Chapter 289: Chapter 1451-1460

Jessie’s throat began to feel dry as she continued to stare. She picked up the bottle of water beside her and took a few swigs. Julian went to his shooting spot and sat on a swivel-top stool that showed off his long legs in all their glory. He was holding a rose in his hand, taking a whiff of its scent. His brows were trimmed and almost pointed; his thin lips pursed; his eyes filled with longing. Jessie couldn’t help but be held captivated by the sight of him.

Right then, he switched his pose. He spotted her right away as he looked beyond the camera. The sight of her almost made him get out of character as a hint of a smile flashed across his eyes. The smile in his eyes filled her heart with sweetness, and she returned a brilliant smile of her own.

The shoot was over in a moment. All the crew members were cleaning things up for the next session.

Ashley then came to Jessie. “Jessie, Young Master Julian requires you in the waiting room.”

After getting informed of that, she went over as per request. When she opened the door to the waiting room and entered, she noticed Julian was the only occupant inside. He was still wearing the clothes from earlier, and she couldn’t help but peer at him like he was some work of art.

“You’re so handsome,” she praised. In the past, she would feel blessed just from having a few glances at the shots of Julian. So, naturally, she was ecstatic now that she had the privilege to see him at work closely.

Julian cocked his eyebrow upon hearing that. “Do you like it?” He wished for her approval.

“Of course. In fact, I love it,” Jessie spoke with passion and enthusiasm.

He extended his hand. “Come here.”

She took a seat on the couch and caressed his clothes. Silky smooth, she remarked in her mind.

“You came here quite early. Did you come here for me?” He narrowed his eyes as he asked.

Her cheeks burned, but she confessed, “Yes, that’s right.” It’s my day off. I’d have slept in if it were not because I would like to see you.

A contented smile tugged on his lips. All of a sudden, he leaned into her, and she ended up lying on the couch in an attempt to keep some distance between them. He placed his hands on either side of her frame, pushing himself up. The silky shirt he wore slid down and revealed his sturdy, sexy abs.

Julian had never shown his abs to anyone, but now she could stare at them as much as she wanted. It would have been a dream come true if she could touch them, but…

The position we’re in is quite awkward. What is he trying to—

Jessie’s thought was cut short when he leaned down and kissed her forehead, and she closed her eyes out of reflex. That forehead kiss was as far as he would go, or at least that was what he would do at first. However, now that she was playing along, he might as well take up on her offer. He moved down to the tip of her nose and gave it a peck. Then, he started moving downward again and pressed his lips against hers, sucking on it softly now and then.

Her mind went blank out of shock, but her heart pounded loud and fast out of embarrassment.

Omigosh, we’re kissing in the waiting room while the crew members are all going around outside. This is going to be embarrassing if we get found. But… his kiss is just so gentle. She instinctively held his lower torso. Holy moly, his fans would kill me if they saw me hugging their idol.

After what had happened last time, Ashley was on her guard. A few crew members tried to go into the waiting room to unload some stuff, but she stopped them. “Sorry, but Young Master Julian is doing something important inside. He will not take kindly to any visitors,” she said. She had no idea what was happening inside, but her job was to keep her boss’ personal affairs away from the public’s prying eyes.

Eventually, Jessie found herself leaning on Julian’s chest, his hold on her tight. A moment later, the hug ended, but she could still feel the strong thump of his heartbeat smashing against her chest. Oh god, this is so embarrassing. She had never even held a boy’s hand before. This was her first relationship, yet her boyfriend was the man of many women’s dreams. Thus, she had yet to learn how to deal with this kind of stuff at times.

“I hope I didn’t scare you.” Julian looked at her, amused.

Jessie shook her head and met his gaze. “You didn’t. I like kissing you.”

His heart leaped with joy upon hearing that. He leaned down and pecked her lips. “So, do you now understand how I feel about you?”

Of course, she did. Still, she had a hard time believing in all of this as everything felt like a dream to her. “Do you like me?” That was her insecurity speaking.

Solemnly, he answered, “Yes.”

Jessie rested her head on his chest and stared at his collarbone before reaching over to touch it. Julian huffed, “Stop touching.”

“Hey, you just kissed me, so why can’t I touch you? That’s so unfair.” It’s only fair if I get to touch him since he kissed me just now.

