Nanci glanced over at Olivia’s table, where Olivia looked radiant and happy, a smile lighting up her face. One of Olivia’s friends asked, “Could you ask your grandson how he found such a wonderful wife? I should have my grandson learn from him, haha.”
Olivia laughed and replied, “It’s all about luck, really. Don’t worry. Your grandson will find his match when the time is right. Today, let’s enjoy ourselves and have a great meal. Thank you all for coming to celebrate my grandson’s wedding. Seeing all of you here makes me so happy.”
An elderly woman spoke up, “It’s been so long since we last gathered like this. We are grateful for the chance to attend your grandson’s wedding. Your grandson and granddaughter-in-law are both exceptional. They will have a blessed life together! Don’t forget about us in the future.”
Olivia reassured them, “How could I forget! We promised to be lifelong good friends, remember?”
“Alright, today is a joyous day, so let’s not talk about anything sad. Let’s raise our glasses together and celebrate the marriage of Olivia’s grandchild. Cheers!”
“Thank you all for your blessings. I also hope that we can continue to gather and that our friendship won’t fade with time.”
“Everyone, today is a day of great joy for Mr. Clarkson. Let’s share our heartfelt thoughts. I’ll start with a toast to congratulate you on finding your life partner!”
Edward nodded and raised his glass in return, saying, “This toast is a must! Fate can be quite mysterious. Before meeting Nanci, I never thought that marriage could bring happiness. But now, I feel that this is the most fulfilling day of my life because I have married a woman who loves me as much as I love her.”
Rodolfo said helplessly, “I always thought you would be the one to stay single with me until the end. I never expected you to be the first among us to get married…”
“Then why don’t you settle down with someone?”
“Me? No, thanks. I’m not ready to start a family. With my wealth and status, I have to worry if they love me or my money. What’s the point of living with such suspicion? My family has already burdened me enough. I don’t want to put so much pressure on myself over these things. Can you understand?”
Edward placed his hand on Rodolfo’s shoulder and said, “Make your own decisions that you won’t regret them. As brothers, I will always respect your decisions. If you ever face difficulties, just let me know, and I’ll help you.”
Issac spoke up, “Mr. Clarkson, I want to give a toast. Here’s to wishing you and Mrs. Clarkson an even better relationship in the future. Thank you for your years of support.”
Edward looked at Issac and said, “You got injured because of me, so this glass is for you. After drinking it, we will continue to work together for the success of our company. You and Jacob are my right-hand men. Although I may not always say it, I see all the hard work you both put in.”
Jacob heard his name mentioned and quickly raised his glass, saying, “No need for thanks, Mr. Clarkson. It’s what I should do. You’re our boss, after all. It’s an honor to be your groomsman today!”
Adam chimed in, “I’m not good with words, but I wish you and Mrs. Clarkson a lifetime of happiness.”
Brian also raised his glass and said, “Although I didn’t have high hopes for you, Nanci chose you in the end, so I will respect her choice. I hope you fulfill your promises and never betray Nanci.”
Edward looked at his groomsmen and finished his drink in one gulp before saying, “Thank you all for your blessings. I won’t let any of you down.”
At that moment, the officiant announced, “Next, let’s invite the bride to come up and give a speech and then toss her bouquet symbolizing good luck to the next fortunate lady!”
The bridesmaids pulled Nanci forward and asked playfully, “Nanci, have you thought about who you’ll throw the bouquet to?”
“What are you doing? How can we ask the bride about that? Let’s just stand below and witness fate unfold. If someone doesn’t catch it, don’t be discouraged.”
Nanci smiled and replied, “You’re all my good friends. Of course, I want everyone to be happy! When it’s time to throw it, I’ll turn around so I can’t see who catches it. At that moment, it’ll be up to destiny. Just like Maggie said, even if none of you catch it now, don’t lose hope! And if any of you aren’t happy at my wedding, I’ll be upset too…”
Maggie quickly comforted her, “No worries! Nanci, today is your wedding day. Don’t think too much! You’ll soon go up on stage to toss the bouquet. Be happy! No matter who catches the bouquet later, everyone will be genuinely happy for her, right?”
