Chapter 2
On the day of the wedding, the sun was shining brightly and there was not a cloud in the sky.
I sat in front of the dressing mirror in my white wedding dress, looking at myself. The dress was custom tailored by a designer specially hired by Ronnie.
The skirt was embroidered with tiny pearls, and the neckline was decorated with sapphires, making my skin look flawless and my temperament gentle.
Right after the makeup artist finished my lipstick, there was a gentle knock at the door. It was Ronnie's sister, Jocelyn Anderson.
She walked in, smiling, holding a delicate jewelry box. "Lilah, this is a family heirloom necklace my mom left me. Ronnie said I should give it to you, hoping you'll find the same happiness she did."
I opened the jewelry box. Inside lay a platinum necklace with a heart-shaped ruby pendant, crystal clear and glowing with a warm luster.
I picked up the necklace, filled with gratitude. "Tell your mom thank you for me, and thank you too."
Jocelyn smiled and helped me put on the necklace. "Lilah, don't worry. Ronnie will always treat you well.
"He's been busy with this wedding for over a month, always thinking about what you like, afraid he might miss something."
Hearing Jocelyn's words, I felt warmth blossom in my heart. I could see how much Ronnie cared.
Ronnie remembered I didn't eat onion and always made sure the chef left it out. He knew I loved Van Gogh's paintings and especially took me to the gallery next to Pinehurst Cathedral.
He understood I was afraid of the dark and would leave a nightlight on for me every night.
These little acts of care were things Dale had never given me.
All Dale remembered was that I liked to throw tantrums and that I was willful. He had never truly entered my heart and understood what I really wanted.
"Is my bride ready?" Ronnie's voice came from outside the door.
Jocelyn grinned. "Yeah, Ronnie. You can't rush to see Lilah. You have to wait for the ceremony to start."
Ronnie chuckled from the hallway. "I just want to make sure she's not feeling unwell."
I stood up, straightened my dress, and said to Jocelyn, "Let's go."
When I reached the entrance of the castle's grand hall, Ronnie was already waiting there.
He was dressed in a black suit, standing tall and looking incredibly hot. The moment he saw me, his eyes lit up, and he walked quickly towards me.
"You look stunning today," Ronnie said, reaching out, his voice so gentle it could melt anyone's heart.
I put my hand in his. His palm was warm and strong, giving me a full sense of security.
We walked into the auditorium side by side. The wedding march played softly, and the guests on both sides stood up and looked at us with eyes full of blessings.
When we reached the altar, the priest began reading the vows. He asked, "Will you marry Ronnie Anderson, no matter rich or poor, in sickness or in health, and never leave him?"
I answered without a second thought, "I do."
Ronnie met my eyes, his gaze steady and full of love. "I do."
At the moment of exchanging rings, he gently held my hand and slipped a diamond ring onto my ring finger.
The diamond on the ring sparkled brightly, just like the life we were about to start, full of hope and light.
After the ceremony, the guests came over to congratulate us. Ronnie and I stood side by side, accepting everyone's blessings, smiling.
Just then, I received a message from Dale. I hesitated for a moment and opened it. The text was very short. [Lilah, wishing you happiness.]
I read the message, feeling nothing at all. I replied with a simple "Thanks" and put my phone away, then turned to throw myself into Ronnie's arms.
The past was behind me, and the future was just beginning. I knew that with Ronnie by my side, my life would be filled with sunshine and warmth from now on.
*****
Life after the wedding was calm and full of happiness. Ronnie didn't rush to take me back home. Instead, he took me traveling around Borovia.
During the trip, our feelings grew deeper and deeper. Ronnie would remember the things I mentioned casually.
He would carry me on his back when I was tired. He would look at me gently when I cheered at the beautiful scenery.
Bit by bit, I let go of the shadows of my past and learned to enjoy the moment. I no longer felt upset when I heard Dale's name. I no longer felt sad when I saw things related to the past.
I knew that I had completely walked out of that failed relationship and found my true happiness.
When our trip was over, we returned to our home country. The Anderson family held a grand welcome party for us, inviting many relatives and friends.
At the party, Ronnie held my hand tightly and introduced me to everyone. "This is my wife, Lilah."
Everyone came over to offer their blessings, and the Bradleys were there too.
Maeve Bradley, Dale's mother, took my hand, her eyes red. "Lilah, Dale really let you down before. But seeing you so happy now, I finally feel at peace."
I smiled and replied, "Maeve, what's done is done. I'm truly happy now, and I hope you are all well too."
Dale didn't show up. Later I heard from others that his relationship with Iris was not as smooth as he had imagined.
Although Iris had married Dale as she wished, her family background and personality did not fit in with the Bradleys. They did not like her.
Moreover, as Dale got along with her, he gradually found that she was not as soft and kind as she seemed to. Instead, she was somewhat selfish and vain.
One day, while going through some old belongings, Dale found the things I had mailed back to him. All the memories of our time together came rushing back.
Suddenly, he realized how foolish he had been to let go of the girl who loved him with all her heart and gave him everything she had.
Dale tried to reach out, hoping for a second chance, but I had already changed my number and blocked him on WhatsApp.
He went to the Copelands' house to look for me, but my parents turned him away at the door.
They told him, "Lilah is happy now, and we don't want you bothering her anymore. You chose to give up, so you have to bear the consequences."
Dale was left in utter despair. He became silent and withdrawn, drowning in regret every day.
When Iris saw him like this, she gradually lost her patience. They were constantly at each other's throats. Their seemingly perfect relationship was on the verge of collapse.