CHAPTER 163: CHAPTER 163: WEDDING CEREMONY

Three days later, the day of the wedding had finally arrived. The morning sun poured over the Xu estate, painting the garden in gold. The air was rich with roses, laughter and secrets.

The front garden shimmered in white and gold. Rows of silk-draped chairs lined the hedges.

A carpet of ivory petals led to a glass-like canopy that glittered in the light.

At one side, the open garden was reserved for the wedding ceremony. It was elegant, pure, and perfect for photographs.

The other side had been prepared for the reception, filled with banquet tables, champagne towers, and a live band tuning soft classical music.

The Xu family had spared no expense for this wedding.

Inside the Xu Residence buzzed with activity. Maids rushed through the hallways, their chatter blending with the clatter of trays and the rustle of fabrics.

The air smelled faintly of perfume and fresh flowers, a sharp contrast to the tension brewing in one particular room.

Xu Yuelan and Madam Xu sat amidst a flurry of makeup artists and stylists. Brushes swept over her face, combs teased her hair, and fingers adjusted the folds of her wedding gown.

"Miss Xu, please close your eyes."

"Miss Xu, stretch forth your hand."

"Miss Xu, please, your hand."

Xu Yuelan’s patience thinned with every repeated instruction. Each call of her name grated against her nerves, a small but persistent irritation.

Her fingers twitched around the edge of her gown. Another "Miss Xu" and she swore she’d scream.

She closed her eyes and took slow, calming breaths, forcing herself to calm the storm inside. She had to appear willing, obedient even, though every fiber of her being resented the charade.

Madam Xu, oblivious to her daughter’s inner turmoil, smiled warmly. Her excitement was valid. Her daughter was finally getting married, and the thought filled her with joy.

"My daughter, today is your big day. You’re finally moving on. I’m so proud of you." She smiled warmly, her eyes shining with pride.

Xu Yuelan forced a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. They were both happy for entirely different reasons.

She did not share her mother’s delight, nor did she intend to. Every gesture and smile had to be calculated.

Today was not about love or happiness. Today was a performance, and she would play her part to perfection because her own ambitions depended on it.

When the stylists finally left, she stood and glanced at her reflection once more. Her white gown shimmered, but the gleam in her eyes was colder than the diamonds on her veil.

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By late morning, guests already made their way to the Xu’s family estate. There were reporters who were ready to get coverage of the wedding.

Cameras flashed, shutters clicked as luxury cars pulled up at the entrance. As guests walked in, the shutters clicked madly.

When Yue Ning stepped out, cameras went wild.

Her smile was calm and graceful.

Huo Feng’s hand rested firmly on her waist, filled with protectiveness, and almost possessive.

"Careful," she teased softly.

"Let them stare," he murmured, his gaze scanning the crowd. "Something’s off." He could feel a strange feeling in the air.

Yue Ning pursed her lips, but she didn’t answer. She could feel it as well.

As they took their seats, Yue Ning teased him. "You should smile. It’s a wedding, not a funeral."

"I am not interested in this façade called a wedding." Huo Feng answered in a low voice, his jaw tight. "I only wanted to see what they are up to. The wedding is..."

"Sudden, right?" Yue Ning cut him off, and he nodded, his expression his expression heavy and grave. He didn’t trust Xu Yuelan nor did he trust Song Kai. He felt a big conspiracy coming up.

He looked at the altar where Song Kai stood, and his eyes narrowed. ’What are you planning, Song kai?’ He mused to himself.

Their train of thought was broken by the gasps of guests, and they snapped their gazes to the entrance door.

Guests murmured in awe as Xu Yuelan walked down the aisle aided by her cathedral. Her every step was measured, elegant and graceful.

Song Kai stood at the altar waiting. He was handsome in his suit, and a smile danced on his lips. Their gazes met briefly; both understood the meaning behind their vows before ever speaking them.

As Xu Yuelan walked down the aisle, her eyes flicked to Huo Feng and Yue Ning. Her jaw ticked seeing how close they were.

Yue Ning offered her a smile, then turned her eyes back to the altar.

A few minutes later, Xu Yuelan and Song Kai were always saying their vows.

As she watched her cousin exchange vows, a strange feeling washed over her. It was part pity, part disbelief. Xu Yuelan looked radiant, but her eyes were cold.

When the priest finally said, "You may now kiss the bride," Song Kai leaned in, pressing a light kiss against Xu Yuelan’s lips. Cameras flashed. Applause erupted.

But beneath the cheers, there was a lingering tension. .

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By evening, the estate glowed under the sunset. The reception had begun, lavish and extravagant. There were white roses everywhere, golden chandeliers, laughter, and soft piano music filling the air.

Xu Yuelan and Song Kai entered hand-in-hand, drawing everyone’s attention. They smiled, waved, posed for photos. They looked like the perfect couple in everyone’s eyes.

But when her gaze drifted through the crowd, Xu Yuelan’s smile froze.

Across the hall, Yue Ning stood beside Huo Feng. Even in a crowd full of power and beauty, the couple stood out effortlessly... serene and untouchable.

A flicker of bitterness crossed Xu Yuelan’s expression before she masked it with another flawless smile.

Song Kai followed her gaze and smirked. "You seem distracted, Mrs. Song."

Xu Yuelan lifted her champagne glass gracefully. "Just looking at some guests," she said, her voice sweet but her eyes sharp.

"You invited them yourself," he said lazily. "You must be confident."

Her eyes shone with pride. "Confidence is a luxury, Mr. Song. I prefer strategy."

"And what’s your strategy?" He inquired.

Her lips curved faintly as she answered. "To win."

Song Kai’s eyes gleamed with quiet amusement. "And what will you do once you get what you want?"

Xu Yuelan’s smile didn’t waver. "Then I’ll deal with you."

The two glasses clinked, a perfect toast to a marriage built on deception.

Across the hall, Yue Ning felt the shift in the air but said nothing. Huo Feng’s hand found hers again, steady and warm.

"Are you tired?" he asked softly.

Yue Ning shook her head, though her gaze remained fixed on Xu Yuelan and Song Kai. "No," she murmured. "But something tells me the real show hasn’t even started."

And indeed, behind every perfect smile that evening, a storm was quietly gathering.