The guests responded with polite applause, while Raymond’s gaze remained fixed on Cordelia, noting the graceful way she held herself despite the veil. Every small movement of hers seemed magnified in his attention, the elegant lines of her dress, the delicate arch of her shoulders—it all made him shift slightly on the stage, feeling the weight of the moment.The Winslow family stepped forward with poised smiles. Marshall offered a firm handshake to Jacob Hansen, exchanging polite greetings full of practiced respect. Stella stood and smiled warmly, while Shulamite observed Cordelia with curiosity and a subtle grin. Rose gently guided Cordelia to her seat, taking the space right beside her as Marshall and his wife sat with composed pride.The host returned to the center of the stage, adjusting the microphone with a cheerful tone.“Before we invite the pastor to join us and begin the solemnization,” he announced, “we would like to welcome anyone who has brought gifts for the happy couple

Her legs weakened, memories flashing behind her eyes — laughter they shared, promises whispered, the day he vanished from her world. And now here he was… Looking at her like she was the only person alive. Her heartbeat whispered the truth she had been trying to bury: The man standing before her… was the man she truly loved. Benjamin also stopped walking for a moment… because the sight of Cordelia almost took his breath away. Cordelia stood on that stage with a grace that felt almost unreal — her figure more refined, elegant curves accentuated by the wedding gown in a way that made his chest tighten. Her waist looked slimmer, her posture confident and womanly. The dress hugged her body perfectly, showing how she had matured into a stunning, breathtaking woman. Her hair fell beautifully around her shoulders, her skin seemed to glow under the lights, and the light blush on her cheeks made her look even more divine. Even with the veil removed, there was still something dreamlike ab

Benjamin then smiled faintly, his thumb brushing Cordelia’s cheek. “How about you and I get married right here, today?” he asked softly, yet loud enough for everyone to hear. “And later… we’ll hold our main wedding properly. Do you love that idea?”Cordelia stared at him with wide eyes, disbelief and hope swirling through her heart. “Really?” she breathed out, her voice trembling slightly.Benjamin nodded confidently. “Yes. Of course.”Cordelia swallowed hard, then nodded with a small smile and whispered, “I’ll marry you then.”A collective gasp swept through the guests.Benjamin turned toward the pastor. “You’ll officiate us. Now,” he said calmly. Then he looked around. “Where are the rings?”Someone pointed toward the table where Raymond and Cordelia’s wedding rings had been placed earlier.Raymond suddenly stormed down from the stage, fury boiling in his blood. “If you want to marry her,” he snapped, “why don't you go set up your own place? Are you too poor to afford a wedding for

After a long, tense drive, the convoy finally slowed as the gates of the Winslow private graveyard opened. The path inside was quiet — too quiet — with tall cypress trees lining the sides, their shadows cast over the gravestones beneath the moonlight.The cars came to a complete stop. Doors opened simultaneously, Rakshasha’s men stepping out first, scanning the area before signaling the families to exit.Cordelia’s heartbeat quickened.Benjamin gently took her hand as they walked toward the two main graves placed side by side on a raised stone platform. But the moment they reached them…Cordelia froze.The graves — the resting place of her parents — were covered in thick dust. The marble had lost its shine. The flowers were wilted, brown and shriveled as if they had been left there for months without a soul caring enough to replace them.Benjamin’s expression darkened.He turned slowly — eyes burning — and fixed his glare on Marshall Winslow.His voice was low, laced with cold fury.“

Cordelia took slow steps forward, her knees eventually giving in as she knelt before the graves. She placed the flowers carefully atop the polished stone, brushing her fingertips over her parents’ names.Her voice cracked, fragile… but filled with so much love.“Mom… Dad… your daughter is back again,” she whispered.She sniffed, breath shaking, wiping her tears only for more to fall.“I’m sorry I stopped visiting a while. I tried to be strong, just like you taught me. But everything became so hard. The home you built… the family you loved… turned against me.”Her shoulders trembled as she lowered her head.“I felt lost. I felt alone. And there were days I wondered if you were watching… if you were upset with me. But deep down, I knew you would never abandon me.”She placed both palms gently on the stone.“I missed you every single day. I still do. And even though you’re not here physically, I carry your love in everything I do.”Cordelia turned her head slightly, glancing at Benjamin