All the guests had arrived, the host was hyping up the crowd on stage, then invited Mr. and Mrs. Panter to give a speech.
The moment Mr. Panter finished his speech, the whole place went bonkers with applause.
He was a far cry from the pitiful figure he was last night, begging for sympathy from Ms. Archer. He was all pepped up now, as if nothing had happened the night before.
âAs the father of the groom, I want to take this opportunity to wish my son and his bride all the happiness in the world. I hope you two stick together through thick and thin, always love each other, and live happily ever after!â
A thunderous applause broke out again, everyoneâs faces were filled with smiles and blessings.
Zachary and Yolanda exchanged a look, their eyes brimming with affection.
âIâd also like to thank the Murphy family for raising a smart and beautiful daughter. Iâm proud that my son is marrying such a wonderful woman and I sincerely hope that our two families can get along like a house on fire!â
Again, the crowd clapped. Mr. Panter handed over the mic to Mrs. Panter, who was all smiles and grace.
To celebrate this joyous occasion and to thank all of you for taking time out of your busy schedule to attend our engagement party, weâve prepared some food and drinks. Please enjoy and forgive us if there is any lack of hospitality.â
The moment Mrs. Panter finished her speech, the grand hall was filled with applause once again.
Waiters started to serve the food. There were sixtyâsix tables, ten people per table, over six hundred people in total.
âMr. and Mrs. Panter, please take your seats.â
âNo, no, you take it first.â
âWeâre all family here, no need to be so formal.â
Both sets of parents courteously offered each other seats and raised their glasses once seated.
On stage, a clown kicked off the entertainment and had everyone in stitches.
On the other side.
A frail hand reached out slowly towards Arabella, gently tugged at her dress, managed a weak smile, and softly said, âDonât cry, sweetie.â
Before the old lady could comfort her, Arabellaâs tears had already started to stream down her face.
Nobody knew better than Arabella the state of the old ladyâs health. It was a miracle that the old lady could even talk to her.
Back in the triangular zone, Arabella never shed a tear despite her injuries. But now, tears were pouring out like a broken string of pearls, unstoppable. Grace, lying on the operation table, managed to muster a weak but kind smile, âI just dreamed of your grandpa. He said itâs time, he has come to take me.â
Arabella shook her head, her teary eyes were clear but were filled with sorrow, unable to accept the reality.
âLook, your grandpa is standing there, smiling at me.â
Even in her weakened state, Grace tried her best to comfort Arabella.
âMy dear, itâs not your fault. Itâs my body thatâs failing me. Youâre an excellent doctor, youâve pulled me back from the brink of death several times. This time, my body just canât take it anymore.â
She was supposed to have died years ago, but thanks to Arabellaâs medical skills, she managed to live longer.
And for that, she was content.
Wiping away her tears, Arabella stayed by the old ladyâs side, her voice choked up but gentle, âGrandma, donât speak for now. Iâll try something else.â