Eleanor hadn't expected Vanessa to turn up at all-certainly not as a bridesmaid.

Vanessa, for her part, spotted Eleanor almost instantly. Noticing Xavier seated at Eleanor's side, she offered a faint, enigmatic smile before turning her attention forward, focusing on the couple at the altar.

The ceremony began in earnest. With the officiant guiding them, the bride and groom exchanged rings and vows. Applause erupted throughout the chapel, and Eleanor joined in, clapping along with the crowd.

Xavier applauded too, but his eyes kept drifting to Eleanor, searching her face. On a day as festive as this, was she thinking about her own wedding the one from years ago?

The memory was still vivid for him: Eleanor, radiant and beaming, arm in arm with lan. Back then, Xavier had offered his heartfelt congratulations to his best friend, never imagining how things would change.

Afterward, Eleanor had quietly vanished from lan's social circle. Rumor had it she was staying home, devoted to domestic life as a full-time wife.

Then, everything shifted the day he saw her abroad-poised and graceful as she took the stage to play a piece on the piano. Perhaps that was when she first caught his heart.

Later came that day at the lake. When Eleanor slipped into the water, and as lan dove in after Vanessa, Xavier didn't hesitate-he jumped in to save Eleanor.

Another time, as he was heading home, he saw her standing beneath a streetlamp, shivering in the cold, so fragile and alone. An urge to protect her welled up inside him, and from that moment, he couldn't help paying more attention to her.

He knew perfectly well it was taboo to covet his friend's wife-but still...

He never imagined it would end in divorce.

Now, watching Eleanor's calm, composed face, untouched by the ceremony's emotion, Xavier felt the corner of his mouth lift in quiet relief.

Onstage, the bride turned to the crowd, her voice sweet through the microphone. "Now, ladies, I'm going to toss my bouquet. I hope to pass along a bit of today's happiness. Ready? Here we go!"

The bridesmaids-all single-gathered at the front, joined by other unmarried women eager to catch the bride's luck.

Vanessa's eyes lit up with anticipation. She watched the bride's movements closely, ready to pounce.

The bride laughed, turned her back to the crowd, and launched the bouquet high overhead.

A spray of white roses soared in a graceful arc, every eye tracing its flight.

There was a flurry of elbows and laughter as the bridesmaids jostled for position.

But-

Smack!

The bouquet arced past the eager crowd, landing squarely in the lap of a guest at the head table.

It was lan.

The room fell silent for a beat, then burst into good-natured laughter and applause.

"Looks like Mr. Goodwin's up next!" someone called out, teasing.

lan stared at the bouquet in shock, then lifted his gaze across the crowd, locking eyes with Eleanor. He set the flowers down on the table.

Vanessa's expression flickered with disappointment-she'd positioned herself closest to the bride, sure the bouquet would be hers.

But she recovered quickly, her confidence returning. With a poised smile, she strode over to lan, and, before the entire room, scooped the bouquet off the table, holding it high for all to see.

A ripple of whispers swept through the crowd. Vanessa announced, "I got it!"

The bride, seeing the bouquet in lan's hands, grinned knowingly. She lifted her glass and called out, "Looks like my bouquet's found its way to the next happy couple. Congratulations! I hope we're all celebrating your wedding soon."

The room erupted in laughter and applause. It seemed the next big event would be the Goodwin & Co. CEO's own nuptials.

Around Vanessa, a chorus of congratulations rose up.

Eleanor glanced at lan. He had his back to her, so she couldn't see his

expression, but somehow, she could picture the indulgent, affectionate look on his face.

Xavier leaned in. "Want to slip out after the ceremony?" he asked softly.

Eleanor shook her head. "Let's stay for the dinner."

Leaving now would be rude and honestly, watching lan and Vanessa parade

around as a couple didn't bother her anymore.

"Alright," Xavier replied, smiling. He was happy to stay.

Soon, the bride and groom made their rounds, toasting each table. The bridesmaids took their seats, Vanessa naturally settling in beside lan, with Henry on her other side.

Mr. Brown approached, his daughter and son-in-law in tow, to offer a toast. Guests raised their glasses in turn. When Mr. Brown reached Eleanor's table, he introduced her warmly to his daughter. "Tessa, let me introduce you to Eleanor—a rising star in the research world. Get to know her."

"Miss Sutton, a toast to you," Tessa said, lifting her glass.

Eleanor smiled back. “Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness."

Course after lavish course arrived at their table. Among the guests were several well-heeled women; one, after observing Eleanor and Xavier for a while, finally asked, "Are you two married?"

Eleanor was caught off guard. Xavier laughed and explained, "We're just good friends."

"Oh! You look so perfect together, I assumed you were a couple." The woman grinned at Xavier. “Well, good friends sometimes make the best partners. Don't give up!"

Xavier actually blushed, raising his glass to her. "Cheers to that."

He kept his final thought to himself: If only her well wishes could help his dreams come true.