April, on the wedding day.
The soft hues of the spring sky dawned the morning of Calix and Leslie’s wedding day, a blooming serenity, the perfect reflection of their love story.
Delicate rose petals in shades of red, white and pink enveloped the venue, their sweet fragrance mingling with the crisp spring breeze. The soft lody of a quartet resounded in the air.
Close family and friends gathered at the rose garden in the morning, milling around the area. Their conversations and laughter created a lively murmur as they admired the beauty of the garden.
"These roses are magnificent," comnted one of Calix’s distant aunts, brushing her hand against the soft pink bloom, "I heard the bride chose this venue."
Another one replied, imbued with laughter, "Hehe, Harper told this garden is important for Calix and Charlene. Maybe, they had their first date here."
The others chuckled, collectively agreeing with the second aunt. They couldn’t help but rember how the bride and groom kept their romance secret six years ago.
Or so they were told.
Near the buffet table, Vernon was chatting with the cousins. Gerard was also there, only listening quietly.
"So, did Calix decide on the honeymoon location?" asked one of the young n, intrigued by the groom’s plan, "Will they bring their daughter along?"
Vernon swept his gaze to his cousins, his lips wearing a lazy smile, "Ro, this sumr. They’ll bring Calliope along. They refused when our mother said she could stay with us."
The young n humd, so nodding their heads. They still couldn’t wrap their heads around the idea of Calix already having a child. It seed too sudden.
But, none of them dared to question further about the bride and the groom’s history.
The Xu family’s matriarch had made it clear that she wouldn’t tolerate anyone belittling her new granddaughter-in-law.
As Vernon continued talking to his cousins, more guests filling in the area. Xander, Ryken and Davin were already here, including Violet who ca with Xander.
The male lead and the female lead reconciled just before Calix and Leslie’s wedding.
At one area, Edward led Aunt Wendy and Uncle Raymond to the seating area. The three of them didn’t notice a big group of guests arriving, escorted by two bodyguards.
They were Director Li with her staff and the children. All of them were dressed for the occasion, especially the children who donned their new outfits.
Despite their spiking curiosity, the children rembered to be on their best behavior today.
"Welco!" Harper stepped in, warmly welcoming the director and her entourage, "I’ve heard about you, Mrs. Li. Oh, aren’t you guys so adorable?"
The children smiled sheepishly. They quietly greeted Harper, so were amazed by the beauty of Calliope’s grandmother.
Director Li returned the greeting, her voice soft, "Thank you for welcoming us, Madam Xu. We have a pleasant journey and stay here because of your family’s hospitality."
"We’re glad to have you here," Harper bead, her whole face expressing her delight, "We’ve been wanting to et you. After all, you’re like our Calliope’s family too. Oh, here is my husband."
Andrian walked away from the guests, heading to where Harper and Director Li were. The middle-aged man exchanged greetings with the orphanage director before addressing the children.
"Poppy... where is she?" asked one of the children, her eyes darting from the venue to Andrian and Harper.
The spouses chuckled before Andrian ntioned that Calliope was getting ready with her parents. Then, he welcod them to wait at the rows of chairs.
"The ceremony will begin soon," Harper chid in, "Please make yourself comfortable."
Director Li nodded, "Thank you again, Chairman Xu and Madam Xu."
Director Li led everyone to the seating area. White wooden chairs, separated into two groups with the aisle in the middle, were adorned with pastel ribbons. Half of the guests were already seated there.
Fresh blooms of roses in a variety of colors lined both edges of the aisle, leading to a charming floral arch beyond the altar. The velvety petals and green leaves swayed gently under the morning sunlight.
As the guests were waiting for the ceremony, the bride and the groom, including their daughter were busy getting ready. A team of dedicated professionals surrounded them, eager to perfect every detail.
Sitting before a large mirror, a makeup artist applied soft tones on Leslie’s face to enhance her natural beauty. The designer, Theresa, fussed over the final adjustnts to her gown, ensuring every seam and fold fell perfectly.
"Do I need so many pins in this dress, Theresa?" asked Leslie with a smile, her voice was gentle and playful.
"Mrs. Xu, perfection requires a touch of patience," replied Theresa, her eyes staring at Leslie’s reflection in the mirror, "Trust , you’ll look divine."
"Miss Tan is right," Madam Yun chid in, nodding twice to show her sharing the sa stance as Theresa, "The beauty in perfection requires patience."
"Mama is pretty," Calliope comnted as she stood next to Leslie’s chair, admiring her mama’s beauty, "Like a queen."
Leslie chuckled, pleased with the clear admiration in Calliope’s voice. She extended a hand, gently stroking the little dumpling’s face.
"Poppy is the princess, an adorable one."
"Hehehe~"
"Oh, Mr. Xu, you’re done. Perfect!" exclaid Madam Yun once she saw the groom.
Calix had finally escaped from his stylist team. He was more dashing than usual in his white suit. The left side of his fringes was slick back while the right side was left covering his forehead.
A necktie and a vest in the shade of pink blush added color to his suit, paired with a light pink rose boutonnière.
Glancing at her beloved, soft chuckles escaped Leslie’s lips. The gaze in her eyes softened as she uttered, "You look dashing, honey. The suit is good on you."
Calix’s lips lted into a smile. He placed his palms on Leslie’s shoulders, looking into the mirror. The projected image captured the happiness on their beaming countenances.
"And, you’re beautiful, sweetheart."
Madam Yun signaled everyone to be quiet, Theresa also clamped her mouth shut. The staff who were done with their duties stepped away.
The mont everyone was waiting for was closely approaching.
Reviews
All reviews (0)