Ryan's heart thudded inside his chest when he saw Arwen walking his way.
He didn't know what had happened here before he arrived, but judging by the tense atmosphere and the way Arwen carried herself, it felt like she had been bullied by Catrin again —just like always.
He wanted to step in —to shield her, defend her.
But he halted when he heard Catrin ntion Arwen to choose him again.
He knew being selfish was wrong … but if being selfish —just this once —could bring Arwen back into his life, then he was willing to be selfish.
Just this once …
He would never let Catrin treat Arwen like this again. Not after she chose him today.
With that thought, he waited …
And now, watching Arwen finally walk toward him, he was glad. She was finally coming back to him.
After today, he would never let her go again.
He would never make the sa mistake twice.
'Yes, I would treat her the best,' he repeated in his heart, making a silent promise. And his heart beat a beat faster when he saw her gaze soften ever so slightly in his direction.
He didn't know how much he needed that —how much it relieved him.
Every ti she looked at him with indifference, only he knew how much it hurt … how deeply it affected him.
Finally, that was going to change from today …
Everyone's attention followed Arwen's steps. She walked slowly, carrying the grace she has always been known for.
The entire situation looked like sothing out of a drama movie where the female lead had finally realized who the right man in her life was and was walking toward him with resolution.
But little did they know the reality of the sequence.
Yes, the female lead had chosen the right man in her life.
But he was not the one they all assud to be …
Just when they thought she would stop in front of Ruan … she stepped slightly sideways, walking right past him —startling everyone.
"This —"
"What is happening?"
"Wasn't she walking toward Mr. Foster?"
"I thought so! She took the rings after Mrs. Quinn said that, and she was heading right to him. But …"
Whispers rippled across the hall.
Only Brenda stood still, her eyes calm. As if she had long suspected this outco —and her guess had just hit the bullseye.
anwhile, Catrin, Idris and even Ryan were all left stunned, rooted in place by confusion.
Before anyone could say anything or ask, Arwen had walked so distance and co to stop … in front of soone.
Although the crowd couldn't see the man clearly from their angle, they noticed a subtle shift in Arwen's deanor. She looked … at ease —like soone who had found her anchor.
They all watched her …
But Arwen remained unbothered. She wasn't ignoring anymore. It was just that their presence no longer affected her.
This was nothing new. It happened always. As long as Aiden stood in front of her, the rest others didn't matter.
"Can you hold it for ?" Arwen asked softly —but loud enough for everyone to hear her.
People strained to catch a glimpse. They could tell she was talking to soone tall, but her average height sohow blocked their view. The man remained partially hidden.
Aiden glanced down at the velvet box, she held toward him. The crest of Lorien Castille's design adorned the surface in elegant detail —and it made his brow furrow slightly.
Arwen noticed the crease but didn't explain. She simply urged gently, "Please."
How could he refuse her?
He reached out and took the box. She opened it, revealing two rings inside.
Then, picking up one, she stretched her other hand toward him. "Now give your hand."
"Moon, you —"
"Husband," she said, her voice quiet but firm, "give your hand."
And without waiting, she took his hand and slipped the ring onto his finger —the gesture effortless, assured.
A satisfied curl lifted her lips, a sparkle gleaming in her eyes.
"Perfect," she whispered, looking up at him with starry eyes.
Aiden had only just arrived and wasn't aware of what had transpired before. But one glance at her expression, and he could tell —she was upset. Deeply upset.
Her gaze hardened in an instant.
He reached out and held her shoulders, firm and gentle. "What happened? Did soone bully you?"
Arwen smiled faintly, shaking her head. She was about to respond —but then Catrin's voice cut through the mont like a sharp blade, reminding of what she was trying to forget."
"Arwen, what's the aning of this?" Catrin strode forward, rage twisting her features. "Didn't I ask you to put that ring on Ryan? Did you really find a new way to humiliate ?"
"..." Arwen didn't respond. She didn't even look back. She simply closed her eyes and stayed within Aiden's presence — drawing calm from him. She needed it … desperately.
However, Aiden's expression darkened.
He didn't know the full story. But he didn't need to. He could guess it all very easily.
Especially, the tone that had just been used was enough.
He didn't like it. Not one bit.
"Co back here, Arwen," Catrin snapped. "Do as I have told you. Otherwise —"
Her words ca to a crashing halt.
Because in that mont, a cold cutting stare locked onto her —sharp enough to pierce bone
He …
Who was he?
She didn't know. But under that silent, ruthless gaze, she suddenly found herself unable to utter another word.
"Y-You … who are you? And what are you doing here?" she stamred.
Aiden didn't answer.
He simply looked at her. Calm, quiet, and completely in control —yet sohow making her feel like she was standing in the middle of a blizzard nothing to shield herself.
Catrin struggled to hold her composure. The humiliation of being silenced by a stranger burned under her skin.
Then, finding Arwen still by his side, she gritted her teeth.
"Arwen, who is he? And why are you standing with him?"
At that, Arwen stepped aside, turning to face the room. Her gaze swept over everyone … and then settled on the woman who had cost her so much.
Staring at her, she didn't hold back anymore. With her voice crisp and clear, she announced:
"Everyone, et my husband —Aiden Winslow."
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