Nanci and Edward sat next to Olivia, smiling and asking, “Olivia, what are you talking about? You seem so happy!”
“Olivia has been speaking highly of both of you. Your name is Nanci, right? You look so beautiful and well-behaved. Do you have any single sisters at home? I’m sure they won’t be any less outstanding than you. I have pictures of my grandson on my phone. Let me show you!” She started searching for the photos on her phone.
Nanci felt a bit resistant when it came to the topic of family, but before she could say anything, Edward spoke first, “Nanci is an only child in her family. Unfortunately, her mother passed away early, so…”
Hearing this, the old lady quickly apologized, “I’m sorry for being nosy and asking that question. I hope it didn’t bring up any sad memories. Let’s leave the past behind.”
Nanci smiled and replied, “It’s okay. I didn’t take it to heart. Let me raise a toast to all of you here. Thank you for coming today and making Olivia happy…” Edward joined Nanci in raising a glass.
Olivia chuckled, “Look at these two filial children. Everyone, please eat more and make sure you’re full before going home. If everyone can’t enjoy themselves tonight, we’ll be seen as bad hosts.”
Nanci and Edward tightly held hands under the table, feeling the sweet warmth in their hearts.
While listening to the older generation telling stories, they heard someone calling their names from behind. Edward turned his head and saw Antony and his sister. Nanci looked around and asked, “Hello there! Is Sir Hershey not with you?”
Antony nodded and said, “Grandpa wanted to come, but he wasn’t feeling well today. So he sent us to bring his blessings and apologize to you. Don’t worry. We brought the gift with us.”
Nanci asked with concern, “What’s wrong with Sir Hershey? Do you know the specific symptoms? It’s fine if he couldn’t come, but why didn’t he tell me about his discomfort? What if…”
Antony explained, “He caught a cold a few days ago. He’s been resting at home in good care, and Mr. Simonds visits him regularly. It’s not a serious issue, so Ms. Ross, please don’t be too concerned. My grandpa is worried that his absence will cause any misunderstandings.”
Nanci responded, “I’m glad he’s okay. I thought something serious happened. When you go back home, please tell Sir Hershey that I didn’t misunderstand anything and wish him a speedy recovery. If his condition doesn’t improve after some time, please let me know so I can check on him personally.”
“Alright, thank you for your concern, Ms. Ross. I’ll pass on your words to him. Let’s have a toast!” Antony raised his glass.
Edward took the initiative to step forward with his glass and said, “Nanci can’t drink too much because of her health condition. Let me take care of it for her since we’re already married, so it doesn’t matter who drinks it, right?”
Nanci spoke up, “Edward, it’s okay. I can handle it myself. You’ve already had enough today.”
Edward took the glass from her hand and placed it in front of Antony for a toast, saying, “Drinking is a man’s duty. Women don’t need to be involved in this part.”
Antony clinked glasses with Edward and said, “Mr. Clarkson is right. Drinking is a man’s duty. By drinking with you, we’re also blessing Nanci together. After this toast, we won’t keep you any longer. There are still many people waiting to make a toast and give their blessings to you!”
Edward calmly stated, “We appreciate your blessings. Now please continue enjoying the food and drinks. Today should be about having fun.”
After Antony left, Sir Underwood approached them and looked at Nanci, saying, “Nanci, you look truly beautiful today. You and Mr. Clarkson look perfect for each other. I wish that both of you will always be happy together and have children soon.”
“Thank you, Sir Underwood.”
“Cheers!”
Following that were waves of people coming to offer their blessings while Nanci became slightly tipsy. Olivia looked at Nanci continuously drinking and suggested, “Edward, it seems like Nanci has had quite a bit to drink already. There aren’t many people left for toasting either. Why don’t you two go back first?”
Edward supported Nanci gently and asked softly, “Nanci, can you still see clearly?” He held up his fingers in front of her face and asked her how many fingers he was showing.
Nanci smiled and said playfully, “I’m not drunk at all! I can drink so much more! Am I impressive today? I made sure you drank less!”
