Chapter 206

The Wyndham estate buzzed with wedding activities.

Visitors arrived at the mansion. Stone had hired the service of more security personnels for more security purposes.

These security men have been divided into different sections. Some were coordinating the parking area as guests arrived. The order was to search every guest, making sure no one was able to smuggle in any dangerous weapons.

Security cameras have been fixed in every strategic area of the mansion. Some cameras were visible, CCTV surveillance. While some were hidden for strategic purposes.

Carl and Delphine’s wedding will take place in the grand ballroom of the Wyndham family mansion. The place was just a bit of a distance from the mansion itself.

While guests were still arriving, John was silently having a small meeting with his family members. The situation was intense and dangerous.

John knew that the wedding would not hold. But they had to make it believable in order to achieve the purpose of it.

The police and other Carminton special forces and security men were all around. Although, that fact was unknown to the guests and other people who are not a part of this plan from the beginning.After John had the meeting with his family. They all left to welcome their guests, leaving John and Gladys alone in the family drawing room.

Gladys was not happy. He expression never changed ever since she knew that the woman her son was getting married to was once with Gabriel her son.

She remained sitting on one of the sofas in the drawing room.

John sighed in frustration. He was tired. But he had to hold on a little longer in order to finish what he had started. This was the only opportunity he has to finally set his family free from this strong and dangerous enemy.

He can not afford to mess it up. Whatever happens today, will determine the future of his family. So, he knew that so many people will hate him for what he was about to do, but it was the only way.

“Gladys,” he broke the awkward silence between them.

“I think it was about time I tell you just one thing. I only need your support. Any fault from us can destroy everything you hold dear to your heart.”

Gladys adjusted her sitting position. She finally tried to give John a listening ear after two weeks.

“Promise me that you will not make a scene after hearing about what I am about to tell you?”

His face was hard. This was a difficult situation. And hewas the one in the middle of it.

“Stop scaring me, John.” Was her reply.

“What if I tell you that everything that has been happening, the disappearance of Isla, Carl’s marriage and everything is a charade.”

Gladys narrowed her eyes, thinking about what he just said to her.

Gladys had prayed for a day like this to happen. Now that John was saying it exactly how she had imagined it to be.

She still couldn’t believe it was happening already.

She pinched herself by her arm and winced.

“Ouch, that stung”

She looked at John who stood tall in his all white suit and black trench coat. His face didn’t change. His expression never changed.

Her heart began to pound faster. Realisation was hitting her now. Her face brightened up. And the first thing that came to her mind was exactly what she said.

“Isla is alive and well.” She whispered the words.

It wasn’t a question. It was a confirmation.

John nodded, and Gladys hands flew to her mouth in shock. She gasped.”I hope you understand what is going on here? And I hope that you will play along and don’t give us away. I promise to tell you everything after all this is done.”

Gladys nodded, tears threatened to spill, but she blinked them back so she wouldn’t mess up her makeup.

“Thank you for telling me this, John.” She said, And he nodded.

***

Ben, Peter and the Ainsworth’s arrived. But Betsy and Sofie didn’t come with them. They refused to be a part of thjs lie. Betsy was so sure that something was going on than they let on.

They were received by Landon and Mia who led them to the spot where John had reserved for them.

Once they were settled. Landon and Mia left to welcome more invited guests.

Finally, the Winthropes arrived. And just as John and Stone had suspected. They were escorted by gunmen. Not just any gunmen, but about a dozen armed men came with them.

Their convoy rolled to a stop right in front of the venue.

The first people to come out of the convoy were the gun men. They carried sophisticated weapons. Stone almost snorted at their behaviour. Who goes carrying weapons to a wedding?One of them opened the back door of one of the cars and Delphine stepped out.

One by one, their family members stepped out of the cars.

John and Gladys stood at the entrance of the large hall where the ceremony would take place. Beside them stood Landon and Mia. Their faces didn’t give anything away.

The families exchange pleasantries before going inside.

Stone met with them and immediately Stephen Winthrope saw him. His countenance changed.

“I am sorry gentlemen, but no weapons are allowed inside the venue. I think you would have to wait outside.”

His face was serious. He was at least doing his Job.

Stephen’s lips twitching, but he finally nodded. “Ok.” Stone nodded. “Thanks, ” he replied. “You can proceed inside. But the armed men stay here with me.

Stephen followed John and his family inside. But he wasn’t sure of his decision.