Chapter 48: The Wedding
The sound of firecrackers filled the air, announcing Henry’s arrival.
Sonya sat on the bridal bed, veiled and holding a bouquet, her heart racing in time with the crackling firecrackers. A month ago, she had made an impulsive decision, agreeing to marry a stranger. A month later, after getting to know Henry, she was grateful for that decision.
Outside, the noise grew louder. Lily Lane and Ashley, the bridesmaids, were teasing the groom, having taken his wallet and now demanding a talent show.
Sonya wondered what talents Henry had. Just then, the sound of piano music filled the air. The lively atmosphere shifted to a gentler tone, the soft melody a quiet confession of love that touched her heart.
The door opened, and Lily Lane led Sonya out into the hallway, where the light streamed in. There, at an old piano, sat Henry. In his suit and bow tie, he looked every bit the prince, gazing at her with intensity as she approached.
She walked towards him, stepping under the blessings of everyone present, until she reached him.
As the music ended, Henry stood, knelt, and took her hand, kissing it gently. “Sonya, thank you for marrying me.”
Sonya blushed, pulling him up.
They stood together in the sunlight, gazing into each other’s eyes.
“Wow, Sonya is stunning! The groom is handsome!” Ashley exclaimed.
Lily Lane, still in shock, said nothing but looked at Henry. “So, Sonya’s groom really is the Reynolds Crown Prince?” She had known since yesterday, but seeing him in person—he was not just rich, he was incredibly handsome.
“Henry, Sonya is a good girl. Treat her well,” Sonya’s aunt said, giving him a stern but caring look.
“And if you dare bully our Sonya, we won’t let you off!” her uncle added.
Henry promised to cherish Sonya and protect her.
Sonya hugged her aunt and uncle tightly. “Don’t worry. I’ll be happy.”
“Good girl. Remember, your aunt and uncle are your support system. Don’t let anyone mistreat you.”
“I know.”
Jason Reynolds approached with a grin. “Little Aunt, we’re family now. Can you change my contact name from ‘Second–Rate Dog’? We can’t all be dogs in the same pack.”
Sonya, on the verge of tears, burst into laughter.
Henry was Jason Reynolds’s uncle, and she was now his aunt. How surreal.
At SeaCloud Castle, luxury cars filled the parking lot as guests from all walks of life arrived. The Reynolds and Jennings families had separate reception areas. Mrs. Jennings greeted a friendly CEO’s wife, only to find out she was headed to the Reynolds side.
Returning to her husband, Mrs. Jennings grumbled, “We shouldn’t have chosen this day. Look how lively they are, and we’re so deserted.”
Jennings’s father scowled, “We could have networked, but look—everyone’s gone to the other side.”
Julian Jennings joined them, his face tense as he greeted guests.
“You wouldn’t listen! I said we should get a DNA test for Seraphina’s baby, but you refused…” Mrs. Jennings started.
“Enough!” Julian interrupted, his patience thinning. “It’s my wedding day. Stop with the negativity.”
Mrs. Jennings muttered under her breath, “We’re not going to be suckers.”
Julian was agitated, his thoughts swirling around the image of Sonya in her wedding dress. She was really getting married. He had thought she was just making a last-ditch effort to win him back. Was this her way of making him regret his decision?
“Who is the Reynolds family marrying? There were no rumors,” Mrs. Jennings asked, puzzled.
Jennings’s father handed her the invitation. “The bride’s name is Sonya.”
“Sonya?” Mrs. Jennings exclaimed. “A coincidence?”
Julian snatched the invitation from her, his heart racing when he saw “Sonya” written as the bride’s name.
“It can’t be her,” he muttered to himself. “Reynolds wouldn’t marry someone with no status or wealth. She’s not even worthy to carry the Crown Prince’s shoes, let alone be his bride. It’s a joke.”
As Mrs. Jennings continued speaking, the Reynolds wedding procession arrived.
Henry stepped out of the car first. The flashes of cameras illuminated him as he adjusted his bow tie, smiling dazzlingly. He walked to the other side of the car, opening the door and bending down to take his bride’s hand.
As Sonya, veiled and radiant, stepped out of the car, the flashes intensified. Henry seemed to give her all the starlight in the world, guiding her toward the castle.
Together, they walked into SeaCloud Castle—like a prince and princess stepping into a fairytale.
But then, Julian Jennings appeared, blocking their path.
He stared at Sonya in disbelief, shaking his head. “It can’t be you… It can’t be you…”
Henry stepped in front of Sonya protectively. “Julian Jennings, staring at my wife is rude.”
Julian Jennings turned toward Henry, his anger rising. “Why did you marry her? Are you doing this to humiliate me?”
“Julian Jennings, you think too highly of yourself,” Henry replied coldly.
“You’ve always gotten to me, even with this wedding…” Julian’s voice faltered, but before he could finish, Henry punched him square in the jaw.
The crowd gasped in shock. Reporters surged forward, and security immediately intervened.
Julian, enraged, lunged at Henry, but Leo Jones and Jake Parker restrained him.
“Don’t ruin your own wedding,” Leo warned. “And don’t ruin Sonya’s.”
“You marry Seraphina; Sonya marries Henry. What’s wrong with that?” Jake added.
Julian Jennings, staring at Sonya with a cold, disdainful expression, seemed to collapse in on himself. The guests and media gasped.
Seraphina, seeing Julian’s reaction, rushed toward Sonya.
“No, it’s not you! How could it be you?! Why is Sonya getting married, and I’m not?” Seraphina cried, her voice trembling with disbelief.
