Chapter 217 An Utter Spectacle
The union between the Chadwick and Mitchell families was kept low–key -no media, no headlines–yet Tofral’s elite wouldn’t dream of missing it. Every big name in the city was in attendance, dressed to the nines, eager to witness the high–society wedding ceremony.
The wedding unfolded within the lavish halls of the Golden Oasis Hotel, a venue dripping in elegance. Fresh roses perfumed the air, and flowing silk drapes cascaded from the ceiling, setting a scene straight out of a fairy tale.
Sunlight streamed through the glass dome above, painting the space in a golden glow that shimmered like liquid warmth.
It was the perfect backdrop for a love story–if only there had been love to begin with.
Because, in truth, the bride and groom had met only three times before. Their conversations? Barely more than a handful of words.
And yet, here they were, standing at the altar of a union forged not by romance, but by strategy.
The ceremony commenced. Guests settled into their seats, the air filling with the soft melody of a string quartet. All eyes turned toward the grand entrance as anticipation buzzed through the crowd.
The heavy doors eased open, and in stepped the bride. Draped in a snow- white gown, she looked like something out of a dream–poised, ethereal, a picture of grace. Her long train trailed behind her like the petals of a blooming lily, and she carried a bouquet of roses, her fingers steady despite the weight of expectation. Beside her, her father escorted her down the aisle, his expression unreadable.
“Now, let’s welcome the groom!”
The emcee’s voice rang out, yet an odd tension settled over the crowd. A murmur of confusion rippled through the guests. By tradition, he should have been waiting at the altar, ready to receive his bride. But the bride was already standing at the altar, waiting for the groom to appear—a sight as unusual as a rainstorm in the desert.
Even stranger, a full minute slipped by after the announcement, yet the groom was nowhere to be seen!
A murmur of hushed voices rippled through the crowd.
“Where is the groom? Could he be having second thoughts?”
“I heard Mr. Mitchell wasn’t exactly thrilled about this union.”
“Like it or not, it’s out of his hands! This marriage is a powerhouse alliance between the Chadwicks and the Mitchells–one that many would kill for.”
“But he still hasn’t stepped onto the altar… something is definitely off,” another guest whispered, suspicion lacing their tone.
Just then, William appeared, dressed to perfection in a crisp suit and a burgundy bow tie. His movements were measured, almost deliberate, as he strode onto the altar.
On the far end of the altar, Laurie met his arrival with an icy, unreadable gaze.
The guests, oblivious to the silent tension crackling between them, rose to their feet in polite applause. Whether they were celebrating or sympathizing, even they weren’t sure.
Laurie, her hand resting lightly on her father’s arm, moved forward.
But before she could take another step, William reached for the microphone, smoothly plucking it from the emcee’s grasp.
“Miss Chadwick,” he began, his voice rich and unwavering, amplified
through the speakers.
Laurie froze mid–step.
Austen’s eyes narrowed, sharp as a blade, silently warning William to tread carefully.
Yet William acted as if he hadn’t noticed.
“This is as far as today’s wedding will go,” he declared, his tone even but resolute. “Miss Chadwick, you’re graceful, beautiful, exceptionally talented, and have a heart of gold. You’re someone I admire deeply–but not as a wife to be.”
A chill settled over the room. Austen’s composure cracked. His voice turned glacial. “William, what are you trying to say?”
Meanwhile, in the audience, Eric’s face darkened with rage. His fists clenched at his sides, ready to charge onto the stage and put an end to this public humiliation. William, however, remained undeterred.
“Mr. Chadwick,” William continued, “I have always longed for a sibling. Being an only child, I’ve never known what it’s like to have a sister. And if Miss Chadwick doesn’t mind, that’s how I would like to treat her–from this day forward, as a cherished sister.”
The room exploded.
Gasps, whispers, and sharp intakes of breath filled the air. A wedding that had been poised to unite two powerful families had now unraveled into an utter spectacle.
“William! Shut your mouth!” Eric’s furious roar cut through the noise, but William never even flinched. His focus remained solely on Laurie, waiting for her reaction.
Austen, however, was seething. The disgrace was unbearable. His fury burned dangerously close to the surface.
Just as he was about to lash out, Laurie’s gentle hand tugged at his arm.
“Dad…”
Austen stiffened. “Laurie, this boy is…”
But before he could finish, Laurie smiled softly, which instantly soothed her father.
