Chapter 284

“Let them laugh,” Hannah said reassuringly. “A wedding is all about joy. If everyone’s laughing, it just means more happiness.”
Time was tight; every second was accounted for.
Dressed in her gown, her makeup flawless, and a delicate tiara in her hair, Penelope stood before the full-length mirror and gazed at her reflection. She hardly recognized herself. She looked like a princess from a fairy tale, ethereal and regal, as if she had never been touched by the hardships of the world.
People say a woman is most beautiful on her wedding day, just moments before marrying the man she loves. She used to disagree, believing a woman should live every moment of her life with brilliance and beauty. But now, looking at herself, she truly felt this was the most beautiful she had ever been-more beautiful than any moment before, and a beauty that would be hard to surpass.
It was, she realized, because in this moment, she was utterly and completely happy. The man she was about to marry, she was certain he loved her, and she loved him. “The groom’s motorcade is here!” someone shouted from outside.
The announcement was followed by the crackle of celebratory firecrackers.
Hannah rallied the others to the door. “Alright, everyone, let’s give the groom a hard time! The more we tease him, the more festive it is!”
As the door closed, Penelope smiled and lowered her gaze, quietly waiting for him to open it.
The hallway soon filled with a lively clamor of congratulations and laughter. She heard Michael’s voice call out, “Alright, ladies, go easy on us! We’ve brought gifts, just tell us how many you want!”
A cheerful scuffle for the gifts ensued outside.
Then Hannah shouted, “We’ll take the gifts, but you still have to follow the rules!”
“What other rules are there?”
“The groom has to perform a talent!”
“We came prepared! Bring out the props!”
“Oh, you actually prepared something?”
“Of course!”
Penelope glanced toward the door, wondering what talent Theodore could possibly have. Surely he wasn’t going to sign a few contracts on the spot?
But what happened next stunned her.
The sweet, melodic sound of a violin drifted in from the hallway. Fearing she would miss it, Hannah started a video call so she could watch. On the screen, Theodore stood in Ris groom’s tuxedo, the high collar of his shirt framing his sharp jawline His hair was slicked back, accentuating his already handsome features and making him look breathtakingly radiant.
He held the violin in one hand and the bow in the other, his head tilted slightly as his deep, focused gaze followed the music. The elegant curve of his jaw made the scene, the more striking. As the melody soared, it felt as though he was drawing everyone into another world-a world with him at its center, where everyone looked up to him in awe.
But Penelope wasn’t just an admirer; she was the other protagonist in this world.
The beautiful music won over the bridesmaids. Clutching their generous gifts, they opened the door with genuine smiles.
And then, he walked in.
The moment he saw her in her wedding dress, his eyes filled with undisguised adoration.
“You’re beautiful,” he breathed.
Penelope felt she had to say something in return. “You’re very lucky.”
Theodore couldn’t help but laugh. “Yes, I am very lucky.”
She stomped her foot playfully. “You’re laughing at me!”
“Shh, don’t talk too much. I don’t want to be too weak from laughing to carry you later.”
“It’s fine. I can carry you.”
“Let’s preserve some of your husband’s dignity, shall we?”
Penelope opened her arms. “Fine, you can carry me.”
Theodore stepped forward and swept her up into his arms. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ ~net
“Let’s go! Time to get married!”
At the wedding venue, the Sullivan family presented their invitation and walked in.
Zebulon looked puzzled. “I saw the welcome sign at the entrance. The bride’s name is Penelope.”
“If you read it correctly, then it must just be someone with the same name,” Mrs. Sullivan replied dismissively.
Mr. Sullivan nodded in agreement. “It
can’t be the Penelope we know.
Don’t forget, were the ones wel
personally sent her to
W