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The reporters were at it again, buzzing around Leandro, who remained silent, taking
Seraphina’s hand as they prepared to head inside.
But the press wasn’t about to let him off the hook that easily, tugging at his sleeve to grill
him about the Reynolds Group.
“Mr. Reynolds, you took a leave from the Reynolds Group due to an injury. When do you
plan on returning?” one of them asked.
“What do you think would be the biggest challenge in returning to the Reynolds Group, Mr.
Reynolds?”
“How do you view the upcoming development plans for the Reynolds Group, Mr.
Reynolds?”
Leandro didn’t respond to the rapid-fire questions.
“We’re here for a wedding today,” Seraphina interjected, “Let’s keep the focus on the
happy couple and leave unrelated issues for another time.”
Just then, new guests arrived, and seeing that Leandro really wasn’t going to answer, the
reporters finally let them be.
Arm in arm with Leandro, Seraphina walked into the hotel, and as they reached the
entrance of the banquet hall, they were greeted by the groom, Bowen.
They say happiness is infectious, but the moment Seraphina caught sight of Bowen, she
could tell his joy wasn’t genuine.
Sure, he looked dashing in his black tuxedo, standing out in the crowd, but the usual
warmth and laughter in his eyes didn’t reach deep.
Seraphina thought to herself, she had seen Bowen’s true smile before, and now she could
instantly tell this wasn’t it.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAs for the reason behind his subdued demeanor, Seraphina couldn’t care less; his
discontent was her delight.
Bowen had been chatting with Georgina and a few other guests by the entrance. Catching
sight of Leandro and Seraphina, he excused himself and approached them.
“Mr. Reynolds,” Bowen said with a light smile, glancing briefly at Leandro’s abdomen
before turning to Seraphina. “Sera, glad you could make it. I apologize for not greeting you
sooner.”
Leandro looked at him calmly. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you,” Bowen replied, then continued, “I heard about your accident, Mr. Reynolds. I
wanted to visit, but with the wedding preparations, I just couldn’t find the time. By the
time I was available, I heard you had gone home to recuperate. I didn’t want to intrude on
your rest. Seeing you looking well now is a relief.”
“Appreciate your thoughts,” said Leandro. “I understand, Mr. Smith. A wedding is a once-
in-a-lifetime event. To marry the woman of your dreams is what every man wanted, isn’t
it?”
Seraphina couldn’t help but laugh at Leandro’s backhanded compliment.
Still smiling, Bowen turned to Seraphina. “Not a single word from you, just laughter.
What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Sorry, the reporters outside wouldn’t let us leave, and I was freezing. I’m just starting to
thaw out,” Seraphina explained, shrugging off her coat. A staff member immediately
approached to take it from her, and Bowen’s gaze fell on the dress she wore beneath,
pausing for a moment.
Seraphina was donning a black and white color-blocked gown, subtly off-shoulder,
accentuating her figure. The dress itself was simple, but what stood out was the white part
on the top—a pair of eyes printed on it.
Clearly, they were a woman’s eyes, soft and tender, an unusual yet striking design choice.
Those were Sandra’s eyes, how could Bowen not recognize them?
Meanwhile, Georgina, about to enter the hall herself, glanced over and walked towards
them. “Mr. Reynolds, Mrs. Reynolds,” she greeted.
Leandro nodded slightly, and Seraphina reached out to Georgina, “It’s been too long,
gorgeous.”
“It has, and you look radiant,” said Georgina, admiring Seraphina’s dress.
“Do you like it?” Seraphina flashed her dress proudly. “I had it custom-made.”
“Really?” Georgina asked. “Which designer? It’s quite spirited.”
Seraphina replied. “I’ll introduce you sometime.”
With that, Seraphina turned back to Bowen. “Today’s your big day; you must be swamped.
We won’t keep you. Rest assured, I’m going to pay close attention to the ceremony and
send all my best wishes your way.”
Bowen’s eyes lingered on the printed eyes on Seraphina’s dress, and after a brief smile,
he said, “I’ve always known you to be thoughtful, Sera. I’ll treasure the blessings from you
and Mr. Reynolds.”
Without another word, Seraphina took Leandro’s arm, ready to make their entrance.
But as they brushed past Bowen, Seraphina’s phone slipped from her hand, landing right
at Bowen’s feet. She turned back, slightly embarrassed, offering a sheepish smile to
Bowen.
Bowen looked at her, his eyes holding a trace of frost before he stooped to pick up the
phone.
As he did, the screen lit up automatically.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmOn the display was a Sandra he didn’t recognize, standing in the middle of a supermarket
aisle, examining something closely.
Before Bowen could get a good look, the image flashed, replaced by another photo of
Sandra in a restaurant, her eyes red as she tried to eat.
And then, just as quickly, the image changed again.
She was standing outside a quaint pet store, her silhouette outlined against the large
display window. With a gentle smile playing at the corners of her mouth, she gazed
intently at the small animals frolicking inside, seemingly lost in a world of innocent delight.
The window cast her reflection—alone and slightly curved at the belly, a subtle hint of new
life.
Bowen’s stare fixed upon her once again, intensifying in a mere moment.
But before he could take in the full scene, Seraphina’s hand reached out, snatching the
phone from his grasp, “Thanks, Bowen.”
In a swift motion, Bowen’s hand shot out, gripping Seraphina’s wrist. When he looked at
her again, his eyes were tinged with red, his face etched with an ominous intensity.
With a protective instinct, Leandro pulled Seraphina into his embrace while firmly clasping
Bowen’s wrist, “Mr. Smith, I must insist that you conduct yourself with decorum.”
Georgina, who stood nearby, was momentarily stunned by the unfolding drama, before
she instinctively stepped back to give them space.
Bowen’s gaze shifted between Leandro and Seraphina before he let out a low chuckle,
speaking with a mocking ease, “Is that all you’ve got? Trying to rile me up with some
pathetic fake photo? Do you really think I’d fall for that?”
Seraphina withdrew her hand, blowing on her fingertips as if to cool them from the
encounter. With a nonchalant smile, she countered, “Whether they’re true or not, how
would I know? But surely, Bowen, you must remember your own doings.” With that, she
flashed him a coy smile and obediently followed Leandro deeper into the venue.
As the guests milled about them, the cold expression on Bowen’s face took its time to
fade, but the chill in his eyes remained stark and unyielding.
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