He looked at her with resignation in his eyes. “That’s not what I meant. You can touch me, but I can’t go out looking like this, you know. You can’t expect me to stay in this room forever.”

O-Oh, that’s what he’s trying to say. She quickly got up. “I-I’ll go out, then. You do what you have to do.”

She picked her bag up and combed her hair before exiting the room. She was so embarrassed that she couldn’t even look at Ashley, who stood right outside the waiting room.

Jessie made her way to the coffee shop on the third floor, but her face was still red. Gilmore Corporation had built the coffee shop specifically for its artists and employees. It was a high-end place.

She waited for Julian in the coffee shop, and it was not until 11.00AM that he finally showed up. This time, he was in casual attire, yet he looked elegant nonetheless.

She couldn’t help but steal a glance at him before staring at the ground swiftly soon after.

“We’re having lunch together. Then, it’s free time. You can go wherever you want, and I’ll come with you.”

“Really? I can go anywhere I want?” she asked, the anticipation in her voice almost palpable.

“Yep.”

“Can I go to the amusement park, then?” She had never gone to an amusement park her whole life, not even once. Tickets were too expensive for her back then. Even though she had reunited with her family, she still hadn’t had the chance to go to an amusement park. Now that they had time, she wanted to see what that place was like. And with Julian by my side, this is going to be great.

“Sure, I’ll go.” He smiled.

They departed for the amusement park after having lunch. Ashley bought all the disguise items for them on their way: masks, sunglasses, and hats. Jessie went for a mask and a hat, while Julian only wore a pair of sunglasses. Apparently, he wasn’t worried about getting recognized.

Ashley pleaded, “Sir, your fans can recognize you from a mile away if you have no mask on. You should wear one for the sake of public safety.”

“I’m his fan, and I don’t even need to see his face to recognize him. His body shape’s enough,” Jessie remarked.

He smiled as he looked at her. “So, you’ve fallen for me even before we met, huh?”

“Yep. I saw you during my first year in the industry and have fallen for you since then.” She smiled smugly.

Julian straightened her hat and her mask. Then, he pushed her hair back.

Ashley watched on as the couple flirted with each other. Hey, do you mind? I’m still single, you know.

Cut back on the show of affection, alright?

Even though it was on a weekday, the amusement park had quite a few visitors. Ashley entered with the couple, acting as their errand girl. Though, there was a perk: she could go on the rides as well.

Julian and Jessie looked like a perfect couple together. Ashley bought Jessie a cute headband the moment they entered the amusement park.

Jessie took her hat off and wore the headband. It was indeed an adorable sight to behold. “I’ll snap a pic for you two.” Ashley held her phone up and trotted ahead.

Julian pulled Jessie into his embrace, and she leaned on his chest bashfully while making a peace sign.

It was a photo taken with a phone, but the couple was gorgeous enough to make the picture look like it was taken with a DSLR.

Jessie took Ashley along with her to take a ride on the carousel. Julian waited for them outside the ride, holding Jessie’s bag and her drink like any other boyfriend would. The only thing that set him apart from the other boyfriends was that he was a drop-dead handsome guy. As he waited for the ladies, he took it as his responsibility to take photos of his girlfriend. His phone was filled with pictures of her from all kinds of angles.

Right after Jessie got off the carousel, her attention was drawn by the screams coming from the other side. Oh, a roller coaster. She then pointed at it and said, “I want to ride that one.”

Ashley felt her legs buckle upon realizing which ride Jessie was referring to. “I can’t go with you on that one, Jessie.”

Jessie held Julian’s arm. “In that case, you come with me.”

Lovingly, he replied, “Sure.”

She thought she could stomach the roller coaster, but she soon realized how wrong she was. She came off the ride looking pallid as a ghost. She held onto Julian like a koala hugging a eucalyptus tree.

I shouldn’t have done that.

“So, still wanna go for another round?” He grinned.

Jessie waved her hands violently. “No, no thanks.” They went for other rides after that, and delight returned to her in no time. She also loved that romantic emotions were stirring fast between her and Julian during this trip.

Ashley parted ways with them halfway through, leaving the couple on their own.

