21
Scarlett’s gaze was clear and bright, tinged with a hint of melancholy. Leon couldn’t bring himself to lie under such a gaze.
He confessed, “While this is a business merger between our families, I wished to marry someone I knew well, someone I’m satisfied with.”
Scarlett raised an eyebrow.“So, you were investigating me?”
Leon’s sapphire eyes sparkled.“Yes. I was very satisfied with you, in every aspect.”
Scarlett found the phrase “every aspect” particularly meaningful. Remembering the night in the nightclub, her face flushed crimson.
Leon’s smile was wide.“I’ve personally selected some jewelry for you; it will arrive tomorrow. The edding gown was designed by Paris’s most renowned designers, exclusively for you; it will arrive tomorrow too.”
Scarlett said, “This is too much.” It was an arranged marriage; the wedding didn’t need to be extravagant.
Leon said earnestly, “Take it easy. Just relax and prepare to be a bride. Then we’ll go on a honeymoon around the world.”
Scarlett felt a pang of guilt; she hadn’t planned anything for the wedding, and she only learned her fiancé’s appearance today. But she was extremely satisfied with him. An arranged marriage with an old, unattractive man would have been a nightmare.
The next morning, the wedding gown and jewelry arrived. They were masterpieces from top French designers, one–of–a–kind pieces created exclusively for Scarlett. The designs blended French and Eastern elements, featuring natural diamonds, which were exquisitely luxurious. Touching the diamonds on the gown, Scarlett exclaimed, “Wow, it must be so expensive!” Steve said calmly,“Only a hundred million. Barely good enough for my daughter. Even if it’s an arranged marriage, if the man is unsuitable or disrespectful, I won’t agree.
Scarlett’s heart ached.“Dad…”
Steve’s eyes welled up.“Alright, prepare yourself; we leave for the church early tomorrow.” His daughter was getting married, a thought that brought him pain.
The wedding took place in the largest, oldest, and most luxurious cathedral in France. Many prominent figures from the business and political worlds attended, along with their family, friends, and classmates. Despite the large crowd, the atmosphere was reverent; no one spoke loudly.
Chase arrived at a reasonable time. He scanned the entrance; there were no photos of the couple or road signs. After asking around, he found the ceremony hall.
It was immense, with a statue of Jesus at the front, surrounded by biblical scenes in relief and paintings… The ambiance was awe–inspiring. Rows of chairs stretched out before the altar, about half filled.
Preferring a less crowded spot, he chose a seat in the back, planning an early exit. He gazed at the statue, lost in thought. His wedding with Scarlett would be much more lively and festive. It would be in Bali with flowers, palm trees, ocean, yacht…
priest in robes approached, speaking in French. Then the choir sang hymns.
3.1%
21
Chase didn’t understand French and drifted off. Only when the wedding march began did he look up.
Leon, in a black tuxedo, walked towards the altar. Tall and handsome, with striking features, he exuded an air of sophisticated elegance and success. Chase had to admit, Leon was exceptionally handsome and accomplished for his age. He wondered what the bride looked like, whether she was worthy of him.
At that moment, the bride, arm in arm with her father, slowly walked past him. Chase glanced at her back, his gaze freezing, then widening in shock.
was
The woman he’d loved for three years, the woman he couldn’t forget… it was Scarlett. His mind
This
her wedding! reeled. So, Scarlett was the Taylor
Taylor Group heiress! His blood ran cold, gripped by terror. He jumped up, letting out a heart–wrenching cry, “Scarlett!”
2
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