Chapter 24
On the day of the wedding, Jenvil was deep in winter. Jasmine stood before the mirror in a flowing gown, its pearl-adorned train spilling like moonlight across the floor.
She gazed at her reflection and was suddenly reminded of Matthew’s joke years ago.
“I want to be the first one to see it if you ever wear a wedding dress.”
Timothy had also added, “No one else can see you in a wedding dress but me.”
Her fingertips paused slightly. Then, she lowered her gaze with the faintest hint of mockery at her lips.
Now, it was Sebastian standing behind her, adjusting her veil. His slender fingers gently brushed through her hair with movements that were tender yet restrained.
He asked in a low voice, “Nervous?”
Jasmine met his eyes through the mirror and shook her head gently. “Just feeling… a bit surreal.”
Sebastian chuckled softly. “Me too.”
The wedding was held at the Campbell family’s private estate. After the fresh snow, the sun filtered through the glass dome, bathing the entire hall in golden light.
Jasmine walked arm-in-arm with William, walking slowly toward Sebastian. She moved at her own pace, memories of her past with Matthew and Timothy flickering through her mind. To say she felt nothing
would have been a lie.
Even so, she could only choose not to care.
“You may now kiss the bride.”
The officiant had barely finished when the doors to the hall burst open. The cold wind swept in with fine snow, and all the guests turned around.
Matthew stood at the entrance, breathing heavily. His black coat was covered with snowflakes. His gaze locked onto Jasmine as unwillingness burned in his eyes.
Not far behind him, Timothy leaned against the doorframe in an impeccably tailored suit, his expression
unreadable.
The tangled history between the bride and the two men had been the talk of both Jenvil and Horinton. Every guest knew the story, and more than a few wore the amused expressions of people watching a
show.
“Looks like our wedding’s even livelier than expected,” Sebastian murmured, his hand steady on her waist.
Jasmine took a deep breath and turned to face the two men. “What are you doing here?”
Matthew’s Adam’s apple bobbed. “Jas, I-”
“Ms. Lane, congratulations on your wedding.” Timothy interrupted him, a smile playing at his lips.
He walked closer and pulled out a velvet box, getting so close that his breath brushed against her ear.”
It’s our gift.”
When Jasmine didn’t accept it, Timothy simply placed the box on a nearby table. He explained, “It’s just a wedding gift, Jas. Won’t you let me wish you happiness?”
Matthew suddenly clenched his fists. “Timothy, you bastard…”
He kept shooting Timothy looks. Didn’t they plan to stop the wedding? What was this?
Jasmine chimed in, “Matt, it’s my wedding.”
She looked between the two of them, her tone quiet but leaving no room for argument. “If you’re here to wish me happiness, you’re welcome to do so. If not…”
Her fingers slid over Sebastian’s hand. “Please leave.”
Sebastian intertwined their fingers in response.
Matthew’s face instantly went pale.
Meanwhile, Timothy laughed lowly. “Jasmine, you really are ruthless.”
With that, he turned and left.
Matthew remained standing there. Eventually, he closed his eyes in defeat and followed after Timothy. Under the guests’ watchful eyes, Sebastian leaned down and kissed his bride.
Though Matthew and Timothy had left the hall, they hadn’t gone far.
Outside, the snow was falling harder. Matthew stood in the storm, slamming his fist against the wall until blood ran between his fingers. Timothy leaned against his car and lit a cigarette. “You can’t accept it?”
Matthew’s eyes were bloodshot. “Then, can you?”
Timothy exhaled and casually threw the cigarette butt into the snow, crushing it before opening his car
door.
Taking a deep breath, he answered slowly, “No. But it’s her choice. Let’s go, Matthew. After all these years of fighting over her… we both lost her.”
