38 -Not Marrying A Scumbag-
Verena, now in the bridal room, was joined by her friends Rosie and Eisley, who were beaming with happiness.
"Verena, you look absolutely stunning! I can't believe this day is finally here." They were wearing pink dresses.
"You're like a real-life princess. Louis is one lucky guy." Eisley praised her look.
"Thank you both so much. I'm so glad you're here with me." Verena said it with a blush.
Just as they were settling in, Olivia entered the room with a serious expression.
"Girls, there are a few matters we need to attend to outside. Would you mind stepping out for a moment?" Olivia was wearing a green dress with heels. She looked beautiful and young because of her make-up.
"What's going on, mom?" Rosie asked, worried if something had happened.
"Is everything okay, Olivia?" Eisley questioned too.
"Don't worry, it's nothing serious. We just need to discuss a few details. Verena will be fine; she's in good hands."
Verena nodded, trying to hide her anxiety. Rosie and Eisley exchanged a quick glance before reluctantly leaving the room with Olivia.
Rosie whispered to Eisley. "I wonder what that's all about."
Eisley nodded. "Yeah, it seemed a bit mysterious. Let's trust that everything will be fine, and they'll fill us in later."
As they left Verena alone in the bridal room, the anticipation and excitement continued to build for her big day. The room's proximity to the garden and the aisle path added to the magic of the situation.
"Verena, have you decided who is going to take you down the aisle?" Juliette asked.
Verena's gaze dropped, and she sighed. She hadn't given it much thought, but the absence of her family weighed on her mind. After a moment, she looked up at Juliette, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"If Aaron were here, he would definitely walk me to my groom. But I think I have to walk alone."
She wiped away a tear, thinking about her family. But she added with a faint smile, "But I am okay with it."
Just then, a familiar voice filled the room.
"You don't have to walk alone. I am here for you. I will walk with you, my child."
Verena and Juliette turned to see Aunt Joanne and Grandpa Cian entering the room. Verena's heart soared at the sight of them. She stood up and kissed her grandfather's hand before embracing Aunt Joanne tightly.
Verena was shocked and stunned. "Really, Grandpa?"
Grandpa Cian smiled warmly at her.
"Why not? I never had the chance to walk my daughter down the aisle; she walked with her brother. Today, I am rewarded with the opportunity to fulfil my wishes through you."
Verena's eyes filled with tears of joy, and she smiled at her grandpa with all the love and happiness in her heart. She was immensely grateful for this unexpected blessing on her special day.
The moment had finally arrived for Verena to make her entrance.
Anxiety coursed through her veins, causing her to break into a nervous sweat.
She felt the touch of Grandpa Cian's weathered hand, and when she looked at him, she felt a deep, fatherly love emanating from his presence.
Grandpa Cian softly whispered, "It's time to go, dear."
Despite his age, Grandpa Cian still stood tall, towering almost two inches above her. Remy, Louis, and Alexander had certainly inherited their height from him.
Together, they walked out of the bridal room and onto the open roof, where Verena's eyes widened at the sight of the sea of people awaiting her.
Her heart raced, and she struggled to catch her breath.
Aunt Joanne stepped forward, her eyes glistening with tears, and touched Verena's cheeks.
She softly kissed both sides of Verena's face, careful not to smudge her lipstick. Verena felt overwhelmed with gratitude and emotion.
Aunt Joanne emotionally spoke, "I am so happy to see you finally becoming my daughter-in-law. If God grants me more years, I would like to spend that time with you, dear."
Aunt Joanne didn't mention her mother's name so that Verena wouldn't miss her at this moment; however, she knew she couldn't make Verena's pain better.
Verena nodded, her heart swelling with affection for Aunt Joanne. Juliette leaned in and whispered to Verena from behind, reminding her not to cry.
With gentle hands, Aunt Joanne secured a white veil with a long train onto Verena's head.
Children's voices could be heard behind her, and Verena realized they were holding the train of her veil.
She smiled, grateful for every detail that had been meticulously planned for this moment.
For the onlookers, the scene was breathtaking. The children held each corner of the veil train, and they began to move in harmony with Verena and Grandpa Cian's pace.
"Oh my God... look at them."
"It's Grandpa Cian!"
Someone in the crowd couldn't contain their excitement and shouted across the venue, bringing smiles to both Verena and Grandpa Cian.
"They have never dreamed they'd be lucky enough to witness me walking my granddaughter-in-law to her husband." Grandpa Cian stated
Verena glanced up and saw a distant stage—someone standing there in a black coat.
Overwhelmed by the entire scene, she looked down as the beauty of the moment enveloped her.
Every single girl stood on each side, tossing white flowers in her path, creating a breathtaking visual.
Louis stood there, his heart pounding, watching his bride approach with his beloved grandfather.
The weight of the moment was not lost on him; he was filled with gratitude and love for the extraordinary journey that had brought them here.
Verena and Grandpa Cian stood in front of the beautifully adorned stage, their eyes locked in an intimate and heartwarming connection. It was a moment filled with anticipation and emotion.
As Louis approached, he did so with an air of unwavering determination. He came to a halt before Verena, and Grandpa Cian spoke with a sense of gravity and paternal care.
