CHAPTER 411: CHAPTER 411: STILL A LONG WAY UNTIL NIGHTFALL

Watching Shane and Audrey’s wedding, the unmarried guests below began to yearn for love.

Even Faye Xavier, who always proclaimed herself against marriage, started entertaining the idea of getting married.

And Phoebe King snuck several glances at Stephen Sutton.

This time, she didn’t brazenly squeeze into the seat next to Stephen, but sat with Flora Lane and the others instead.

She had been back in Serephina for almost two months, leaving more or less when school went on summer break.

The main reason wasn’t that Stephen wouldn’t be staying in the faculty apartment over the summer, but because she felt "humiliated" by him.

The guy she was subletting with was pursuing her, that landlord guy, Micah Morgan.

Although his family’s conditions didn’t match the Suttons’, they owned about ten properties, most in prime locations in business districts, and each could collect nearly a million in rent. He could be considered a young heir. If she agreed, she could easily live as a landlord’s lady.

She mentioned this to Stephen, hoping to create some sense of urgency, like saying: Look, I wasn’t clinging to you because no one else wanted me. I’m quite popular; you better bring me home.

But instead of feeling threatened, Stephen said, "That’s great, congratulations on your upcoming marriage."

Because of this, Phoebe ignored him for a few days without seeking him out, and what she considered ignorance might’ve been tranquility for him.

It happened to coincide with the summer break. After waiting a couple of days in the apartment without seeing him, she got a call from her family asking her to come back.

In frustration, she packed her bags and returned to Serephina, staying for more than a month. During this time, she didn’t contact Stephen at all.

She thought for a long time after going back; in over twenty years, she had never felt so defeated by a man.

In the past, she would flirt if it seemed to work, and if not, she didn’t mind.

But Stephen was the first one to stonewall her completely; she used every trick but it was like hitting a brick wall.

After the ceremony, the banquet was set in a restaurant by the shore.

There weren’t many people, just eight or nine tables, mostly distant relatives and neighbors from the island.

After all, Audrey’s decision to marry Shane was quite sudden. Apart from Hazel Yates and Samuel Sutton, most of the bride’s family hadn’t celebrated yet, so this was like a makeup banquet for the Sutton side.

Shane, being someone who had been through big occasions, handled this situation with ease.

Hazel was satisfied with her son-in-law and introduced each relative to Shane while drinking.

Dealing with elders was something Shane excelled at; he could respond gracefully and politely to anything.

Audrey realized why every time she argued with Shane, Hazel thought she was being unreasonable.

After all, Shane’s image in the eyes of the elders was that of a cultured, polite, and sensible man. Anyone who quarreled with him would seem unjustified.

If you put it nicely, he was well-rounded; if not, he was cunning.

"Alright, the introductions are about done. Shane, you and Audrey should quickly sit down to eat; we’ve saved you a spot," Hazel said.

Before Shane and Audrey could speak, Samuel said, "Let Shane go over there and drink with Audrey’s uncles."

Audrey, protecting Shane, said, "Dad, let him drink less. He already drank so much while toasting just now."

Hazel, smiling, said, "With Stephen over there, let them drink together. Shane can go over later to toast again. You two should eat something first."

"Thanks, Mom!" Audrey grabbed Shane’s arm and led him to a lounge behind them.

Shane asked her, "Where to? The dining table is this way."

Audrey: "I want to change clothes first. This outfit is a bit tight."

She wore the dragon-phoenix wedding gown left by her grandmother. While it fit well and looked stunning,

she did gain a bit of weight post childbirth. Although she didn’t seem overweight, wearing this fitted dress made her constantly hold in her stomach, which was uncomfortable.

Shane followed her into the lounge, chuckling, "Gained some weight, have you?"

Audrey, while rummaging through her luggage for the dress she prepared today, replied, "No, the dress is just small!"

She pulled out a short, light dress from the suitcase and struggled to reach the zipper on her back.

Shane moved behind her, brushed her hand aside, and helped with the zipper.

Audrey: "Is the door closed?!"

Shane: "It’s closed."

"Ziiip—" As the zipper slid down, Audrey let out a sigh of relief while arranging her dress. "Good thing I have a good figure, or this dress would’ve been impossible to wear."

Shane didn’t respond, staring intently at her back.

Maybe it was the alcohol, but his desire felt more intense than usual.

Due to the wedding dress, she wore adhesive bras instead of regular ones.

The gown’s long back zipper fell to the waistline, revealing glimpses of her creamy skin, tempting him.

Audrey didn’t notice the predatory gaze behind her, and unperturbed by his presence, she undressed and prepared to put on the dress she had just selected.

While discussing with him, she said, "When are we going to take our wedding photos?"

"Whenever you want." His voice was husky, sparking curiosity in Audrey.

Turning to him, she suddenly felt the cool fabric of his suit against her back.

She gasped in surprise, "What are you doing?!"

He remained silent, his actions answering her.

Audrey quickly restrained his hand, flustered and anxious, pushing him away: "People are waiting for us to eat! Don’t make trouble!"

He withdrew his hand, but his eyes still held a hint of desire, "There’s still plenty of time before nightfall."

Audrey glared at him and quickly put on her dress.

Seeing him walking towards her, she instinctively stepped back. Shane glanced at her, "Helping with the zipper."

Audrey looked him over, then refused, "No need; this one’s on the side, I can manage."

Nervous he’d actually try something, Audrey changed quickly and headed for the door: "... Let’s go eat."

He reluctantly followed her out, seemingly preoccupied during the meal.

Audrey placed a piece of meat in his bowl: "Eat up, or there won’t be time to eat after seeing off the guests later."