Aristocracy101

Chapter 14

The Day of the Wedding

The wedding was held at St. Patrick’s Church.

The grand cathedral stood majestically, its towering spires reaching toward the sky, a testament to timeless beauty and reverence. As guests arrived, the anticipation was palpable. The Chens were marrying their daughter into the Great Johnson Family—an envious event for all. The air was filled with the rich scent of fresh flowers; roses, peonies, and camellias adorned every corner, creating an aura of elegance and tranquility.

Inside, the church was a vision of lavish splendor. The Johnsons spared no expense. Tall candelabras lined the aisle, their flickering flames dancing in harmony with the gentle breeze that wafted through the open doors. Soft, melodic strains from a string quartet played a romantic prelude, welcoming friends and family as they took their seats in rows, each adorned with delicate flower arrangements.

Meanwhile, in the car with Ivy and Zoey, Lilian was frantically worried, having a full-blown panic attack.

“Mrs. Vivian just… just called. They couldn’t find Oliver. Does... does he mean that he doesn’t want to get married?” Lilian’s voice cracked as tears began to flow. “Guests are already at the venue. It... it would be embarrassing and troublesome to cancel.” She had started crying, but she had to fight back the tears, trying desperately not to ruin the four hours of makeup she had painstakingly gone through.

“Shush, baby girl,” Ivy soothed, adjusting Lilian's hair gently. “The wedding will go on, and everything will be fine. Have faith in Mrs. Vivian. When has she ever promised something and failed?”

Zoey, always one to offer support in her own, more chaotic way, added a few words. “Yeah, baby, just... breaaathe. Okay?”

Lilian knew she had to stay calm. She had to trust Mr. and Mrs. Johnson to find Oliver.

She could do this.

As the ceremony began, the soft rustle of fabric could be heard as the bridal party made its entrance. The bridesmaids—Zoey and Ivy—were draped in elegant, floor-length gowns. Walking down the aisle, they each carried a bouquet of delicate peonies—Lilian’s favorite flower, meaning auspicious and perfect.

Gasps of admiration filled the church as Lilian emerged, a vision of grace and beauty.

“She’s beautiful.”

“True to her name as the Ice Beauty.”

“It’s a blessing to be married into the Johnson family. Must have saved the Milky Way in her last life.”

“More like her plan.”

“Hmph... It’s not luck, she’s just scheming.”

“Jealous much?”

“Ew, no. I don’t want to be like her. If you can’t get what you want, you force it. Doesn’t she know that forced melons aren’t sweet?”

Lilian heard everything, but chose to ignore it. She wouldn’t let the words of irrelevant people get to her. She was stronger than that.

Dressed in a black tuxedo with a peony-patterned tie, Oliver watched his bride-to-be approach. If you focused closely, you would notice a small cut near his lips. He had been found, beaten up by his father when they couldn't find him before the ceremony.

Oliver knew he couldn’t hide forever, so he wasn’t surprised when they eventually found him. He just wanted to stall for time, to see if Lilian would be a good enough friend to cancel the wedding.

But it seemed he was wrong.

As Lilian reached the altar, the officiating priest welcomed everyone with a warm smile, exuding the sacredness of the occasion. They turned to face each other, and Lilian’s hands forcefully entwined with Oliver’s, hoping he could feel her love for him. Even though she hadn’t planned any of this, she still held onto the hope that he would understand her feelings—that this wasn't her doing. But all she got was a look of mockery from him.

Lilian listened intently as the priest spoke about the meaning of marriage—the unity of two souls, the journey they were about to embark on together.

As the music swelled, it was time for them to exchange vows.

The priest began:

“Do you, Oliver Johnson, take Lilian Chen as your lawfully wedded wife?”

Oliver didn’t speak.

It took about three minutes of uncomfortable silence before he finally answered, and only because the priest cleared his throat to remind him.

“I suppose so.”

The priest coughed again, clearly exasperated. Who the hell says “I suppose so” to a vow? He turned to face Lilian, trying to keep his composure, and recited:

“Do you, Lilian Chen, take Oliver Johnson as your lawfully wedded husband?”

“I do.”

The priest sighed in relief, muttering under his breath. ‘Thank God she’s a normal one.’ He wasn’t ready for another weird answer.

“Then, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” He smiled warmly. “You may now kiss the bride.”

Oliver looked as if he was about to gag, and Mrs. Vivian’s blood boiled with frustration. She almost stood up, ready to strangle him, but was held back by Mr. Johnson, who seemed equally as annoyed.

Oliver cupped Lilian’s face with his hands and kissed her in front of everyone. But only Lilian knew the truth.

He didn’t kiss her.

He whispered instead, his voice cold and venomous. “I’ll make your life a living hell until you beg for a divorce, Lily.”

Lilian’s heart tightened, but she refused to let him break her spirit. “Well, you can try, bestie, but I won’t give up until you let me love you.” She said it with confidence, not letting the audience know what had really transpired between them.