Chapter 972
The bridesmaids were relentless, egging on the groom to drop to one knee and propose – a traditional romantic gesture they’d seen in countless movies.
The groom, a man who was more used to standing tall and proud than bending a knee, struggled with the idea. Yet, under the watchful eyes of the wedding party, he managed to find a tender compromise, kneeling halfway on the plush carpet. “Saskia, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife, of building a home with me?”
Saskia, seizing the moment, said simply, “Yes.”
The groom stood, lifting her into his arms as a bout of laughter erupted from the bridesmaids and groomsmen. The sound mingled with the pop of confetti cannons, filling the sky with celebration.
Brittany and Isaac, along with their son Daniel, followed Yuri to the church wedding venue. Church weddings were always so predictably identical.
Brittany had been to her fair share of weddings and the novelty had long worn off for her. Daniel, on the other hand, was wide-eyed with curiosity, clinging to her at every opportunity.
Isaac felt a twinge of jealousy, but he couldn’t show it – not towards his own son.
The union of the land-owning families had drawn in the elite of Craneville, including the Metzger family.
And they weren’t alone.
Mrs. Metzger had brought along Jonathan and Ophelia as well.
Jonathan’s past with Saskia was the talk of the town.
“Wasn’t Jonathan cut from the Metzger family?”
“After Jonathan’s injury, when he nearly died, Mrs. Metzger couldn’t bear the thought of losing her son. She softened.”
“Jonathan used to be head-over-heels for Saskia. How come he’s now with Ophelia?”
“Mrs. Metzger always favored Ophelia. Kicking Jonathan out was just a ploy to keep Saskia from joining the family. Now that Saskia’s found someone else, Mrs. Metzger has welcomed Jonathan back with open arms. It’s all pretty clear!”
Saskia hadn’t expected Mrs. Metzger to attend, and she was even more worried that Jonathan might cause a scene, especially considering how much he used to care for her. She didn’t want her wedding day marred by scandal.
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09:41
Chapter 972
The groom’s face was also a mask of restraint barely containing his discomfort.
Throughout the ceremony, Jonathan held Ophelia’s hand, his recent illness still evident in his pallor, yet his natural charisma was undiminished.
“Ophelia, why does it feel like everyone’s talking about me?” Jonathan felt uneasy under the weight of the murmurs.
A single sharp glance from Ophelia silenced the gossiping guests. Her word was law in the Joyner family, and no one dared cross her.
Mrs. Metzger, with Jonathan and Ophelia in tow, approached the newlyweds and presented a gift from her purse. “Ms. Lynette, best wishes on your wedding day.”
Saskia’s face paled, words eluding her. She was fixated on Jonathan, fearing he might start trouble at any moment.
To her surprise, Jonathan seemed preoccupied with Ophelia, barely glancing her way.
Saskia felt a twinge of irritation. She may not have wanted Jonathan, but she didn’t like the idea of him being with someone else either
Under the scrutiny of the guests, she dared not react impulsively, merely accepting the gift and muttering a thank you.
Mrs. Metzger watched Saskia with a satisfied look before leading Jonathan and Ophelia away to their seats.
Saskia breathed a sigh of relief, but a competitive fire was sparked within her. Why should Ophelia gain the Metzger family’s approval and not her?
Brittany was surprised by the change in Jonathan. She’d wanted to have a word with Ophelia but was caught up by other guests and had to let the opportunity pass.
Jonathan’s recovery had left him weakened, and by the time the vows were exchanged, he could no longer sit still, pleading with Ophelia to head home.
Feeling unwell, Ophelia asked, “Would you join me to the restroom? We can leave right after.”
“Of course,” Jonathan agreed without question
No sooner had they left than Saskia followed, unable to shake her suspicions. She had been watching Jonathan closely, and his newfound devotion to Ophelia was puzzling.
As Ophelia stepped into the restroom, Saskia seized the moment and embraced Jonathan, tears threatening to fall.
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