Jessie jostled through the crowd, holding onto Julian’s hand. She was as happy as a lark, and the euphoria she felt infected him. As they moved through the crowd, his eyes only fixed on her and no one else.

When she found out there would be a fireworks show and a mini concert later in the night, she couldn’t wait for noontime to pass. We can do more stuff at night, and there’ll be less risk of having our identities found out.

They rested on a bench as dusk approached. Jessie was getting drowsy for a moment, and she leaned on Julian’s chest and napped for a while.

He let her rest on his lap while he played some games on his phone. It didn’t take long for her to recharge, and soon enough, she was ready to get back to the fun. Streetlamps shone upon the land, lighting up the amusement park. This was the perfect scene for couples to stroll around.

They got on a few more rides and awaited the fireworks show. It was stated to begin at 8.30PM, and they got themselves a good spot right before it started. Jessie leaned in Julian’s embrace as she watched the fireworks go off in the night sky. Whenever she shuddered from the sound of explosions, Julian would cover her ears. Any woman would feel moved that the man they liked cared so much for them, including her. After the fireworks, they came back out to rendezvous with Ashley. Then, they headed home.

When they sent Jessie back to her home, Julian was rather reluctant to bid her goodbye. That trip to the amusement park had drawn them closer to each other, after all.

Meanwhile, Eva returned to her neighborhood from a meeting with her friend. Louie went to work this morning, so I hope he’s probably not at my home now. However, her hope was dashed. She came home to a dimly lit living room, and the said man was sitting on the couch with a laptop on his lap, working. “Why’d you come here?” God, what should I do with him?

“You seem to be less than welcoming.” He shut the laptop and approached her. Then, he took her bag and said, “Well, I find most places boring. Your home is the only exception. So, do pardon me for the intrusion.”

God! If this weren’t the house I got from the company, I’d have changed the locks ages ago.

“Are you tired? Up for dinner? I can treat you if you’d like.”

“Thanks, but no thanks.” She shook her head. I’m full already, anyway. Wait a minute. She turned her head sharply to look at the man. “Don’t tell me you haven’t had dinner yet.”

Ah, she pays attention to details. Louie shook his head. “I haven’t. I thought you’d come back home early, but as you can see, my prediction has gone awry.”

It’s already way past ten. You could at least get some supper, you know. I’m not your mom. You don’t have to wait for me like a hungry child.

I still have some food my assistant gave me this morning. After a moment of contemplation, Eva asked, “What would you like?”

“I’m fine with anything.” Louie smiled as he answered. He would love to say he wanted her, but he figured she might get mad and kick him out of her house if he did that.

She opened up her fridge. Let’s see. We have some veggies here. It’s a bit late, so I’m not going to make anything impressive. I guess I’ll just make some poached eggs for him. After making up her mind about what she was going to make, she grabbed the ingredients she needed out of the fridge. She then returned to her room and changed into casual attire before coming back out. Louie was still working, so she entered the kitchen without saying anything.

A moment later, he could hear the sounds of cooking coming out of the kitchen, and a smile tugged his lips. I’ve been dreaming of this. A gentle wife and a warm, fuzzy home. It’s not exactly what I had in mind, but we have got to start somewhere.

Inside the kitchen, Eva was putting her utmost attention into preparing some simple poached eggs for him. She also cracked some eggs into it to add some flavor to it. With how famous she was getting, eating out was no longer an option for her. Most of the time, she would cook for herself; thanks to that, she was now a half-decent cook. Thus, Louie couldn’t help but drool slightly at the tantalizing smell of the poached eggs she had made.

She came back out and served the food on the table. He shut his laptop off and approached the table.

“Smells good,” he remarked as he took a whiff. “Care to join me?”

“No thanks, I’m on a diet.” She shook her head.

“Why would you need a diet? You’re not even fat.” A frown creased his forehead. I hold you every day, and I can tell you’re not out of shape at all.

“Just eat,” she said. “And you should go home after you’re done eating.”

Louie knew she wasn’t trying to chase him off for real as he didn’t sense any bite in her tone. I should finish the food first, he thought.

Eva then headed for the bathroom to take a shower. He finished his poached eggs and did the dishes.

By the time they were done, it was already 11.30PM.

