She had witnessed how deeply in love Theodore had been with Ariana in the past.
If Holden truly was Theodore, how could he not recognize Ariana?
As they drew closer to their destination, Ariana and Judy fell into silence, Arianaâs anxiety mounting with each passing moment.
However, as they turned a corner, they collided with a white van illegally parked in a blind spot.
Meanwhile, the church bells chimed, and the sound resonated through the air.
The pastor stood on the stage, delivering his speech.
Holden, standing on the stage, remained stoic and composed, waiting for the ceremony to progress.
Soon, the church doors swung open, and Sadie made her entrance, walking gracefully, adorned in a flawless white wedding gown.
In that instant, Sadieâs exuberance overflowed.
A radiant and fulfilled smile illuminated her face, unable to be contained any longer.
Stepping slowly into the church, anticipating the admiring gazes and blessings of the guests, Sadieâs smile froze abruptly the moment she entered.
The grand church stood empty, void of any guests.
Even the music had ceased.
Within the solemn space, only Holden and the pastor remained.
Sadie stood rooted to the spot, her expression morphing from a smile to utter disbelief, then transitioning into a state of confusion.
Eventually, it settled into a blend of fear and guilt as her gaze met Holdenâs.
What on earth was going on?
A sudden wave of panic began to creep over Sadie as a chill traced its way down her spine.
However, she cast her gaze upward at Holdenâs imposing figure standing tall on the stage, and she inhaled deeply to steady her nerves and compelled herself to advance with deliberate steps, teeth clenched.
The elegant sweep of her long dress impeded her progress, rendering her steps awkward and unsteady, her shaky steps filled with uncertainty about Holdenâs thoughts.
As she ascended the stage, the hem of her gown caught in her legs, and she nearly tripped.
âs
Holdenâs gaze remained frigid and indifferent to her struggle.
He
did not even reach out to assist her.
Sadieâs unease grew as she hastened over to his side.
In a gentle voice laced with tension, she asked, âWhy arenât there any guests here? You mentioned that invitations were sent to so many peopleâ¦â
Holdenâs expression remained impassive, offering her only a detached glance.
âTheyâll be here.
Thereâs no rush.
â
Unsure of how to respond, Sadie could only nod weakly, forcing a smile onto her lips as she stood, waiting for the guests to arrive.
The agonizing silence persisted for nearly ten minutes, and still, not a single guest had arrived.
The strained smile on Sadieâs face teetered on the brink of collapse.
Turning to Holden, she could not suppress the quiver in her voice.
âBut there were so many names on the guest list.
Why hasnât anyone shown up?â
At that moment, the large doors creaked open.
Zayden strolled in casually, then stopped short at the sight of the empty hall.
Holden let out a soft chuckle.
âWhat do we need so many people here for? The most important one has arrived, and thatâs enough.
â