The wedding hall was filled with music, soft chatter, and the warm glow of lights. Guests laughed, clinked glasses, and shared in the happiness of Denovon’s marriage to Emily. But at one corner of the hall, a storm was quietly brewing.“Greg,” a cracked old voice called suddenly, cutting through the lively atmosphere.Grandfather Gregory stiffened. He had been sitting with his son Richard, watching the dance floor with calm pride, when that voice came from behind. Slowly, he turned, his sharp old eyes narrowing.“Martin…” Gregory whispered, uncertain at first, his lips trembling slightly as he observed the old man standing before him.The man was thin, his back bent with age, leaning heavily on a polished walking stick. Deep wrinkles stretched across his face, his faint smile only making them more pronounced. He looked frail, but there was something in his eyes..something dangerous, something alive...that hadn’t dimmed with time.“It’s good to see you after so many years,” Martin said
Evelyn squeezed Vivienne’s arm, her smile brighter than ever. She was very happy now that she had her doctor by her side. The hall was filled with music and soft chatter, the glow of lights making everything look like a dream.They reached Emily and Denovon’s table. Evelyn slowly unhooked her arm from Vivienne and let her step forward.“Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Rowland, on your wedding,” Vivienne said softly. “I’m sorry I arrived late.” She paused, her eyes kind. “I had an appointment earlier today, and that delayed me.”Emily’s face lit up. She stood from her chair and pulled Vivienne into a hug, her smile warm. Denovon only nodded in acknowledgement, but his eyes briefly swept over her with calm interest.“Thank you,” Emily said sincerely. “And thank you also for Evelyn.”Her words carried more than one meaning. She was thanking Vivienne not only for attending the wedding, but also for her effort in helping Evelyn get better.Emily remembered the first time she had seen Dr. Luk
“Dr. Lukeman, it is good to see that you made it!” Evelyn said with a bright smile as she hugged Vivienne tightly. Her happiness spilled over in her voice, as if seeing Vivienne had taken away the nervousness she felt earlier. To Evelyn, Vivienne was not just her specialist doctor but also a woman she now called a friend. Someone who listened without judgment. Someone who had understood her struggles not just because she was paid to, but because she, Vivienne, seemed to carry the same kind of pain in her heart. That was why Evelyn had begged Emily to invite her to the wedding. At least then she would have someone she could talk to, someone she could lean on while surrounded by strangers since Emily is the bride and won't have time for her and George would be busy too.“You wanted me here, so I had to come. Sorry I was late,” Vivienne replied with a small smile as she returned the hug warmly.“No issues at all. At least you are here now,” Evelyn said happily as she pulled back from the
“It’s truly you, I thought my eyes were playing tricks,” a woman’s voice said as she walked toward their table.Vivienne froze. She didn’t need to lift her head to know who it was. That voice was too familiar, one she could never forget.Serena Turner.The heiress of the Turner family. Her best friend in college or so she thought. Daniel Trent’s girlfriend. Or maybe ex-girlfriend now, if the rumors were true.Vivienne’s stomach twisted painfully. Her breath caught in her throat.“Yes, it’s me,” Daniel replied, his tone flat, as if he wasn’t excited to see her.Vivienne scorned in her heart at the sound of his pretentious voice. Of course. It all made sense now. He hadn’t asked her here out of love. He had asked her here to use her. He already knew Serena would be at this restaurant today. He wanted to prove something to her. It was still Serena. Always Serena.“I didn’t expect to see you here,” Serena said with a smile.“I didn’t expect to see you either,” Daniel replied smoothly. He
Vivienne looked toward the hall, following the deep commanding voice. Her eyes widened when she saw the man standing there. She hadn’t expected to see him at all.“Sir Leo,” the guards greeted respectfully, immediately stepping aside to make way for her.Leo’s dark eyes landed on her. “Why are you still standing there?” he asked, his tone calm yet firm.Vivienne blinked, startled, before quickly stepping into the hall. Relief washed through her chest, her breath escaping in a shaky sigh.“Thank you,” she said softly, forcing a faint smile. She knew Leo had only claimed she was with him to save her from humiliation. In truth, she had been invited by Emily and Evelyn...after all, she was Evelyn’s therapist. The one Denovon himself had recommended when Evelyn was struggling with addiction.“I’m surprised to see you here,” Leo said, his gaze sweeping over her. There was a glint of amusement in his eyes. “It’s good to see you aren’t bawling your eyes out today.”Vivienne froze. Her faint s
“You look very beautiful, sis,” Evelyn complimented softly.Emily turned to face her. She had already changed out of her white wedding gown and into a graceful evening dress for the reception. The gown was an elegant champagne color, shimmering softly under the golden light from the crystal chandeliers above. The fabric hugged her figure in all the right places, flowing down in delicate folds like liquid silk. Her bare shoulders glowed with a natural radiance, and her hair, now loosened slightly from its earlier tight bun, framed her delicate face beautifully. Simple pearl earrings graced her ears, adding a timeless touch of elegance.Emily smiled warmly at her stepsister. “Thank you, Eve. You look beautiful too.”They were still in the dressing room of the grand hotel suite, the same hotel where the reception was being held. From the distance, one could faintly hear the sound of music...the piano playing softly, mixed with laughter and the murmur of voices in the hall where the guest