She stood on the balcony in her pajamas, uncorking a bottle of wine. Louie came in with a glass in his hand to join her. She stared into the distance, and suddenly, she asked, “So, what are you going to do about your arranged marriage?”

The question made him freeze for a few moments. He had wanted to hide it from her, but she still found out about it in the end.

“How did you know about this?”

“Julian told me. I asked him, so don’t blame the guy.” She frowned slightly as she continued, “I know this is hard for you, so I reckon we should break up. It is the best solution.” This is for the best. He can marry the girl his family arranged for him, while I can go overseas once the contract is over.

Louie held her hand firmly. “Breaking up won’t solve anything. I won’t let that happen. You’re not leaving.”

“Please, you don’t have to do this.” She tried to pull her hand back, but he refused to let go. Instead, he pulled her into his embrace and rested his chin on her shoulder.

“Are you really going to leave me behind?”

Eva stiffened up. That was the one question she had never spent time considering, but she knew she could never leave him.

“We’re going to be together, no matter the price.” He looked at her lovingly. I won’t let you run away again.

Tears glistened in her eyes. “But… you’ll have to pay a heavy price for that.”

“I’ll handle this, don’t worry. Then, we’ll have a wedding. A formal announcement that you’ll be my wife,” he promised. She looked at him, tears of happiness welling in her eyes. He leaned down to kiss her tears away. Then, he held her cheeks gently before pressing his lips against hers.

Everything stopped for a few moments. Eva could feel him taking her glass away before he picked her up in a princess carry and headed inside.

…

The Constantines were businesspeople relying on the operation of the malls to earn profits. However, their business had been slow as of late, and their profits had been declining, so they had to use a trump card to solve their dilemma. They had to invoke their daughter’s arranged marriage with a certain man.

Stardom Corporation was a multinational conglomerate. Its net worth was at least ten times what the Constantines’ business was worth. Stardom used to be a small entertainment company, but thanks to Louie, it was now developed into a big and successful company.

Lucy had just returned home. She came to the living room and saw her father looking distressed as he sat on the couch. She took a seat beside him and promised, “Don’t worry, Dad. I’ll marry him, I promise. Then, we won’t have to worry about the business anymore.”

“You have to do whatever you can. They say he’s dating one of his female artists.”

“Bah, she’s merely his plaything, I’m sure. Anyway, I ain’t worried much about that. I’ll just have to make sure he won’t sleep around once we’re married.” She was a broad-minded woman. She didn’t expect Louie to keep his chastity since she had also slept around. All she wanted was to be his wife, as he was the man she loved.

“I’ll talk to them tomorrow.” She wasn’t planning on talking to Louie. Instead, she wanted to see Eva, for she was the one standing between her and Louie.

When Eva woke up the next morning, Louie was already gone, but there was a slip of paper with a message written on it lying before her bed. The message read, ‘Don’t forget to have your breakfast.’

She got out of bed and went to the dining room. A smile crept on her face when she noticed a set of breakfast was already placed on the table. All her life, she was used to living by herself, but now that she had someone taking care of her, it surprisingly felt nice. Just when she was about to have breakfast, her phone rang.

She picked it up. “Who’s this?”

“Miss Duncan, I would like to talk to you,” a woman said imperiously.

Oh, it’s Lucy. Eva then replied, “Sorry, I don’t have time.”

“It won’t take long, Miss Duncan. It’ll only be half an hour. I’ll be waiting for you in the coffee shop right outside your neighborhood.” With that, Lucy hung up.

Eva stared at the breakfast on the table, sighing. Why does she want to talk to me? Reluctantly, she went to meet up with Lucy. Eva saw her in the coffee shop and figured she must have dressed herself up for the occasion. Lucy was quite a beauty, but not as beautiful as Eva. Everyone knew Eva as the most beautiful woman in the community. She looked just like a goddess, and most people didn’t have looks of her level.

Lucy stared at her with envy hidden deep in her eyes. “Miss Duncan, I heard you’re living with Louie.

Do you wish to marry him?” She cut to the chase.

Eva mused for a moment and nodded. “I do have that idea, yes.”

“I would advise you to give it up. Our marriage arrangement is bound by law. You’re the homewrecker in our relationship. Should your fans know you seduced my fiancé, that’ll be it for your career.”

