Chapter 1302:
Her white gown was simple yet breathtaking, its quiet elegance far more striking than anything overtly lavish could have been. Along the hem, delicate flowers and winding vines had been carefully embroidered by hand, swaying softly with each graceful step she took. Her veil trailed gently to her waist, its edges lined with tiny pearls that caught the sunlight and sparkled as she moved.
Holding Kendrick’s arm, Rylie walked forward with calm, steady steps, making her way down the aisle toward Brad.
Brad stood waiting in a crisp white suit, a small white flower pinned to his chest that perfectly matched the lily of the valley in Rylie’s bouquet. From his neatly styled hair to the way he held himself, every detail about him reflected quiet elegance and composure.
He stood completely still, watching her as though even a single blink might shatter the moment and wake him from what felt like a dream. Their eyes met across the aisle, and a soft smile appeared on Rylie’s lips—though the edges of her eyes had already gone slightly red.
At last, she came to a stop directly in front of him.
He lifted his hand to meet hers, his palm a little damp, trembling faintly the moment her fingers touched his.
с𝗵i𝘯𝗲𝘀𝖾 𝗻𝘰𝘷е𝗹𝘀 𝘵r𝘢𝗻𝘴𝗹𝗮𝗍𝖾𝘥 o𝘯 𝗀𝘢𝗅n𝗼𝘷е𝗹𝘀.𝗰𝗼𝗆
Rylie glanced up at him and whispered, “A little nervous?”
Brad gave a small nod, his voice thick with emotion. “Yeah… a bit.”
She smiled and squeezed his hand gently. “Same here.”
Felix stood as the officiant. Though he was no stranger to important occasions, he cleared his throat and took a moment to steady himself before speaking.
“Today we’re gathered here to celebrate my sister’s wedding. It’s been a long road for these two, and many of you here know exactly how difficult that journey was.” A soft wave of laughter moved through the crowd.
Felix drew a slow breath and continued. “She went through more than most people will ever know during the years we were separated from her. And everything she has achieved since then came entirely from her own effort. Our family name didn’t open those doors—her determination did.”
He paused, his eyes resting on Rylie, his voice wavering just slightly.
“So when I found out she and Brad were together, I honestly wasn’t sure it was the right choice. We worried she might get hurt again—that the happiness she had fought so hard for might fall apart.”
The crowd went quiet.
Felix smiled faintly and pressed on. “But she proved all of us wrong. Her decision was the right one, and Brad has shown again and again, through his actions, that he truly deserves to stand beside her.” He looked directly at Brad, his expression steady and sincere. “Take good care of her.”
From the crowd, Deandre called out, “I might not be good at many things, but protecting my sister is one of them. Treat Rylie badly, and trust me—someone will have a very serious talk with you.”
The guests burst into laughter.
Felix chuckled and waved a hand at him. “Alright, alright—settle down.”
Felix stepped aside, and Marcus moved forward with the microphone.
Dressed in his silver-gray suit, he kept his gaze fixed on Rylie, his expression gentle and composed.
.
.
.