Edward couldn’t help but want to possess her immediately when he saw her adorable appearance but restrained himself since they were in public. If she sobered up and found out later, she might feel embarrassed.
Olivia noticed that Nanci got drunk and said, “Alright then, take Nanci back first. Adrian and I will go back later. There’s no need to worry about me since I’m not alone.”
Edward nodded and said, “Okay, Grandma. I’ll inform Nanci’s friends as well as Adrian before leaving. You should go back with Adrian. Okay?”
“Okay. Go on now and take good care of Nanci.”
Edward brought Nanci over to the bridesmaids’ table where she giggled, “Girls, are you all having fun today? Don’t I look beautiful today?”
Amelia spoke up, “Mr. Clarkson, why did you let Nancy get drunk like this? How much has Nanci drunk? Is this how you stop taking care of her on your first day of marriage?”
Edward replied, “She’s just really happy today, and I couldn’t stop her from drinking. She’s a bit drunk, so I need to take her home now. Sorry about that. Maybe you can reach out to her tomorrow when she’s awake.”
Maggie stood up and asked, “Do you need help getting her in the car?”
Someone quickly pulled Maggie back down and said, “It’s their wedding day! Why would you interfere? Let’s just enjoy our meal and drinks. Mr. Clarkson, we understand. You should take her home to rest!”
Maggie, feeling a bit embarrassed, giggled.
Edward then led Nanci to a table of groomsmen. He said, “Nanci has had a bit too much, and I need to take her home. Adrian, come back with Grandma later. If anything comes up, give me a call. Remember to come back early.”
Rodolfo grumbled, “We didn’t really get a chance to chat properly tonight, did we? Yet, you want to leave? You’re prioritizing your wife over your friends!”
Edward sighed, “I’m sorry for disappointing you all today. But I can’t let Nanci stay here like this any longer. What if she goes missing when I’m not around? I hope you can understand. I’ll treat you all to a big meal another day to make it up to you!”
Rodolfo looked at Nanci, who still had a silly smile on her face, and said, “Fine, you should take her home. We really can’t take responsibility if something happens. But remember, you owe us a big meal. Everyone here is a witness, so don’t back out of that!”
Jacob looked at Edward and said, “Mr. Clarkson, you’ve had quite a bit to drink too. How about I drive you both home and then come back? It won’t take long.”
“You’ve had plenty to drink yourself! I hardly drank any alcohol at all, so don’t worry about me. You stay here and keep enjoying yourself.”
“Alright then. Be careful on your way home.”
As Edward drove seriously, Nanci suddenly leaned over. He quickly adjusted to keep her steady with one hand. Nanci opened her eyes and asked seriously, “Why aren’t you letting me lean on you? Did you have another woman? Don’t you love me anymore? Boohoo…”
Seeing her tears made Edward’s heart clench. He quickly pulled over and held her, comforting her, “Who else could ever have a place in my heart besides you? You’re drunk. Please don’t cry, Nanci. I only love you! It’s you who married me today, right? Who’s that beautiful bride?”
Nanci waved her arms and legs, saying, “It’s me, it’s me! I’m the most beautiful bride today! So many people complimented us on being a perfect match.”
“Yes, you’re absolutely right. You’re the most stunning woman today. I’m completely captivated by you!”
“Then after you marry me, you can’t look at any other women, not even for a second! You hear me?”
Looking into her sparkling eyes, Edward wasn’t sure if she was fully aware or just tipsy, but he answered earnestly, “From now on, there will only be one woman in my eyes and my heart, and that’s you.”
Nanci gently patted his cheek, satisfied. “Good boy!”
Edward looked at her and asked, “Can I drive home now? It’s a bit dangerous to be out at this late hour.”
Nanci glanced at the lights outside and said, “The lights look so beautiful! Shouldn’t we stop and take a walk for a bit? It feels so romantic…”
“But it’s getting a bit late. How about we come back to play tomorrow?”
Nanci looked a bit disappointed, and Edward quickly came up with an idea and safely drove Nanci back home first.