The look on Eva’s face changed slightly. “Mind your tongue. You two haven’t even married yet, so I’m not a home-wrecker.”

“We will be married soon, though. What will you do when that happens, Miss Duncan?”

“What are you trying to say?” Fury was starting to boil within Eva.

“I’m telling you to leave him.”

“What makes you think you can do that?” Eva narrowed her eyes. Lucy had been bossy from the moment they met. Eva might be a patient woman, but this was a bit too much, even for her.

“Do you have any idea what Louie has to sacrifice just to date you? Twenty percent of his company’s shares. That’s astronomical. Unless he marries me, my family reserves the right to claim our shares in the company.”

Silence took Eva.

“Do you really think you’re worth that much? If his company runs into trouble, all his love for you will turn into resentment. Men like Louie love nothing more than their work,” Lucy sneered. “He doesn’t love you as much as he loves his work.”

Eva remained silent. She had that talk with Louie the night before.

“Eva, you’re beautiful enough to marry any other wealthy man you want. You don’t have to obsess over Louie.” Lucy took a step back and pleaded, “Please. I don’t want to make things ugly, especially not with the Gilmores.”

Eva met Lucy’s eyes as she said icily, “But he doesn’t like you.”

Lucy’s face fell. “What did you say? How did you know that?”

“Because he told me I’m the only one he loves. He won’t fall for anyone else. Not ever,” Eva answered calmly. “Miss Constantine, you won’t be happy marrying a man who doesn’t love you.”

“How can you be sure he doesn’t like me?”

“I’ve known him for years. He fell for me five years ago and has been waiting for me to return his feelings since then. I’m not trying to brag, but he really loves me.” Eva was trying to dissuade Lucy from pressing on with the marriage.

She couldn’t leave him behind now, not when the alternative was… this woman. If Louie would hold on, then so would she.

“Why you…” Lucy’s face turned red from anger. She would’ve laughed it off had any other woman said that, but not Eva. Lucy knew whatever she said was the truth, after all. “Eva, beauty fades with age. He won’t stay in love with you once you lose your beauty.”

Eva blinked. “But at least he still likes me now. Anyway, I’ll be taking my leave now. I’m busy.” With that, she got up and left.

Lucy was left alone, feeling humiliated. She’s showing off, huh? “I bet he won’t stay in love with you if you lose that pretty face of yours.” Just then, her face was contorted with envy. And I’m going to ruin that face.

Eva emerged from the coffee shop, basking in the warm sunshine. It felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She wanted to call Louie to tell him she would accept his love.

The moment Louie exited the conference room, his assistant happily reported, “President Gilmore, I heard Eva came.”

A smile tugged his lips as he whisked out his phone to call Eva.

The call went through easily. “Hello?”

“You’re here?”

“Yes.”

“Come to my office.”

“I’m just here to talk about the contract termination. So, I’m not going up there,” she replied.

What am I going to do with her? he thought to himself in resignation before descending the building to see her. At the same time, Eva was in the legal department, talking to the manager. The manager was in a dilemma. He didn’t have enough clearance to handle her contract termination, but she wouldn’t let him leave without a result.

“If you’re not giving me an answer, then we’ll have to do it by the book.” Eva was in a pure white dress, and her eyes were filled with determination. The intensity of her gaze was enough to intimidate most people.

“Please, Eva. You know there’s nothing I can do about this. I can’t do anything without the boss’ orders.

I don’t have the authority to handle anything related to you.”

“I don’t care. You’re printing the contract, then I’ll sign the papers,” Eva said.

“Fine, I’ll print it out. I can do that much.” The manager was about to send someone to print the contract, but then he saw his boss at the office’s doorstep. His eyes shone with hope as he stood up.

“President Gilmore, you’ve come just in time!”

Eva heaved a sigh. He came to stop me again, didn’t he?

“I’ll handle this. You do your work,” Louie said. The manager scooted off immediately. Louie turned his attention to Eva. One look into her eyes, and he knew she wouldn’t stand down. He took a seat and faced her. “If you stay, you can have whatever you want,” he said, trying to persuade her to stay.

Eva blinked. “Anything? Really?”

“Yes, you can ask for anything. Other than contract termination, of course.”

“In that case, give me your shares,” she proposed.

