?Chapter 1263:


    He had instructed the household staff to y their part in the tradition of “groom’s obstruction.”


    From outside came the sound of rhythmic knocking and cheerful voices.


    The lively door games began. Champagne bottles and boxes of fine chocte were slipped through the cracks in yful bargaining,ughter echoing from both sides. The groomsmen, good-natured and generous, had brought enough “bribes” to finally earn the right to open the doors.


    The games that came after were filled with fake cheer, meant only to keep Ste from sensing their sorrow.


    Thest challenge was to find Ste’s hidden wedding shoes.


    The room became a whirlwind of motion—cushions tossed aside, drawers opened, and corners checked. With a teasing hint from one of the groomsmen, Marc finally discovered the crystal heels tucked neatly inside the horn of an old gramophone.


    He dropped to one knee and slipped the shoes onto Ste’s feet himself. Looking up at her, his voice softened. “I’m here to im my bride. Stel,e with me to our wedding.”


    Apuse burst from the servants, the sound lively but hollow for some. At the back, Lance, Karson, and Sharon joined in, pping with restrained smiles that didn’t reach their eyes.


    Ste, lost in the moment, noticed none of it. She only saw Marc—the tenderness in his gaze, the warmth in his smile. Her heart swelled as she met his eyes and nodded, her face glowing with quiet joy.


    Amid cheers, Marc swept Ste up into his arms and carried her outside to the gleaming wedding car waiting by the door.


    Firecrackers crackled to life, bright ribbons of confetti rained from above, and the mansion burst into a roar of celebration.


    Josie and Sharon trailed close behind, their eyes fixed on Ste’s glowing expression and Marc’s effortless charm as an uneasy silence passed between them.


    Lατ??τ ?нαρτ?rs ιn g??l??ov?l??.??om


    Around them,ughter and music filled the air, yet the joy felt rehearsed, like a glittering screen concealing the storm beneath.


    The ceremony took ce in the grand ballroom of Choria’s most luxurious hotel.


    Inside, the hall resembled a fairytale garden painted in white. Massive crystal chandeliers sent flecks of light across the marble floor, and the sweet scent of blossoms hung thick in the air.


    Before the procession began, Ste was escorted to a private dressing room for her final preparations.


    While the stylist adjusted her veil and ne, she beamed at her reflection. “Ms. Russell, you look breathtaking. Yourplexion is wless, your features are perfect, and that gown fits you like it was made just for you. I’ve styled countless brides, but you truly stand out as one of the most beautiful.”


    Ste offered a gentle smile and said, “Thank you.”


    As she gazed into the mirror, her reflection stared back—skin smooth as silk, eyes carrying a quiet warmth—and an odd wave of recognition washed over her.


    It was as if, at some distant time, she had stood in this very way before. She could almost hear a voice whispering praise for her beauty, close enough to stir the air beside her ear.


    The sensation felt vivid, almost within reach.


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