"Louis, I am here to give my granddaughter's hand to you. If something happens in the future, promise me you won't leave her. Stay with her, give her your love, and show her how family works. Just never hurt her, not ever."
Louis responded with heartfelt sincerity, and a genuine smile graced his lips. "I promise, Grandpa."
With a nod, Grandpa Cian turned towards the gathering of guests, his presence dignified and resolute.
"Tonight, I gave him my granddaughter. May they live happily ever after." He declared to everyone.
The guests, touched by the sentiment, bowed their heads in prayer, and then the moment arrived.
Grandpa Cian gently placed Verena's hand onto Louis's extended hand.
A soothing warmth coursed through her as their hands made contact. She couldn't help but notice the mischievous smirk playing on Louis's lips, a hint of their shared connection and love.
Louis led her gracefully to the front of the stage, their smiles shining brightly, illuminating the moment as they faced the gathered assembly.
Amid the hushed excitement, a voice from the crowd called out in eagerness, "Let's go!"
The priest, who had been patiently waiting at the side of the stage, stepped forward, a wise and kind presence in his priestly robes. He began addressing the assembly with a tone of reverence and joy in his voice.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Verena and Louis in holy matrimony. Love is a journey, a shared adventure, and today, they embark on this journey together. As they exchange their vows, let us all bear witness to their commitment to one another."
"We have our groomsmen, Mr. Cullen, Mr. Vincent, and Mr. Marvin." He turned to his left and continued.
"And we have our bridesmaids, Ms. Rosie, Ms. Juliette, and Ms. Eisley. I thank each of you for joining us today to bestow your blessings upon Young Master Louis as he embarks on this new journey."
His gaze shifted towards Grandpa Cian, seeking approval to proceed. The old man, leaning on his walking stick, granted permission with a gracious nod. Louis and Verena exchanged heartfelt smiles before focusing on each other and the words to come.
"Hold both hands of each other."
With a sense of anticipation, they obeyed, their fingers intertwining. Louis looked into Verena's eyes, his gaze filled with tenderness and unwavering love. He took a deep breath, ready to speak from the depths of his heart.
"Verena, from the moment I met you, my life changed for the better. You are my best friend, my confidante, and my greatest love. I promise to stand by your side through all the trials and triumphs that life may bring. I vow to cherish and adore you and to support and encourage you in all your dreams and aspirations. I promise to laugh with you in times of joy and hold you close in times of sorrow. With this ring, I pledge my heart and my soul to you, now and forever." He gave her a ring and looked at Priset. He didn't know what to do next.
"So, do you take Verena Bradbury as your legal wife?"
"I do." Louis said. The gathered guests erupted in applause, acknowledging Louis's heartfelt declaration.
"And now, Verena, it is your turn to speak your vows."
Verena took a moment to compose herself, her heart overflowing with emotion. She turned to Louis, her voice filled with love and sincerity.
"Louis, you are the love of my life, my anchor in stormy seas. You've brought light and laughter into my world, and I am eternally grateful for your presence in my life. Today, I vow to be your partner in all things, to stand by your side through every challenge, and to celebrate every joy with you. I promise to cherish and support you, to respect and honour you, and to love you unconditionally. With this ring, I offer you my love, my loyalty, and my commitment for all the days of our lives."
"So, do you take Verena Bradbury as your legal wife?"
Verena took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and opened her mouth. "I—"
"Verena!"
But just as she began to utter her answer, a voice rang out with an urgency that cut through the ceremony, sending shockwaves through the assembly and causing Verena's heart to skip a beat.
Confusion swept over her. She turned her head to scan the crowd, her eyes searching for the source of the interruption. The guests, their expressions ranging from curiosity to concern, began whispering to one another, trying to decipher what had just occurred.
A middle-aged woman in an elegant gown leaned towards her companion with furrowed brows, her eyes wide with surprise. "Did you hear that? Who is it?"
"What's happening? This is highly unusual." A distinguished gentleman in a tailored suit gazed towards the source of the voice, his expression puzzled.
The name echoed through the venue, capturing everyone's attention. All eyes searched for the voice, trying to pinpoint its origin.
Then, the voice came again, but this time, it was accompanied by a pointed flash of light from a mobile phone held high up in the sky.
"Here.. Up!" Verena and the rest of the attendees followed the light and looked up towards a hill on the mansion's roof.
There, standing atop the hill, was a figure with a mobile phone, its light cutting through the darkness. The feminine voice continued, capturing everyone's curiosity.
"I've got your attention."
Verena's heart raced as she recognised the pendant that shone in the light. Her voice trembled as she whispered, "Aurora?"
Aurora smiled from the hilltop and replied, "Finally, you recognised me."
"Look over there!" The crowd was still abuzz with shock and curiosity as a girl stood on the hill, her voice echoing through the night.
"You are not getting married to this scumbag!"
The words hung in the air, and gasps rippled through the onlookers. Louis furrowed his brows in confusion.
Alexander couldn't contain his amusement at the interruption. He shouted curiously, "Who are you?"
Aurora declared, "I am Verena's twin sister."