Louie was stunned for a moment. “You want to manage the company?”

“Is that a no?” She cocked her eyebrow.

“Of course not. I can give it to you if that’s what you want,” he replied. “But the pressure would be great.”

“I would like to ask you a question. If you were to give me your shares, does that mean the Constantines can’t have it anymore?” she asked seriously.

A smile tugged at his lips. “Oh, so you’re worried about me, is that it? Don’t worry. I can settle this.”

“How?”

“They really, really want this plot of land, but they don’t have enough connections to get it. However, I do. I’ll talk to them. They’ll have two choices; either they get the plot of land, or they get my shares. The latter of which can’t be liquefied. Don’t worry, Eva.” Euphoria welled within his eyes. Louie narrowed his eyes and approached her. “But I’m happy you’re concerned about me.”

She fixed her gaze on him. After a moment of staring at his face, she felt like she was being hit by a dizzy spell and could feel stars spinning around her. Even though she had seen many handsome actors in her career, they never made her heart race. Louie was the only one who had that effect on her.

“Let’s go to my office.” He got up and extended his hand.

Eva held his hand and let him lead her to his office. There had been a rumor spreading around the company. It was about her going to marry Louie soon, and the fact that they were holding hands right at this moment just gave credence to this rumor.

She didn’t like coming to his office. One of the reasons was that she wanted to stay away from him.

The other reason was that he was still her boss, and she would still feel intimidated by him.

He handed her his cup. “Here, use my cup.”

She took it and approached the French window to take in the view. I’ve never realized that the view here is so beautiful. All of a sudden, Louie hugged her from behind, and it made her stiffen up a little. I still can’t get used to this show of affection, especially when we’re not at home.

“My place tonight?” he whispered into her ear.

Eva mused over it for a moment before nodding. “Sure.”

He heaved a sigh of relief. Finally! She’s finally let go of the past, and we can now move forward.

…

Despite their precautions, some fans still caught Julian and Jessie’s trip to the amusement park on camera. They didn’t disturb the couple, though they still posted the pictures online. Eventually, those photos had gone viral. Everyone who saw those images had only one thing that crossed their mind.

This looks like something straight out of a romance novel.

The guy was tall, muscular, and handsome, while the lady was petite and cute. Jessie’s height only reached about Julian’s neck. This was the perfect height difference—it was something that usually showed up in novels and comics.

‘I’ve always thought they’d make a cute couple. This proves it. Can’t wait for their new show. I’m going to watch it as soon as it comes out.’

‘Dayum. Finally, some good f*cking food. Loving this.’

Jessie saw the photo when she was scrolling through her phone. Even she was shocked at it. So, that’s how we look together? My, am I always looking this slim? I never knew that. He’s so tall, making me look like a damsel beside him. In any case, I’m going to save this pic. Can’t help but love this pic so much. With that, she ended up making that picture her wallpaper.

She was going to try out her bridesmaid gown that afternoon, and she wondered if Julian would show up. After having lunch, she and her family went to a high-end boutique.

Everyone’s attention was on Queenie. The old Manson couple had come with them. The two families came to try out the clothes they would wear during the wedding. Jessie was with her sister, who tried out the new gown she ordered. With some assistance from the retail assistant, she managed to change into it and emerged from the room for everyone to see.

“You look gorgeous in it, Queenie,” Jessie praised.

“Really? I love this gown, too.” Queenie nodded in approval. “Okay, I’ll go with this as my main gown, then.”

Queenie had too many choices to choose from, but in the end, she finally made her decision. Then, it was time for Jessie to try out her bridesmaid gown. She went with a violet dress made of fine gauze that showed her beauty while maintaining a certain air of mystery about her. She looked great in that dress. Innocent and beautiful.

She was admiring herself in the mirror when someone showed up behind her. At first, she thought it was her hallucination, but when she turned around, she was greeted by Julian. The guy had his hands in his pockets.

He was looking at her with his gaze filled with approval and delight.

“How do I look?” Jessie spun around sheepishly. The confidence she had earlier faltered when she stood before him. She always felt inadequate whenever she was around him. She felt insecure, fearing that he might think less of her.

“You look gorgeous. Stunning, even.” He wasn’t stingy with his praise.

