubbed in a routine rhythm, as if this wasn't her first time doing it.

"What are you doing here?"

Startled, Aqua turned. "Oh, Gigi."

Gigi frowned as she approached, stopping several steps away. She looked up and down at her once.

"I told you to come tonight, didn't I? What are you doing here when everyone is already enjoying dinner?"

Aqua smiled gently, turning off the faucet. "It's alright. I'm just helping out since everyone's been working hard all day."

"They're being paid to do that, and Mom and Dad even hired extra help."

"Gigi…"

"Aqua, what part of 'you're family' do you not understand?" Gigi's frown deepened as she crossed her arms under her chest. "You are my family. Tonight's a celebration for me, and I wanted you to be part of it — to enjoy it like the rest of us."

Aqua's brows rose, surprise creeping into her expression.

For a moment, she saw a glimpse of the Gigi she once knew. Only now, her cousin wasn't picking on her but lecturing her for hiding away.

"But…" Aqua bit her lip, conflict shimmering in her eyes. "What about this? I can't just leave when everyone said they'd need help. The dishes will pile up—"

"So?" Gigi arched a brow. "They'll figure it out. You don't have to."

"What if I get scolded?"

"I want to see who dares."

"But—"

"No more buts, Aqua. Come on."

Aqua hesitated, then reluctantly peeled off her gloves. But as she turned to face Gigi, the stains and soaked patches on her dress came into view. Gigi's frown deepened.

Noticing her expression, Aqua quickly glanced down and tried to cover the marks with her arms.

"Do you still have a decent dress to wear tonight?" Gigi asked.

"Oh, of course. I'll just change and meet you in the garden," Aqua said with a reassuring smile. But Gigi didn't move, making Aqua's smile falter. "I'll be quick."

As Aqua turned to leave, Gigi's voice stopped her cold.

"I might not remember everything before the accident, but one thing I know—I don't like being lied to." Gigi's voice was low but firm. "Do you or do you not have a decent dress to wear tonight?"

Aqua bit her lip again and looked back, her voice small. "I can look…"

"Don't bother." Gigi turned and walked off. After a few steps, she glanced back and raised a brow. "What are you still doing there? Come with me."

"Oh." Aqua perked up and quickly followed wherever Gigi was planning to take her.

---

In the hallway near the kitchen…

"What are you still doing there? Come with me."

"Oh."

With that, their voices faded from the kitchen.

Unbeknownst to them, someone else had been listening.

Leaning casually against the hallway wall, Sevan smiled in amusement. Even without seeing them, just listening to the contrast in their tone said enough—one gentle and kind, the other fierce and direct. It was quite an interesting exchange.

"That was unexpected," he whispered with a chuckle, shaking his head. "I wonder what she's planning."

He peeled away from the wall, thinking,

At this point, I might really start believing she's lost her memory. And... I hope she doesn't remember everything. She's better and more amusing this way.

Gigi was better like this. It was far better than the version of her who tormented Aqua—driven by the suspicion she and Mrs. Valentine shared, that Aqua was Mr. Valentine's daughter from another woman.

---

Later...

"Gigi, are you sure about this?" Aqua clutched her hands nervously, casting an uneasy glance at her cousin. "This seems a little too much, doesn't it?"

Gigi didn't respond at first, simply staring at Aqua in the red dress. Her cousin's pale skin and silver hair made her look like snow—and in that dress, she practically glowed.

Slowly, a satisfied smile curved Gigi's lips. "You are gorgeous."

"What?" Aqua's cheeks flushed as Gigi's naturally sly grin stretched wider. "Gigi?"

"Just a bit of makeup and you'll be perfect. Come!" Gigi grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the vanity chair. "Stay still."

She rummaged through drawers filled with new, unused makeup and tools. Gigi didn't wear them often—she found it too tedious—but that didn't mean she didn't know how to use them.

As a law enforcement agent who went undercover often, she'd learned to do her own makeup—especially during her last mission, where she infiltrated lavish parties thrown by powerful figures in the underground.

 Those people knew how to throw parties like no other.

"Done!" Gigi eventually set the brush down and stepped back, grinning. "Oh my god—Aqua, you're stunning."

"Huh?"

"Look!" Gigi happily placed a hand on her shoulder and spun her around to face the mirror.

Aqua blinked. Her eyes widened.

Staring back at her was someone radiant and fresh. The usual tiredness on her face had vanished. The light makeup brightened her features, giving her a soft, ethereal beauty.

Is that… me?

"Aren't you pretty?"

Aqua lifted her gaze to meet Gigi's in the mirror. "Gigi…"

"This is much better," Gigi grinned, watching her cousin slowly turn around. "Now you're all set!"

"Gigi… isn't this too much?"

"Too much?" Gigi scoffed. "You think a dress and some makeup is too much?"

"But… they're yours."

"And now they're yours," Gigi smirked. "Don't worry, Aqua. I have plenty. I can always share."

Then, she extended her hand—fingers elegant, like a prince to a princess. "Now… shall we?"

Aqua's heart skipped a beat. She stared at Gigi's open palm, her lips parting in surprise. Slowly, she reached out and took it. When their eyes met again, Aqua offered a small, radiant smile.

Gigi… can I really trust you? — was what Aqua wanted to ask, but the words never left her lips.

Gigi, on the other hand, looked at her firmly.

Aqua, from now on, I'll take care of you. So don't be afraid of me anymore.