Chapter 324 The Wedding
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Natasha stepped forward and personally helped Isolde her feet. Gazing at her face, she choked up and
whispered, “Good... good.”
Isolde supported her into a seat before kneeling once more—not to pay formal respects but to lower her head
onto Natasha's lap.
With trembling fingers, Natasha traced the delicate features of Isolde’s face. Her mind drifted back to the
memory of Prunella’s wedding all those years ago. Her heart ached as though sliced by a knife. Yet, as she
lowered her gaze to Isolde, an unexpected warmth filled her chest-her granddaughter had grown up. She was
getting married.
The sky had fully brightened, but the snow only grew heavier.
The Valen family had gone all out for the occasion. Invitations had been sent far and wide, and with Pablo’s
recent military triumph, his prestige was at its peak. Nearly the entire court-civil and military officials alike-had
gathered to celebrate his son’s marriage.
Prior to the wedding, the Sharp family had already spoken with Pablo. Given that both families held significant
positions in court, they decided to host a joint banquet at the Valen estate rather than separate feasts. This way,
officials wouldn't be forced to choose between attending Garrett's celebration for his granddaughter or Pablo's
for his son.
Meanwhile, the Langley family had set up long banquet tables for the common folk, distributing food and
porridge to Argentum’s impoverished citizens.
Oliver had been up all night. Generals who were off-duty had cto congratulate him, and his wedding
procession was filled with soldiers from the Southern Watch and the military ranks-mighty and formidable.
Yet, grand as it was, the bridal escort was even more imposing. Though Garrett remained silent, the Sharp
family’s entire guard had been dispatched. North Camp's Lucas led a contingent of warriors. Anthony Keith and
his men arrived in force. The princess, Johnathan, and others had sent representatives. Naturally, the princess
herself, along with Rosemary and Sadie, were also part of the bridal escort.
The auspicious hour arrived. The bridal sedan chair stood at the entrance. Isolde knelt in the main hall, offering
farewell respects before her red veil was placed over her head. Supported by the matron of honor and Esme, she
stepped out of the hall.
The blare of horns rang through the air, firecrackers crackled endlessly, and the courtyard was packed with
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtguards from the bridal escort. The lively sounds reached Isolde’s ears. Her palms were slick with sweat as she
clutched Esme’s hand.
A red carpet stretched all the way to the estate's gate. As Eguided her forward, she whispered, “Cry.”
Isolde couldn't force the tears out. Instead, she let out two exaggerated wails-so fake that even she laughed.
Enearly smacked her.
Step by step, Isolde moved forward. The firecrackers ceased, and the horns fell silent. Only when she reached
the gate would the music resume.
Rehind her Natacha’s soft cohe suddenly broke the hus
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Just moments ago, she had been smiling as Isolde paid her respects. But now, watching her granddaughter walk
away, Natasha couldn't hold back her tears.
Patricia hurried to console her. “This is a joyous occasion-no tears, no tears.”
Natasha, still choked with emotion, replied, “Yes, yes, a joyous day... but she’s only been by my side for such a
short time, and now she’s leaving. My heart... | just can’t bear it...”
Hearing this, Isolde felt a sharp pang in her heart. Tears welled up uncontrollably. She wanted to turn back and
bow once more, but Ewhispered firmly, “Do not turn back. Keep walking.”
Esme, satisfied that Isolde had finally shed tears, nonetheless felt an ache in her heart. This young woman, who
had only recently found speace within the Langley family, was now setting off to an unfamiliar household,
beginning an entirely new chapter of her life.
Esme’s tears weren't just for parting. They were for the hardships Isolde might face in the days to come.
Oliver sat atop a tall white steed, his nerves taut. His eyes locked onto the gate, where the red carpet extended
outward, its color matching his wedding robes. The vibrant red cast a striking contrast against the snow-covered
world, making his sharp features even more dazzling.
Refined like a nobleman, yet commanding like a warrior-he embodied the perfect balance of elegance and
strength. And today, as the groom, everyone finally saw it: Douglas's son, Pablo’s godson, was a man of
extraordinary caliber.
The sound of firecrackers and horns exploded once more. Oliver tightened his grip on the reins, feeling his palms
grow damp. Snowflakes drifted onto his shoulders, the world before him seemingly blurred between the brilliance
of white and the fervor of red.
Then, she appeared.
Supported by Eand the matron of honor, Isolde stepped outside, holding a red umbrella.
He had expected her to be carried out. At every wedding he had attended, the bride was always carried
out,
But she walked.
Step by step, steady and composed, she walked toward him.
An inexplicable emotion surged in Oliver's chest. His vision blurred. His breath hitched. He stared at the veiled
figure before him, his heart whispering with overwhelming reverence My bride. My wife. The woman | will cherish
for the rest of my life... She is coming to me.
Outside, the commotion reached a fever pitch. The streets were packed with spectators, and the warriors on
either side whooped and cheered. The entire city seemed to tremble with excitement.
Oliver's mind went blank. He merely followed instructions, bowing when told to, saluting Garrett and Natasha,
paying respects to Geoffrey, and even kneeling before the ancestral tablets. A dizzying blur of rituals later, he
finally stepped outside-where his bride had already boarded the sedan chair.
He cast her a lingering look.
Then, amidst the thunderous horns and drumbeats, he swung himself onto his horse.
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The bride's escort stretched endlessly, carrying dowry chests and ceremonial gifts, making its slow but majestic
journey toward the Valen estate.
Traditionally, only uncles and brothers escorted a bride, but today, the procession was led by Clark and an entire
battalion of soldiers.
Because both families were hosting a joint banquet, Garrett, Geoffrey, and the others would head to the Valen
estate later-only after the bride had crossed the threshold and completed the wedding rites.
When the Valen family’s relatives saw the sheer size of the bridal procession-its imposing presence akin to a
military campaign-they were visibly stunned.
This wedding was destined to be a day of mixed emotions.
Cristina sat alone in her chamber. She had cried all night, her eyes swollen and red.
Now, as she listened to the raucous celebration outside the horns blaring, firecrackers booming-she thought
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmbitterly:
That joy should have been mine.
But instead, it had been handed-gift-wrapped-to that country girl.
She couldn't accept it.
Neither could Eleanor.
Watching the wedding unfold, Eleanor seethed with resentment and envy. This was the grand, jubilant ceremony
she had once dreamed of.
But it would never be hers.
Even so, what truly unsettled her was Agnes’s plan.
She wasn't willing to accept this outcome, but Agnes was right-there was only one thing left to do.
This grand spectacle had nothing to do with Ashley.
She sat comfortably in her room, reading. With Rowena busy outside helping Oliver, she enjoyed rare tranquility.
A maid entered and curtsied. “Lady Martha requests an audience.”
Ashley closed her book, smiling gently. “Let her in.”
“Yes, my lady.”
Moments later, Martha stepped in.
She was dressed festively in a crimson satin gown, her face adorned with delicate makeup that complemented
her attire. She looked lively and charming.
Yet beneath that beauty was an undeniable tension-alongside the determination of someone who had already
made up their mind.
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Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward and bowed.
“Greetings, Lady Rowena.”
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