Not doubting Stefanâs words, Stefanâs father didnât object, especially since he was keen on engaging Stefan, this intellectually gifted young man.
For the clanâs long-term growth, both intellectual and martial talents were crucial, and Stefan was capable of resolving 80% of the familyâs business dilemmas.
The only issue was Stefanâs distant relationship with his father.
Having multiple wives, and Stefanâs mother having died early, Stefanâs father barely remembered what Stefanâs biological mother looked Like.
This time, Stefanâs father spared no expense for Stefanâs first marriage, ordering a grand celebration.
He wanted all of Aurora to witness the Clifford family hosting a grand wedding.
This suited Raeganâs needs perfectly.
The more public the celebration, the higher chance of Casey might learn of their presence in Aurora and attempt to make contact or send further signals.
Anyway, hope was right there, ready for the taking.
Yet, the protection provided by the Clifford family for Raegan solely because Raegan was getting married to Stefan.
Should they discovered the wedding was all for a show, it would be a total disaster.
Erick reminded, ââRaegan, make sure to maintain the act whenever youâre outside.
Until you deliver, as long as youâre within the walls of the Clifford familyâs mansion, youâll be safe.
Leave the search for our mother to Stefan and me.
â
Raegan nodded and replied, âErick, you need to be careful as well.
â
Noticing the subtle concern in Raeganâs eyes, Erick offered reassurance, âDonât worry.
If that hidden enemy tries anything, weâll identify them immediately to stop their plans!â
The siblings spent some time talking when someone came to the front hall to discuss the wedding matters with Erick.
âs BunnyBookery Erick intended to bring Raegan along.
But she was overwhelmed by nervousness, her heart racing and feeling somewhat shy.
She hesitated.
âErick, can you go first? Iâd like to sit alone for a bit.
â
âOkay,â Erick consented.
He recognized Raeganâs anxiety and gently squeezed her hand, comforting her, âDonât be nervous.
Itâs all just an act.
â
The room quieted down after he left.
Raeganâs mind was still in a mess.
She was unfamiliar with weddings, and even though this one was fake, the idea of being around lots of people made her nervous.
The waiting room was cozy, and she sat on the sofa, closing her eyes to try to organize her thoughts.
Suddenly, the door opened and then closed.
Raegan assumed it was Victor, and without opening her eyes, she asked tiredly, âVictor, what did Stefan want you for just now?â
But she received no response.
Then, a familiar, cool scent drifted around her.
These deep black irises glimmered brilliantly, reminiscent of stars fallen from the sky, deep and mesmerizing, with an irresistible charm.
Beyond those captivating eyes was a face painfully familiar to Raegan.
For a brief moment, Raeganâs mind went completely blank.
She blinked hard, suspecting a hallucination.
How could Mitchel, who was supposed to be thousands of miles away, appear right in front of her?