Chapter 8
A week later, the grand wedding between the Slaters and the Quills took place as planned. Since Nadine was pregnant, the ceremony was kept simple, but that did not make it any
less extravagant.
Despite the shortened program, the sheer luxury of the event left every guest in awe. When they arrived, each guest was given a lavish gift worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Moreover, every detail of the wedding was custom–made, reflecting Enzo’s deep affection for Nadine,
The Juliet roses blooming throughout the venue had been planted by Enzo for Nadine a decade ago, the crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling had been designed and crafted just for her, and even the plates on the tables were custom–made by a renowned artist to match Nadine’s preferences.
Everywhere they looked, guests could see proof of Enzo’s devotion. Naturally, the conversations buzzing through the crowd were filled with admiration and envy.
One guest said, “Mr. Slater and Ms. Quill have such a beautiful love story—I heard they’ve been childhood sweethearts.”
“That’s right! And didn’t Mr. Slater nearly lose his life once saving her?”
Another chimed in, “If I could marry a man like him, my life would be complete…”
Yet, no matter how much the guests gushed about Enzo and Nadine’s love, Enzo himself remained indifferent. He was staring at his phone, hesitation clouding his eyes. It had been almost a week, and Alyssa should have landed last night and checked into her hotel. Yet, from last night until now, he had not received a single call or text from her. Philip had specifically asked him to look after her before leaving the country. If anything happened to Alyssa, he would not be able to explain it to him.
With that thought, Enzo finally sent her a message. “How are you doing?”
The moment he hit send, a knock sounded at the door. “Mr. Slater, the ceremony is about to begin. It’s time to get ready.”
Enzo quickly placed his phone on the table. “I’ll be right there.”
Just as he shut the door behind him, his phone screen lit up, and a bright red exclamation mark appeared next to his message.
Soft piano music filled the air as Enzo stood at the end of the aisle, watching Nadine walk toward him in a flowing white gown. She lifted the long hem of her dress, stepping forward gracefully.
It should have been a moment of pure joy, but for some reason, Enzo felt oddly calm. As Nadine approached, a vision flashed before his eyes–Alyssa, in a white wedding dress, running toward him with a bright, love–filled smile.
She had once looked at him like that, her voice sweet as she called his name, “Enzo.”
His vision blurred and overlapped with reality as if the one walking toward him was Alyssa, not Nadine.
“Enzo.” Nadine waved at him, her voice laced with concern. “Enzo? Are you okay?”
Snapping out of his daze, he shook his head, forcing Alyssa’s image from his mind. He flashed a gentle smile and said, “I’m fine. You look beautiful today.”
His casual compliment made Nadine’s cheeks flush with happiness.
Soon, the officiant had them join hands, signaling the exchange of vows. Then came the pivotal question. “Mr. Enzo Slater, do you take Ms. Nadine Quill to be your lawfully wedded wife?”
It should have been an easy answer—a simple “I do,”
But for the first time, Enzo hesitated. His gaze shifted from Nadine’s expectant face to the eager eyes of their guests. Then, almost instinctively, his eyes drifted to the large entrance doors.
Alyssa had once sworn that if he ever dared to marry another woman, she would crash the wedding, Enzo had never doubted her, which was why he had ordered security to guard every entrance today -just in case.
Yet, the wedding was halfway through, and the girl who had vowed to stop him never appeared. It should have been a rellet, but for some reason, it left him feeling strangely hollow.
Enzo wondered if Alyssa really meant what she said, that she was no longer in love with him.