Her cheeks burned at his compliment. Then, she asked, “Have you tried your suit yet?”

“Yes, I have. It was not bad, I think.”

“A shame I didn’t get to see it.” She was slightly dejected for missing the chance to see him in his suit.

“You’ll get to see it during the wedding. It’s in three days. We’re not in a rush.” He smiled. “Leave something for the imagination.”

Even without seeing it, Jessie knew Julian would look good in any shirt. However, that wasn’t the only thing on her mind. She also wondered what he looked like without any clothes on. She blushed furiously upon thinking of that.

The Silversteins and Mansons had dinner that night. Julian was there as well.

The elders returned home after dinner while the kids went around town. Queenie, however, couldn’t stay out for too long, so Nigel took her home.

In the end, Julian and Jessie went on a little date. She showed him that photo and compared their height. “Am I that short?” She puffed her cheeks indignantly.

“Well, I have no complaints about it.” He then pulled her into his embrace. “You’re my cup of tea, after all.”

And that made her feel better.

The next morning, all the guests who had time to spare came to the island for some sightseeing as they waited for the wedding to begin.

The Presgraves were already there. A little girl in a regal dress was running around on the grassy plains. Willow was already four, and she was as lively as a rabbit. No longer did she need anyone to hold her in their arms. She would much prefer to go around on her own. Behind her, her father and brother stood. She was giggling as she ran. Sometimes she would turn around to look at her family. A woman in a black dress was following her closely, and she glimmered like a gemstone under the sun.

“Mommy, Mommy.” The girl turned back and trotted up to her mother when she realized Anastasia wasn’t following.

Anastasia waited for her. When Willow came near, she hunkered down and picked the exhausted girl up. Willow might be small, but the length of her hair had already reached her shoulders, and it was thick enough to braid.

All the guests looked at them enviously. What a happy family.

The wedding, as stated, was held three days later. Romance filled the air, heralding the coming of a grand event.

The Silversteins, who came two days earlier, rested for a day. Jessie and Queenie went around the island with their mother. Julian could only make it one day before the wedding because of his work.

Jessie and Queenie stayed with their parents while Nigel and his parents were welcoming the guests.

They were too busy to do anything else for the moment.

And then, the day of the wedding came. A blanket of fog draped over the ocean, lending an air of mystique to the island. However, the mist bade a silent farewell the moment dawn broke through the horizon. A layer of humidity hung in the air, dancing with the scent of flowers. It spruced up the emotions of everyone on the island.

Jessie helped Queenie put her makeup on. She looked great after having a good night’s sleep. Then, it was Jessie’s turn to put on her makeup.

Most of the guests had arrived, taking up all the villas on the island. In the villa where the Presgraves stayed, Anastasia picked her sleeping daughter up.

Willow had a habit of sleeping in. She wouldn’t sleep at night, that was why. However, this wedding was important, and Anastasia would not let her daughter be tardy.

Willow’s cheeks were chubby and soft, and her eyelashes were long and curly. Her lips were puffed up, and her skin was gleaming. Her hair was black and thick but was unkempt from sleep.

Anastasia changed her into the pinkish-purple tutu and paired that up with a white shirt. She looked adorable, but the girl was still not awake. She was still lying on the couch while her mother did her hair.

Eventually, Anastasia took her out of the room and gave her to Elliot. Once she was in the embrace of her father, the girl slept even better.

Elliot couldn’t resist kissing his daughter’s cheek. Ever since Willow was born, he had changed a lot.

He spoiled his daughter to no end, and she became the most important thing in his life. She was like a modern princess, loved by her whole family, and even her brother spoiled her as well. Her brother had never raised his voice around her or bullied her. In fact, she was the one who would play tricks on him now and then.

“It’s almost 9.00AM. We need to go. Don’t want to be late.” Anastasia emerged from her room, wearing a dark blue dress for the wedding. She looked elegant and almost royal.

Elliot didn’t want to miss the wedding, either. He held up his daughter and emerged from the villa with his wife. Then, they got into a car and went to the church.

Jessie had arrived at the church. She got out of the car and saw Julian talking beside the grassy plains.

He was wearing a bowtie, looking handsome in it. He landed on the island late at night the night before, so she didn’t have the chance to meet him until now. Now that she finally saw him, it filled her with delight.

