“Mr. Alfredson, on such an important day, wouldn’t it be fitting for you to choose a highly respected person to be the witness for your grandson’s wedding?”
“Hah! What a suggestion! Honestly, Mr. Alfredson himself would make the perfect witness. In the Western Frontier, who could rival the reputation of Mr. Alfredson? Building roads, constructing bridges, funding schools-who else has shown such dedication?”
“Exactly! I propose that Mr. Alfredson himself be the witness. No one else is truly qualified for this honor.”
“Indeed, indeed! Hahaha, my oversight, my oversight!”
“…”
Zack Alfredson laughed heartily at these words, though not because he was flattered by their praise. His joy came from a deeper place-his health had returned, and his grandson was getting married.
For him, this was a day of great celebration. He couldn’t help but feel elated.
Maintaining a humble demeanor, he said, “You’re all too kind. In fact, everyone here is a witness to my grandson’s wedding! However, I did personally invite someone very special to act as the official witness. Allow me to introduce this individual-my lifesaver.”
With that, he turned excitedly toward Kayden.
“This is Mr. Scott, the doctor who healed me just a few days ago! His medical skills are unparalleled. With him officiating this wedding, I’m confident my grandson’s future will be bright.”
Everyone followed Zack Alfredson’s gaze and saw a young man standing there. Their initial reaction was disappointment.
So young-could he really be that capable?
They scrutinized Kayden, noting the arrogance in his eyes. This air of superiority unsettled them.
Isn’t this young man a bit too conceited? they thought. He’s so young, yet he shows no humility at all.
To them, humility was the mark of true progress. Judging by Kayden’s demeanor, they believed he would achieve little in life.
No one spoke in his favor. Instead, they stared at him in silence.
Those seated at the same table even showed him outright hostility, their dissatisfaction with his arrogance evident.
Finally, Captain Johnson broke the silence, his voice loud and clear. “This doctor is indeed remarkable-young and accomplished! His medical skills are second to none. Having him serve as the witness for Mr. Alfredson’s grandson is both logical and appropriate!”
With that, Captain Johnson stood up and began clapping enthusiastically.
The crowd had no choice but to follow suit. They might not respect Kayden, but they certainly couldn’t afford to offend Mike Johnson, the captain of the Western Frontier Guard. One after another, they joined in the applause, voicing their agreement.
Such was the nature of this society-where power and status dictated behavior. Among these so-called elites, this dynamic played out in vivid detail.
Kayden, unfazed by the crowd’s gaze, rose slowly and turned his attention to the veiled bride.
Though her face was hidden from view, Kayden could sense her strong resistance.
He didn’t act immediately. Instead, he shifted his eyes to Zack Alfredson.
“Mr. Scott, please step onto the stage!” Zack Alfredson said warmly.
“It is the Alfredson family’s honor to have you as the witness, hahaha!”
Kayden nodded slightly and began walking toward the ceremonial platform.
But when he reached the bride, he stopped.
He stood still in front of her.
The crowd gasped in surprise.
What is this man doing? Has he lost his mind? That’s the bride!
Sophie, under the red veil, froze as well. Through the fabric, she could see someone standing before her-a man, the doctor who had healed Zack Alfredson, and today’s official witness.
She couldn’t see his face and had no idea who he was.
What is he doing? she wondered, panic rising in her chest.
Did he notice the dagger in my hand?
No! He must not discover it. No one can know what I’m planning.
Her palms began to sweat, her throat tightening as she swallowed nervously.
She gripped the dagger in her hand tighter, her resolve hardening.
Now’s the time!
Just as she gritted her teeth and prepared to drive the blade into herself, the man standing before her suddenly reached out and grabbed her wrist.
The strength of his grip startled her, sending a shiver down her spine.
He found the dagger! It’s over!
Sophie struggled to break free, but his grip was unyielding. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t escape.
The crowd erupted in shock.
The entire room was in an uproar, stunned by Kayden’s bold action.
What is he doing? Is he openly disrespecting the bride?
This wasn’t just a gathering of Western Frontier elites; it was the Alfredson family’s event. His behavior was a blatant affront-not only to the family but to all the influential figures present.
The guests were furious, but no one dared speak out before Zack Alfredson said anything. Instead, they directed their silent outrage at Kayden.
Kayden, however, ignored the crowd entirely. His focus was on Sophie, whose hand he gripped firmly.
In a cold voice, he asked, “Is it you, Sophie?”
Sophie’s heart felt as if it had exploded.
That voice… that hand… this warm, familiar hand! Could it really be him?
In that moment, Sophie felt as though she were dreaming.
No, not even in her dreams did she dare to imagine seeing this man at such a time.
Her emotions surged uncontrollably, waves crashing within her.
She had been ready to die just moments ago, but his voice had pulled her back from the brink of despair.
Trembling, she tore off her veil and stared at the man before her.
It was him.
It was really him.
Seeing his cold, stoic face, Sophie could no longer hold back the flood of emotions.
Tears poured from her eyes.
At that moment, Sophie forgot everyone around her. She forgot the stares, the murmurs, the judgment.
All she could see was Kayden.
She threw herself into his arms, clinging to him tightly as she burst into tears.
She had waited for this moment for far too long.