Chapter 24
Naomi broke down in tears, her makeup smudged, with mascara leaving dark streaks under her eyes.
Her white wedding dress was now stained with dirt, making her look completely disheveled
“Aurora. I curse you. Your marriage will never be happy. You’ll end up separated, and you’ll never know a good day in your life. Naomi spat, her words hanging over the church like a dark cloud.
Maverick’s icy stare seemed to pierce right through Aurora. His tall, rigid figure and chiseled features radiated a coldness that sent chills
the room
The guests odered their wishes to Aurora and Maverick.
Aurora noticed his tense posture and sensed his subtle detachment, and she couldn’t help but ask softly, “What’s wrong! Are you upset?”
through
“I didn’t mean to keep you waiting. I just wanted to surprise you. Looki
k at the pumpkin carriage–it turned out amazing, didn’t it I picked it myself” Aurora tilted her head, tugging on his arm with a hopeful smile.
Maverick didn’t respond. When she hadn’t shown up earlier, he’d genuinely thought she’d run off again. Memories from his past life were still raw and impossible to forget.
He knew Aurora didn’t truly love him. If she had run, he wouldn’t have b
been surprised.
The bitterness hadn’t faded yet. His mind was clouded with memories of loneliness and Aurora’s ten years of hardship.
“Maverick, please don’t be angry. I’m here now.” Aurora pleaded.
Maverick heard her soft voice, and his heart softened a little. The old wound near his heart throbbed, causing pain that made it hard to breathe, and his steps grew unsteady.
Aurora noticed his pale face, and worry flashed across hers as they approached the priest, just as they reached the final step, Maverick hesitated.
“Maverick, is your wound hurting?” Aurora whispered, concern clear in her voice.
Cameras flashed as the media frantically snapped photos. Maverick kept his expression cool, gripping her wrist tightly and pulling her close. “Let’s get through the ceremony
Aurora looked at him, frustrated. “What are you planning to pass out right here?” She couldn’t understand why he seemed to prioritize the wedding over his health
“Aurora” Maverick said through gritted teeth, “you’re not running from me again. Not in this lifetime. He finally had her, and he wasn’t letting go. Aurora’s heart skipped a beat, her concern for him deepening. The ceremony continued.
After the priest’s long recitation, he turned to Maverick. “Do you take Aurora to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together under God’s ordinance? Do you promise to love, cherish, and comfort her, forsaking all others, staying faithful as long as you both shall live!”
Under the gaze of the media and guests, Maverick swallowed hard a
land said,
“I do”
Aurora’s eyes grew misty. She seemed more emotional than she’d been when the married Scott in her past life. When it was her turn, her voice was nearly breaking as she managed to say, “I do”
After the ceremony. Aurora was still dazed. As they walked to the wedding car, she saw Maverick’s pale face and said. “The wedding’s done. Let me take
you to the hospital for a dieck–up”
Maverick calmly pulled his hand back. “You go ahead. I know how to manage”
Aurora stood there awkwardly. “Im just worried about you. Your heart-
“I know. You go brat Maverick interrupted
Seeing his insistence, Aurora could only lead to their new home on Cloud Island and wait for him there.
As the wedding car was about to pull away, Evelyn rushed over. “Aurora, Nauni duln’t mean any harm. She was only trying to help. Please, don’t hold it againather?
Evelyn took Aurora’s arm and gently patted her hand, both coaxing and warning. “Today was the union of the Sage and Parker families. When you didn’t show up, everyone wondered if the bride lund run away. We couldn’t just leave Maverick waiting there, not with all those people watching”
Aurora gracefully withdrew her hand, keeping a composed smile. “True, there were a lot of important guests. But did you think substituting Naomi
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Chapter 24
would make n all right?””
Evelyn’s expression faltered. “How can you say that? Naomi was thinking of the family. If you didn’t show up, the Parker family might have blamed your father. She was willing to give up her future for you.”
“Aunt Evelyn, you make it sound like marrying into the Parker family is a terrible fate. Then why would Naomi have to take my place?” Aurora replied with a faint, mocking smile. I’m afraid that even if I want to take the plunge. I might not get the chance.”
Evelyn hadn’t expected Aurora, usually so compliant, to speak so bluntly. Her face darkened. “Aurora, how can you think that way? If you hadn’t disappeared so suddenly-
“Why did I disappear! Don’t you know?” Aurora’s gaze sharpened. “Didn’t you guys tell me my mother’s death was connected to the Parker family? Her smile was icy as she reached out, lightly fingering the pearl necklace around Evelyn’s neck
Evelyn’s composure nearly cracked “Aurora, we’re family. We’d never deceive you. The Parkers aren’t as simple as you think.”
But Aurora changed the topic, eyeing the necklace. “You got this from my mother’s collection, didn’t you?”
saw your mother
Evelyn turned pale. “No.” Realizing her reaction was too strong, she took a step back, putting distance between them. “I just saw yo wearing something similar once and decided to buy one like it.”
Aurora’s expression turned cool as she slowly raised the car window, “Aunt Evelyn, I’m not sure why you went to such lengths to ruin my wedding. but it makes me wonder if there’s more to my mother’s death than I knew,”
The cars sped away, leaving Evelyn standing there, frozen to the core. She realized Aurora was no longer the same obedient girl.
Aurora arrived at Cloud Island, where the household staff escorted her to the new room Maverick had prepared.
In the corner stood a vanity topped with a soft, glowing ceiling light that cast a warm, gentle light, easing some of the coldness she felt inside.
A new wardrobe, even larger than the old one, lined one wall. When Aurora opened it, she found it stocked with this year’s latest women’s from lingerie to coats, hats, scarves, and brooches, all neatly arranged in sets,
To her surprise, she even spotted a peacock–blue cocktail dress–a limited–edition piece she’d wanted most this year.