The bridesmaids responded in unison, “Yes!”
Feeling relieved, Nanci stood up and said with a smile, “Alright, I’ll go up first to give a speech.”
The officiant handed the microphone to Nanci as she stepped onto the stage. Holding the microphone in her hand with a slightly anxious look in her eyes as she scanned the guests below her.
Taking a deep breath to compose herself, she began speaking, “Thank you all for coming to my wedding today. I feel incredibly honored by your presence. Honestly speaking though, I’m not that exceptional. It’s just that I’ve found someone who loves me unconditionally. In his eyes, even my weaknesses are adorable!”
“Besides my husband, Olivia has treated me like her own granddaughter. Given my family situation, I’ve missed out on some familial love, but my husband and his grandmother have filled that void.”
“And of course, let’s not forget about my friends!” Nanci said, gesturing toward the table of bridesmaids with a smile. “They provide me with companionship and courage. Whenever I face misunderstandings or challenges, they warm my heart and help me see things in a brighter light. Life may be short, but what I have experienced so far has been truly beautiful. Thank you all!”
As Nanci finished speaking, she stood on the stage, observing the expressions on the faces of the audience. When her gaze met Edward’s, she saw a deep sense of determination reflected in his eyes. She smiled at him, and Edward’s face lit up with a joyful grin. The officiant took the microphone and said, “Alright everyone, let’s get ready for the bride to toss her bouquet!”
Turning around, Nanci held the bouquet tightly. The officiant counted down leisurely, “Three, two, one!”
The bouquet soared through the air in a graceful arc, and everyone’s eyes were glued to its descent. Cecelia silently prayed that it would land in her hands.
Then, as if God had been moved by her earnest prayer, the bouquet landed squarely in her arms. She opened her eyes in surprise, immediately shifting her gaze to Issac, eager to see his reaction.
Issac had been focused not on the bouquet but on Cecelia. When he saw it resting in her embrace, he felt a jolt of realization, as though he could hear God whispering in his ear, “You’re meant to be together.”
Ignoring his injured arm, he made his way through the crowd, striding toward her. He wrapped his arms around her tightly and declared, “I will never let go of your hand again. I love you, Cecelia!”
Nanci turned just in time to witness this heartfelt moment, a sweet smile spreading across her face. The officiant chimed in, “The couple who caught the bouquet has received the bride’s blessing! May you both find everlasting happiness just like today’s newlyweds and get married soon!”
As Issac leaned down to kiss Cecelia, Edward also leaned in to kiss his beloved. Couples around them began to share passionate kisses, while the single men could only watch with jealousy.
Antony, watching from the sidelines, felt a wave of sadness wash over him. He took large gulps of his drink, and his sister quickly snatched the glass from his hands, exclaiming, “What are you doing, brother? Are you crazy? We’re just here for a wedding, not a drinking contest! Do you want to get drunk?”
Antony replied slowly, “You don’t understand. Leave me alone. Let me indulge tonight. Life feels so heavy, and it’s rare to have a chance to relax.”
“But if you’re tired, you shouldn’t push yourself. I’ve told you so many times! You’re so handsome and can drive race cars. If you joined the entertainment industry, you’d definitely shine. I could even have my agent help you out. Your life will be much easier!”
Antony shook his head. “Racing is my passion. I love the sound of the wind rushing past me on the racetrack. Grandpa always says that it isn’t right for me, but I can’t bring myself to give it up. We all stick to what we love, don’t we?”
“Alright, alright, I can’t argue with you. You’ve got a point. But you know, if one day the pressure gets too much, you can take a break. Grandpa and I will support you!”
Feeling touched, Antony gently ruffled his sister’s hair and said, “You silly girl, it seems my love for you wasn’t wasted. You’ve grown up and learned to care about me too.”
“Hmph! I’m not ungrateful, you know! Just go easy on the alcohol. Drinking too much is bad for your health. If you get drunk and Grandpa sees you, I’ll have a tough time explaining!”