She approached him. “I’ll be in the waiting room with Queenie.”

He nodded in acknowledgment. “Sure. Come back when you’re done.”

Jessie then took Queenie to the waiting room. The Mansons were there as well, and Jessie’s mother was present too. Alright, I guess I can slack off a little. The wedding starts at 9.30AM. I have half an hour to spare. With that thought in mind, she descended the stairs and saw Julian waiting for her beside the grassy plain. Her dress billowed in the wind, and the sea breeze danced with her hair.

Julian thought she looked just like a fairy who descended from her home in the skies.

They strolled down the path of the garden. The groups of guests were having fun in the distance, and roses bloomed on both sides of the path, celebrating the wedding that was to come and the love that was blooming. The couple said nothing, but they could feel romance hanging around them.

Jessie spaced out and found her heels stuck in the cracks of the rock path. She gasped as she lost her balance, and Julian pulled her into his embrace. She put her hands on his shoulders, her breathing labored. Then, their eyes met.

The love between them was almost palpable. There was no exchange between them—none was needed, as all was understood.

“After the wedding is over and after our show wraps up, let’s also hold a wedding like this, alright?”

Julian spoke of the wish he had.

Surprise glinted in Jessie’s eyes. She wanted to have the kind of wedding her sister had as well, and now he was willing to give her just that.

“Sure.” She nodded, anticipation filling her eyes.

He looked at the time and pulled her up. “We should go now. Don’t wanna be late.”

Oh, right. Almost forgot. Her cheeks blushed. She held his hand and trotted all the way to the side door of the church.

Julian let her pull him along to the church. It feels like we’re running toward our happily ever after.

They still had ten minutes left when they returned to the waiting room. Queenie looked at her sister and Julian, and she smiled as she thought, Seems like she has found her happily ever after as well.

That’s great. It’s just like what I imagined. We’re marrying men who are coincidentally good friends with each other. That’ll strengthen our bond.

“Five minutes left, Miss Silverstein. Get ready.” The makeup artists and their assistants were helping Queenie with her makeup while Jessie was holding her sister carefully. Julian, on the other hand, went to the groom’s waiting room.

The Presgraves were seated at the first table. Finally, Willow stretched her arms. She was woken up by the noise around her. Once she opened her eyes, the girl quickly sat up and held her father tightly.

Elliot patted her shoulder and said, “Calm down, sweetie.”

The girl was a brave one. She looked around, and her attention was immediately focused on the candies on the table. Right away, she took a bag of it and held it tightly like a rabbit worried about its food getting stolen.

Anastasia saw that, and it amused her. She’s safe in her father’s hands, but she probably thinks someone will steal her candy anyway. She then turned her attention to Nigel, who looked dashing in his suit. She was reminded of her own wedding. It’s been three years. Time flies.

And then, it was time. The tune of Wedding March echoed across the hall, and the gates swung open.

One gorgeous bride stood outside, the sun gleaming down on her. She emerged from the beam of light like an angel bearing happiness. Her bliss spread to all her guests, and even Willow was astounded by her beauty. She leaned on the table and stared at the lady who just came in.

Queenie held her father’s arm as she slowly marched toward the stage. Jessie followed behind them.

Queenie’s face was covered with a veil, but everyone could still see how beautiful she was.

“The bride’s gorgeous.”

“Indeed! The Mansons are so lucky.”

Brenda was crying tears of joy as well. They’re finally getting married. Now, I can rest easy.

After Queenie ascended the stage, Nigel extended his hand to hold her. She’s pregnant. Can’t let anything happen to her.

Brandon teared up and handed his daughter’s hand to Nigel. He then patted Nigel’s hand. “Take good care of her, Nigel.”

Nigel gave Brandon a look of determination. “Yes, Father. I will love her and protect her all my life.”

That is good enough for me. With that, Brandon left the stage. He wanted nothing more than for his daughter to marry a good man. All he wanted was for her to live a peaceful life.

Queenie teared up as well. Even after she was married, she would make it a point to visit her parents often. She wouldn’t want them to feel lonely.

For some reason, Jessie had the same thought as well. After I get married, I’ll also make sure to visit Dad and Mom as much as I can. I don’t want them to feel sad. I need to spend more time with them.