Chapter 14
1236 Words
The Day of the Wedding
The wedding was held at St. Patrick’s Church.
The grand cathedral stood proudly against the sky, its towering spires reaching toward the heavens as a symbol of timeless beauty and devotion. The ancient architecture carried an air of elegance and reverence, making it the perfect location for a union between two powerful families.
As guests arrived, excitement filled the atmosphere.
The Chens were marrying their daughter into the prestigious Johnson family, and it was the kind of event people would talk about for years. The wealthy and influential gathered together, admiring the extravagant decorations and whispering about the significance of the marriage.
The scent of fresh flowers filled the air.
Roses, peonies, and camellias decorated every corner of the church, creating an atmosphere that was both romantic and peaceful.
Inside, the church was breathtaking.
The Johnson family had spared no expense.
Tall golden candelabras lined the aisle, their flames flickering gently as sunlight streamed through the stained glass windows. A string quartet played a soft, romantic melody, welcoming guests as they settled into their seats, each row decorated with carefully arranged flowers.
Everything was perfect.
Everything except the groom.
Meanwhile, inside the car heading toward the church, Lilian was anything but calm.
She was completely overwhelmed.
Her hands trembled as she held her phone, her face pale despite the hours of makeup that had been carefully applied.
“Mrs. Vivian just... just called.”
Her voice cracked.
“They couldn’t find Oliver.”
The moment she said those words, tears gathered in her eyes.
“Does... does that mean he doesn’t want to marry me?”
Her breathing became uneven.
“The guests are already there. If the wedding is cancelled now...”
She swallowed hard.
“It would be humiliating. Everyone would know.”
The tears threatened to fall, but she quickly wiped them away.
She had spent four hours getting ready.
Four hours making sure everything was perfect.
She couldn't ruin it now.
“Shush, baby girl.”
Ivy gently adjusted Lilian’s hair, her voice calm and reassuring.
“The wedding will continue. Everything will be fine.”
She smiled softly.
“Trust Mrs. Vivian. When has she ever promised something and failed?”
Zoey, sitting beside them, reached over and held Lilian’s hand.
“Yeah, baby. Just... breathe.”
She demonstrated dramatically.
“Breeeathe.”
Despite the situation, Lilian almost laughed.
Almost.
She knew she had to calm down.
She had to trust the Johnson family.
They would find Oliver.
They had to.
She could do this.
When the ceremony finally began, the soft sound of music filled the church.
The bridal party entered first.
Zoey and Ivy walked gracefully down the aisle in their elegant floor-length gowns, each carrying a bouquet of delicate peonies.
Lilian’s favourite flower.
A flower symbolizing good fortune and a beautiful beginning.
Then came the bride.
The moment Lilian appeared, the entire church seemed to fall silent.
She looked breathtaking.
Her wedding gown flowed elegantly behind her, highlighting her beauty and grace. Every step she took carried confidence, even though deep inside, her heart was filled with uncertainty.
Whispers immediately spread among the guests.
“She’s beautiful.”
“She truly deserves the title of Ice Beauty.”
“It’s a blessing to marry into the Johnson family. She must have saved an entire galaxy in her previous life.”
“More like she planned everything.”
A few people glanced over.
“Hmph. It isn't luck. She’s simply clever.”
“Jealous much?”
“Please. I don’t want to become someone like her. If you can't get something naturally, forcing it won't make it sweeter.”
Lilian heard every word.
But she ignored them.
She had spent her entire life being judged by people who knew nothing about her.
She refused to let strangers ruin this moment.
She was stronger than that.
Standing at the altar, Oliver watched his bride approach.
He looked flawless in his black tuxedo, the peony-patterned tie adding a subtle connection to Lilian’s bouquet.
But if anyone looked carefully, they would notice the small cut near his lips.
A reminder of what happened before the ceremony.
His father had found him.
And when they discovered he had disappeared on his wedding day, Oliver had been punished severely.
Oliver had known he couldn't hide forever.
He just hadn't expected them to find him so quickly.
The truth was, he had wanted to delay the wedding.
He wanted to see if Lilian would choose him.
If she cared enough to stop everything.
He wanted proof that she was truly his best friend.
But now...
He knew he was wrong.
Or at least, that was what he believed.
When Lilian reached the altar, the priest welcomed everyone warmly, his voice carrying the importance of the sacred ceremony.
The couple turned toward each other.
Lilian immediately reached for Oliver’s hand, holding it tightly.
She wanted him to feel everything she couldn't say.
She wanted him to understand that she never wanted things to become like this.
That she never wanted to hurt him.
But instead of love, she received only a cold, mocking expression.
Her heart ached.
Still, she refused to give up.
The priest continued speaking about marriage, about two souls becoming one, about the promises they were making for the future.
Finally, it was time for the vows.
The priest turned toward Oliver.
“Do you, Oliver Johnson, take Lilian Chen as your lawfully wedded wife?”
Silence.
The entire church waited.
One second.
Ten seconds.
A minute.
Then another.
The priest’s smile slowly became strained.
After almost three unbearable minutes, he cleared his throat.
“Mr. Johnson?”
Only then did Oliver finally respond.
“I suppose so.”
The priest froze.
Everyone froze.
Even Oliver’s parents looked like they were seconds away from losing their patience.
The priest coughed awkwardly.
Who answered a wedding vow with I suppose so?
He wasn't prepared for this level of disrespect.
Turning toward Lilian, he quickly continued.
“Do you, Lilian Chen, take Oliver Johnson as your lawfully wedded husband?”
“I do.”
The priest visibly relaxed.
Thank goodness.
At least one person here understood how weddings worked.
“Then, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
He smiled.
“You may now kiss the bride.”
Oliver looked like he had just been asked to swallow poison.
Vivian’s face darkened instantly.
For a moment, she looked ready to personally drag her son away and teach him manners.
Mr. Johnson quickly held her back, though his expression showed he was equally furious.
Oliver stepped forward.
He placed his hands on Lilian’s face and leaned closer.
To everyone watching, it looked like a romantic kiss between newlyweds.
But only Lilian knew the truth.
He never kissed her.
Instead, his lips moved against hers as he whispered coldly.
“I’ll make your life a living hell until you beg me for a divorce, Lily.”
Her heart tightened.
The pain was sharp.
But she refused to let him see her break.
Maintaining her smile for the audience, she whispered back.
“Well, you can try, bestie.”
Her voice was confident.
“But I won’t give up until you let me love you.”
And with that, she continued smiling as if nothing had happened.
Because no one else needed to know.
Not yet.
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