Lariette and Ruediger arrived tily when Samantha led Jonathan to the bride’s dressing room. Chairman Delaney, Declan, Alaric and Rafael were also there.
The sedan rode by Lariette, Ruediger and Madeline joined a queue of other luxury vehicles, dropping off the guests before the long pathway leading to the glass hall’s entrance. A chauffeur from the beach villa drove it.
"Kinda like a red carpet event," muttered Lariette as she stared out the car window, "Don’t you think so?"
"You’re right," Ruediger nodded softly, agreeing with Lariette. He also looked out of the window, to the vicinity of the entrance of the glass hall.
Madeline mused, "This is only the ceremony. I wonder how much more lavish the reception hall is."
The grand glass hall was decorated immaculately, displaying the elegance and opulence of the venue. The dazzling sunlight filtered through the transparent walls, allowing everyone to see the inside clearly.
A luxurious cream carpet, instead of one in the red color, lined up the entrance pave way. Fresh flowers in pastel hues bordered the path on both sides, adding a touch of grace.
One by one, the luxury cars arrived. Exquisitely dressed attendees in luxurious and glamorous garnts erged from the vehicles, stepping onto the carpet as if it was a walking runway.
A few photographers loitered around the entrance, intending to capture the monts of the guests arriving.
"We’re here," Ruediger snickered once the car stopped, "Shall we go now, milady?"
Chuckles escaped Lariette’s lips, followed by a nod, "Yes."
Madeline rolled her eyes at how Ruediger treated her like air because all of his focus was on Lariette.
Instead of waiting for the chauffeur to open the door, Ruediger did so himself. He erged from the car, catching so of the guests’ attention.
"...who is he?"
"Is there soone like that in our circle?"
"Wait! Haven’t you heard of that Miss Stephanie’s sister got married to the outcast Alvord heir?"
Murmurs of gossiping rippled through so of the guests. They paused from socializing as their focus was on the tall man whose presence seed to be commanding.
A black suit was perfectly tailored to Ruediger’s well-built figure, emphasizing his broad shoulders and sharp features. His striking crimson locks were neatly styled, the longer part was tied into a low ponytail instead of his usual ssy bun, draping over one shoulder.
Smiling, Ruediger offered a hand toward the inside of the car. Lariette’s slender hand reached for his as she stepped out, revealing her presence to the onlookers.
"...that’s Miss Stephanie’s sister, right?"
"You an the one who returned after living as a country bumpkin. Yeah, right."
"Gosh, she looks even more beautiful than Samantha back in the day."
Without paying attention to the gossipy guests, Ruediger smiled charmingly at Lariette. Holding one of her hands in his, he bent down, smoothing the layers of tulle on the back.
The kind-of-like-air Madeline erged from the car after Lariette. She decided to stay quiet and watch the incoming show that most likely would happen soon.
"You’re perfect to go now, Lettie," Ruediger’s eyes softened, his voice a low murmur, "Gorgeous."
A dust of blush pinkened Lariette’s cheeks. Returning the man’s praise, she smiled sweetly, "You look dashing as well, Eddy."
"Thank you, milady. Now, shall we?"
"Yes."
Lariette and Ruediger walked down the carpet, heading to the entrance of the glass hall. Madeline trailed from behind.
Lariette’s navy blue dress shimred subtly under the sunlight, the bodice clinging elegantly to her form. Her chocolate-brown hair was let loose, cascading into soft waves behind her back.
Lariette’s appearance today exuded overflowing allure. Being escorted by the effortlessly charming man by her side, both of them gave off the aura of sophistication and ethereal.
"Lariette."
A middle-aged man approached Lariette and Ruediger once she handed their invitation to the man taking up the host role today. His chocolate-brown hair, although slightly faded in color now, and sapphire eyes mirrored hers.
A middle-aged lady followed from behind. Her green eyes looked from Lariette to Ruediger with curiosity evident in them.
"Uncle Adam, Aunt Sofia."
Lariette nodded softly, acknowledging the man and the lady. He was Adam, Samantha’s elder brother and Chairman Delaney’s firstborn. The lady was his wife, Sofia.
Adam’s sharp eyes darted from Lariette to Ruediger, quietly urging for the introduction. He was talking to the other guests when he noticed a little commotion outside.
"Father, isn’t that Lariette?"
One of Adam’s sons ntioned the na of the niece he barely t. He heard a few of the Elsher family’s relatives also murmur the sa.
Yes, the lady in the navy blue dress was Lariette. In a split second, Adam couldn’t help but think how strikingly similar his niece was to her mother—his only sister.
Lariette didn’t have much interaction with Adam, including his wife and sons. They only t during family gatherings but, they rarely exchanged words.
"Let introduce," Lariette leaned closer to Ruediger, wrapping her arms around his, "This is my husband, Ruediger Alvord. Here is my best friend, Madeline Alvord. Eddy, Maddie, this is my uncle, Adam Delaney."
Adam wasn’t the only one surprised even though he didn’t make it too apparent on his face. Sofia and the nearby guests, who couldn’t help but look at the new pair, were equally shocked.
Mr. and Mrs. Silvera simply looked from afar. They were greeting other guests when Lariette and Ruediger appeared.
"...Alvord? Isn’t that..."
"That outcast?"
"Wow... I heard rumors of them being married but, it’s the truth?"
Unfazed by the words being exchanged in the background, Ruediger held out a hand to Adam, "Hello, Mr. Delaney. It’s a pleasure to et you. I’m Ruediger Alvord, Lariette’s husband."
Ruediger greeted Adam politely. He had heard about the middle-aged man’s personality.
Adam Delaney was strict yet, not haughty. He inherited most of Chairman Delaney’s good qualities, aside from the elderly man’s friendly energy. Still, it didn’t an he treated others badly.
"Likewise, Mr. Alvord. I’m Adam Delaney, Lariette’s maternal uncle."
Adam stretched out a hand, receiving Ruediger’s gesture. Seeing the two n shaking hands earned a smile from Lariette.
Ruediger and Sofia also exchanged a greeting, followed by Madeline. As Lariette glanced at them, Adam’s eyes traced the blue diamond adorning her neck. The jewel stood out on her fair skin.
"The rmaid’s Heart... Lariette, you finally took its ownership."
How could Adam mistake the piece of jewelry worn by Lariette? Even though she didn’t wear the earrings and the bracelet, the necklace was undoubtedly a piece of the rmaid’s Heart.
The very heirloom that his sister, Samantha tried to snatch from her own daughter, Lariette because she wanted to hand it to Stephanie.
Lariette chuckled, thinking it was to her advantage to hear Adam bringing up the piece on her neck. She lightly touched the necklace, her lips smiling.
"I inherited it from my late grandmother. After so long, it’s ti to put it to good use."
Adam’s words and Lariette’s responses garnered gasps from the knowing guests. At the sa ti, Samantha, Jonathan, Fridah and the others had just reappeared.
Their eyes were imdiately drawn to the lady in the navy blue dress, adorning the priceless blue diamond necklace.
"Lariette... what are you wearing? That’s... isn’t that..."
The familiar voice of Samantha, now laced with shock, received Lariette, Ruediger, Adam and Sofia’s attention. So of the guests also tore their eyes away from the quartet, now staring at the approaching figure of Samantha.
Jonathan, Declan, Alaric and Rafael followed Samantha from behind, including a wide-eyed, sweating Fridah.
"Hello, Mom," Lariette deliberately sweetened her smile more, her head tilting, "Are you referring to this? It’s the rmaid’s Heart. I finally wore it after a decade."
Samantha froze, unable to believe what she had seen.
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