In Ivory Bay, Annabelle woke up early to begin her preparations. Her wedding dress, custom–made to fit her perfectly, was pure white. It accentuated her slender waist and elegant shoulders.
The moment she put it on, a hush fell over the room as awe filled everyone’s eyes.
“Oh my God! You look stunning, Anna!” her friends exclaimed in admiration, gathering around her.
Annabelle offered them a small smile. Her gaze settled on the mirror.
The woman reflected back at her had delicate features, and the faint curve of her lips carried a hint of happiness.
“The groom is here!” someone suddenly called out.
Annabelle turned around and saw Louie Webb stepping inside.
Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, his tall figure and noble demeanor made him look like he’d stepped right out of a dream.
When his gaze landed on Annabelle, he seemed completely captivated.
“What do you think, Louie? Isn’t she beautiful?” someone in the room teased.
Louie didn’t answer. Instead, he walked straight to Annabelle, leaned down, and pressed a gentle kiss on her neck. His voice was deep and affectionate. “My princess is the most beautiful woman in the world.”
A faint blush rose on Annabelle’s cheeks. She playfully scolded, “I’m almost 30, and you still call me a princess?”
Louie smiled. His eyes were filled with nothing but adoration. “No matter how many years pass, you’ll always be my princess.”
Warmth spread through Annabelle’s heart, and she felt her eyes sting with emotion.
She’d never expected that this arranged marriage would lead her back to him.
She’d agreed to it simply to escape Nathan and leave behind her painful past. But when she’d met Louie, she’d been stunned to realize it was the very same man she’d secretly loved in high school.
Louie had been her senior in high school. Back then, he’d been the man countless young ladies dreamed of. Annabelle, too, had admired him from afar, never daring to voice her feelings.
Then, he’d gone abroad, and they’d lost touch.
It wasn’t until this arranged marriage that she’d learned the truth–Louie had always liked her. He was the one who’d asked for this marriage.
In just two weeks, their relationship had blossomed. Louie’s kindness and attentiveness had slowly helped Annabelle move on from Nathan.
She’d never imagined that the man she’d once seen as untouchable could be so affectionate and utterly devoted.
“Anna, are you ready?” Louie’s gentle voice interrupted her thoughts.
Annabelle nodded, a genuine smile gracing her lips. “I’m ready.”
Louie took her hand. His eyes were filled with tenderness as he looked at her. “Then let’s go, my bride.”
Annabelle squeezed his hand back, warmth flooding her chest.
This time, she’d truly found her happiness.
Meanwhile, Nathan’s flight had just landed. As soon as they disembarked, he and Daphne headed straight to the wedding venue.
Nathan stood at the entrance, his eyes scanning the crowd restlessly. An unshakable sense of unease gripped his chest, making it hard to breathe.
The wedding was lavish and romantic, with flowers, lights, and music weaving together in create a dreamlike atmosphere. But he had no interest in any of it. He only wanted to find
Annabelle.
Daphne patted his shoulder. “I’m going to change into my bridesmaid dress. I have a lot to do later, so don’t cause any trouble. Just sit and enjoy the food.”
Nathan nodded absentmindedly, still searching the crowd. Yet no matter how hard he looked, he couldn’t find Annabelle.
His frustration grew. He wanted to ask Daphne, but she’d already disappeared into the crowd
Left aine, he sat at one of the tables, drumming his fingers against the surface. His thoughts were in turmoil.
People bustled around him. Many took notice of his striking features and came to hit on him.
“Hey, handsome, can get your number?” A woman in an elegant dress approached with a bright smile, her eyes tilled with anticipation.
Nathan politely shook his head and teplied coldly, “Sorry, I have a girlfriend”
The wornan pouted in disappointment before walking, away.
Nathan froze for a moment alter the word “girlfriend” slipped out. Instinctively, he reached into his pocket for his phone. A Ughtness settled in his chest. “Could Anna… still be my girlfriend?” he murmured, a bitter ache rising within him.
He unlocked his phone, opened the group chat with his friends, and typed a message. “I’m in Ivory Bay. I’m going to win Anna back. Any ideas?”
