bChapter /bb176 /b

    Jeffrey and Rosabelle’s wedding was on Saturday. The church wedding was held in the morning, and the reception dinner bwas /bbat /bWestera Estate. It was November, so the Gibson family had spared no expense in ensuring the venue would be at afortable temperature.

    That night, the ce was filled with the elite and the famous. The guests made a dazzling scene of flowing gowns and sharp suits.

    Charlie and his family arrived early. Alicia had been away from Bridley’s social circle for many years, so most people had no idea who she was. There was no denying her good looks–several chi men approached her to ask for her number.

    However, she remained aloof and turned them all down. Nancy was even more so. She said coldly, “My daughter doesn’t make friends with just about anyone.”

    For a moment, they were the center of attention.

    But on the other side, Rosabelle’s family was upset. This was her big day, yet Alicia had arrived in white. Was she deliberately trying to steal the show?

    Rosabelle didn’t hold it against her, though. She looked at Jeffrey and said, “I’ll change into my red gownb./b”

    He asked Natalie to go with her. Natalie quite liked Rosabelle and happily went with her.

    Shortly after they left, the Chapmans arrived. Coincidentally, the Zieglers arrived at the same time, almost as if they’d timed their appearances.

    The Chapmans and Zieglers were important guests, so Jeffrey and Gerard made sure to focus their attention on them.

    Will showed up in the dusty pink Dior gownb, /bwhich showed off her slender figure. Her hair had been trimmed to just below her shoulders, and it was styled so the ends curled inward. She looked beautiful and demure.

    Julian had never seen her look so gorgeous. He stared at her, unable to look away. After a long time, he said lowly, “You look

    beautiful in this.”

    Unfortunately, he wasn’t herpanion. Caleb was. Thetter wore a ck suit and looked dashing. He clung to Willow and said, “You’re not allowed to look at himb, /bor I’ll get mad.”

    She was amused and exasperated. Before she could say anything, a gentle voice rang out. “I didn’t know you were the one who bought this gown, Willow. As expected of my sister–it looks amazing on you, and it’s much more expensive than mine.”

    Alicia was pissed. She’d put in so much time and effort to prepare for the wedding dinner, yet Willow had captured everyone’s attention upon showing up. Willow had even worn the gown that was supposed to be hers, and Julian couldn’t take his eyes off

    her.

    Willow didn’t answer, and neither did Timothy and Heather. They didn’t want to be associated with Alicia.

    Caleb stepped forward to shield Willow. “Get lost. Who do you think you’re calling your sister? My mother–inw only had one child; Ms. Harper has no siblings.”

    His protectiveness warmed Willow. She reached up to straighten his bow tie.

    A few days ago, Braxton had called her, and she’d agreed to slowly show Caleb the ropes when it came to managing a business. It was partly because she’d found it hard to say no to Braxton’s enthusiasm and partly because she genuinely thought of Caleb as a brother.

    He enjoyed her tenderness and said, “You’re really warming my heart.”

    Just then, Braxton called out to him in the distanceb, /bsaying that he wanted to introduce him to some people. Before leaving, Caleb red at Alicia and said, “Don’t you daretch onto just about anyone.”

    For a moment, Alicia felt utterly humiliated. She turned to Julian, who frowned at her. “What are you doing here?”

    bShe /bgrimaced. “You don’t even want to see me now? I bdidn’t /bmean to show up before you. I just didn’t want to be locked up in the ward all day. I felt smothered and wanted toe out for a breather.”

    Mnie cleared her throat. “It’s better for those who are ill to get more restb./b”

    Alicia didn’t protest. “I’ll remember thatb, /bMrs. Ziegler.”

    Mnie’s heart softened. “You’ve always been obedient.”

    Willow didn’t want to watch their performance, so she left with Heather and Timothy to greet the Gibsons. She gave Rosabelle the wedding gift she’d prepared–she and Jeffrey were friends, so she hoped he would have a happy marriage.

    Rosabelle was innocent and endearing. She clung to Jeffrey and smiled sweetly.

    Willow said earnestly, “Congrattions, Jeffrey.”

    He nodded, his gaze dark as he looked at her. The deep, unforgettable love he’d harbored for her was now buried in a corner of his heart. It would only surface in the deep of the night, reminding him of his youth.

    Willow excused herself to the restroom after exchanging pleasantries. She needed to touch up her makeup–the blinding lights had made it wear off slightly.

    In the opulent restroom, a steady stream of water flowed from the gold faucet.