CHAPTER 84: CHAPTER 84 WEDDING (3)_1

Finally, the father and daughter stood before Glades Horne.

Chris Bluen smiled contentedly and, with full trust, handed Julia Bluen’s hand into Glades Horne’s, saying, "Julia, I entrust her to you."

Glades Horne gripped Julia Bluen’s hand tightly, nodded solemnly, and exchanged a glance with Chris Bluen—a look that signified the promise between men.

The two of them turned to face the priest, listening to his blessing. Glades Horne’s grip on Julia’s hand grew tighter; he was holding onto his happiness with all his might.

"And now, the bride and groom shall exchange rings," the priest said with a benevolent smile, admiring the perfectly matched handsome groom and beautiful bride.

The diamond rings that the elderly lady had specially presented to the young couple were brought out, and the two of them slipped the rings onto each other’s fingers. A small diamond ring bound their lives together.

From the moment Julia Bluen appeared, James Horne’s gaze had stealthily fixed upon her. Everyone knew Julia Bluen was beautiful, and a woman is at her most beautiful when she becomes a bride. She had a tall, slender figure, graceful posture, and a pretty face. Dressed in an exquisite, perfectly fitting wedding gown, she became the most beautiful woman in James’s eyes.

It was a pity... the man standing beside her was not him.

The two people he valued most had come together, excluding him from their world. This sensation of isolation felt like millions of ants gnawing at his heart—an agonizing discomfort.

When the priest announced, "The groom may now kiss the bride," thunderous applause erupted. However, James Horne, in his discomfort, turned his gaze away, unable to watch the scene that pierced his eyes.

Glades Horne cradled Julia’s delicately made-up oval face, which only enhanced her beauty. As Julia bashfully closed her eyes, he planted a deep kiss on her red lips—lips he had kissed countless times before.

They had finally held their wedding.

Applause rang out once again.

After the kiss, Julia Bluen hooked her arm through Glades Horne’s. Holding the bridal bouquet, she and Glades walked towards the church exit, surrounded by everyone’s blessings and cheers.

Upon leaving the church, it was time for the bride to toss her bouquet. Whoever caught it, it was said, would be the next to walk down the aisle of the Wedding Chapel.

Rachel Bailey, dressed in her bridesmaid’s gown, maintained an elegant smile throughout. In reality, she preferred a hearty laugh. But remembering she was a bridesmaid today, adorned in such an expensive gown and surrounded by aristocrats, she had to restrain her carefree nature and force that elegant smile. Heaven knew her mouth was aching from it.

The bride was so captivating that all eyes were on Julia Bluen; few noticed the unfamiliar bridesmaid at her side.

When the wedding finally ended, Rachel Bailey breathed a slight sigh of relief. Finally, I can stop forcing this elegant smile for a while, she thought. Just then, Julia Bluen tossed her bouquet. The people crowded around Julia, some eager to catch it, others afraid of doing so. Those wanting it pushed forward, while those avoiding it retreated, leading to a brief, chaotic scramble.

Rachel, naturally petite, had been standing near Julia Bluen but was jostled far away by the crowd.

"What’s all the fuss? It’s not like it’s gold," Rachel muttered softly.

A bouquet descended from the sky and landed right in her arms. She instinctively caught it. Then, a chorus of cheers erupted around her. Stunned, she looked up and froze.

The bridal bouquet everyone was desperate for has somehow ended up in my arms!

Rachel Bailey immediately broke out in a cold sweat. Clutching the bouquet, she looked, bewildered, at Julia Bluen, who was smiling as radiantly and sweetly as the sun.

"Rachel, congratulations!" Julia Bluen said, actually smiling as she congratulated her.

Seriously? I don’t even have half a boyfriend! What’s there to congratulate me for? Rachel thought.

Turning her head, she suddenly noticed a tall man standing casually beside her—a man who seemed vaguely familiar. He was gazing at her.

"You’re Rachel Bailey?"

Hansen Ruiz was somewhat surprised. Rachel Bailey was also wearing makeup today, and he hadn’t paid much attention earlier. He had only thought that the bridesmaid named Rachel Bailey had a rather plain appearance, though it did serve to accentuate the bride’s beauty. Now, seeing her up close, he recognized Julia’s bridesmaid. She was the interesting young woman who had tossed him fifty yuan for cab fare that day.

He had personally selected Rachel Bailey’s gown based on the information he had gathered about her height and measurements. He hadn’t instructed anyone to include a photo of her, which was why he had only recognized her just now.

It seems that in the future, when researching someone, I must make sure a photo is attached, Hansen Ruiz thought to himself.

"Yes, I’m Rachel Bailey. What about it? Did I steal your name or something? Why so surprised?" Rachel Bailey, recognizing Hansen Ruiz, immediately retorted with irritation.

Hansen Ruiz’s handsome face twitched slightly. Can’t I even be surprised? Does she think her name is inlaid with gold, that everyone wants to use it? Doesn’t she realize how plain her name is?

"Rachel Bailey, you seem a bit on edge," Hansen Ruiz said with a good-natured smile, though her sharp retort had taken him aback.

"I’m not a pig. Why would I eat gunpowder? To blow myself up?" Rachel retorted, even more irritated.

Hansen Ruiz’s face twitched again. This young woman might not be much to look at, but that mouth of hers... I’ve experienced it now, and I’ll never forget it. When we first met, I don’t think I offended her, did I? Was it just because I didn’t tell her Benjamin Robinson’s name? Or because I mistook her for Benjamin’s girlfriend? Is that enough for her to hold such a grudge?

"Alright, alright, Miss Bailey. You’ve eaten honey, so you must be sweet enough to kill yourself with it. Heh heh!" Hansen Ruiz chuckled deeply twice and then walked over to his car.

After getting into his car, he kindly rolled down the window and called out to Rachel Bailey, who had just realized everyone else had left. She stood there alone, a bewildered expression on her face. "Miss Bailey, do you still want a ride in my car?"

Everyone else had left, and the only car remaining was Hansen Ruiz’s. If I don’t take his car, whose would I take? My friends are so disloyal, abandoning me like this! Rachel thought.