But no matter how much she loved sleeping in, as it neared nine-thirty, the person in bed finally woke up.

Mia Moore rolled over groggily, the sudden realization that today was her wedding day jolting her awake. She immediately reached out for her phone at the bedside.

Sitting up and glancing at the screen, she saw the glaring numbers: 9:23.

“Aahhhhhh!”

What the heck? Wasn’t she supposed to be picked up at seven?

Why was it so quiet, and why hadn’t anyone come to wake her up?

Just then, Charles Chase came out of the bathroom. Hearing her shout, he hurried over. “What’s going on? What happened?”

Mia Moore stared at him in shock. “What are you doing here? Wait, why didn’t you wake me up?! It’s almost nine-thirty, Charles Chase!”

She clambered to the end of the bed, standing tall as she shook his shoulders and glared down at him in his suit.

Charles Chase chuckled and pulled her into his arms. “Don’t stand so high. I got here at seven, but you were sound asleep.”

“And you didn’t wake me up?!”

“You couldn’t be woken.”

“…”

Seeing how anxious she was, Charles Chase stopped teasing her and simply hugged her, setting her back down onto the bed. “There’s still time.”

“No there isn’t! It’s already almost noon!”

“Mm, so, are you getting up or not?”

Mia Moore frowned and looked for her slippers. Charles Chase squatted down and helped her into them. “Don’t worry, don’t worry.”

She quickly washed her face and rushed to the next room, where the makeup artist—who had been waiting for hours—was happily eating mini cakes and sipping tea in leisure.

“I’m so sorry, I overslept.”

The makeup artist didn’t mind at all and immediately washed her hands to start getting Mia Moore ready.

Julian Jarvis, hearing the commotion upstairs, had the kitchen send breakfast up and leaned against the doorway, grinning. “Well, seems like someone’s not keen on getting married—only just now getting up.”

Mia Moore shot him a playful glare. “Ge—” (big brother)

“Alright, alright, I’ll stop teasing. Don’t hurry, take your time.”

By the time everything was done and they left the Jiang family house, it was already ten o’clock. A convoy of luxury cars lined up neatly beneath the tree-lined avenue, each one adorned with delicate blue roses.

Smoothing out the voluminous skirt of her wedding gown, Mia Moore glanced at the driver and muttered, “Ge, why are you the one driving? It doesn’t feel like a real send-off.”

“On TV, the brother always sends the bride off and then weep together at the door.”

Both men were left speechless. Julian Jarvis shook his head, thinking, I’m just making sure you don’t cry and ruin your makeup.

When the car arrived at the Chase family’s old estate, the garden was bustling with waiting guests.

Sarah Chase, elegant in a rosy pink cheongsam, sat gracefully in the front row with Chi Chi and Fu Zhiyan, as well as Song Ying. The seat beside her was saved for Julian Jarvis.

Even Chi Chi’s grandparents had come. Seeing all the warm, smiling faces, Mia Moore finally felt the reality of her wedding sink in.

With the host’s guidance, she and Julian Jarvis stepped out of the car and began the walk toward the ceremony, step by careful step.

The sunlight was especially golden, casting a warm glow over clusters of white and pale blue flowers, beneath a floral archway at the front.

Both sides of the aisle were filled with family and friends, all watching them with loving, joyful anticipation.

Mia Moore spotted Chi Chi and winked. Chi Chi cheerfully waved back.

And when Julian Jarvis placed his sister’s hand in Charles Chase’s, tears welled up in Mia Moore’s eyes before she even realized it. So this is what it feels like, she thought.

Mere moments ago, she’d complained she didn’t feel like a real bride leaving home. Yet when her brother let go of her hand, it felt as if time rewound to years ago.

The night before she went abroad, her brother had handed her over to the housekeeper. She’d tried to cling to his sleeve, but he wiped away her tears and coaxed her gently, then still turned and left.

She’d cried for a long, long time, terrified he wouldn’t come back.

This time, before Julian Jarvis could reach out, Charles Chase was the one to wipe away her tears.

Julian Jarvis smiled and slipped his hand into his pocket. Yes, from now on, the little sister he’d cherished for over twenty years would have someone else to wipe her tears.

He held in his reluctance and said gently, “Go on, don’t mess up your makeup with tears now.”

Mia Moore scrunched her nose, gave her brother a look, and took Charles Chase’s arm, slowly walking forward.

In the audience, Chi Chi was sniffling in empathy. Fu Zhiyan handed her a tissue and gently wiped her tears. Chi Chi turned, looked at him, and whispered, “Hubby, I feel so happy.”

“I know.” Fu Zhiyan nodded.

Julian Jarvis returned to his seat beside Song Ying.

Song Ying glanced sideways, and though his face revealed little, she could sense a glimmer of loneliness in Julian Jarvis at that moment.

The ceremony proceeded; the host’s voice was gentle and unwavering as he recited the age-old vows.

“Groom, do you promise to uphold your wedding vows from this day forward—

Whether rich or poor,

In sickness or in health,

In beauty or in loss,

In good fortune or adversity,

Do you promise to love her, comfort her, and protect her?

And to remain forever faithful to her throughout your lives?”

Charles Chase looked at the girl before him, a rare, gentle smile in his usually cool eyes. He answered without hesitation, “I do.”

The same question was put to Mia Moore. She looked up, smiled brightly, and replied, “I do.”

They exchanged rings, and the tall, handsome groom leaned down, kissing his new bride.

The crowd erupted into delighted applause and cheers.

The ceremony ended simply and beautifully.

Someone in the crowd shouted that it was time for the bride to throw her bouquet.

All the single men and women surged forward.

Chi Chi shook her head and looked at Fu Zhiyan. “No chance for me now.”

Fu Zhiyan chuckled, nipping her ear in playful punishment. “Mm, I’ll punish you again tonight.”

In the first row sat Chi Chi and Fu Zhiyan, as well as Julian Jarvis and Song Ying—neither pair disposed to join the ruckus. They remained serenely seated.

The rest of the crowd packed together, and with a conspiratorial smile, Mia Moore turned and tossed the white bridal bouquet high, gleaming in the golden sunlight. It soared, then, in a scramble of reaching hands, was batted again—tumbling crookedly towards the front row.

It landed squarely in Song Ying’s hands, a little water flying off the flowers and cooling her palm.

Still startled, Song Ying hesitated, only to hear everyone whooping in surprise.

“Wow! Song Ying!”

Mia Moore clapped her hands, laughing. “Sister Song Ying, looks like you’re next!”

Looking at the lovely bouquet, Song Ying’s face suddenly broke into a bright, clear smile. “Yes, I think I am.”

The person beside her stiffened, sneaking a sideways glance at the confident, beautiful girl.

As the wedding approached its end, everyone moved inside. The entire first floor of the mansion had been cleared, now turned into a banquet hall with buffet tables brimming with desserts and treats, the atmosphere lively like a proper reception.

Off to the side, a chef grilled steak on the spot, while the bartender mixed up fresh cocktails.

Among the guests—undoubtedly the most prominent figures in the capital—grandfather and grandmother whispered to Chi Chi that they would slip back to the old house. With them present, all eyes would be on them; better to let the youngsters enjoy the spotlight.

Elegant ladies in beautiful gowns and gentlemen in crisp suits mingled as they savored the feast.

…