RAVENNA

Part 26

Two big events were on the horizon.

The first was a wedding—ah, filled with laughter, endless debates over clothes, decorations to finalize, and of course, mountains of food.

The second was the grand beauty contest, unfortunately both scheduled for the same day. The contest was in the morning, while the wedding was set for the early evening.

The contest went smoothly. Many young men and women showcased their talents in fashion, style, and catwalk. Eloise Le Feuver, daughter of the Duke and Duchess, who had only just made her debut in society as well as at school this year, won first place. Joby and Luana secured second and third, flaunting their confidence, charm, and polished modelling skills with perfection.

By the time the wedding began, chairs were neatly arranged, lamps adjusted to cast a warm glow, and guests began to arrive in cheerful waves. Nieve's grandparents also appeared—having been informed of the recent incident, they chose to surprise her with their presence on this special day.

After the vows were exchanged, all eyes lingered on the radiant couple. Lilya looked breathtaking in her gown, the fabric flowing like liquid silk under the soft golden lights. Tiny pearls were embroidered along the hem, catching the glow with every step she took. Her veil, delicate as morning mist, framed her face so gently that it seemed almost unreal.

Beside her, Michael stood tall in a perfectly tailored suit of deep midnight blue, the crisp white of his shirt making the subtle sheen of his cufflinks sparkle. There was a quiet pride in his posture, yet his eyes never left Lilya, as though the rest of the world had faded into the background. Together, they were a vision — elegance and warmth, grace and strength.

It was no wonder the guests erupted into applause before the couple even left the altar.

Then, as though nothing else mattered, Gabriel and Nieve rushed straight to the banquet table, devouring the food with the eagerness of starved beggars.

"you two beggers Please, slow down—you're scaring the waiters. They didn't sign up for a feeding frenzy documentary.," Alex remarked, trailing behind them toward the food stall.

"I've been slaving away for days, suffering in silence—"Gabriel said, grabbing a plate before heading straight to the pasta counter. "—this pasta is my reward from the heavens.,"

"It's not only you who worked, we all did," Belinda shot back, snatching a plate out of Alex's hands.

"Hey, get your own!" Alex protested, tugging it back. The two pulled from opposite ends until the plate shattered between them. The others gave them a disappointed look.

"Look who the real beggars are!" Nieve taunted, holding her own plate piled high with delicacies.

"He broke it!" Belinda accused.

"What? No way—it was you!" Alex defended himself.

""At this rate, Mrs. Kim's going to toss you both out.." Marcus warned, fed up with their bickering.

Esme and Rob were already waiting when Nieve, Gabriel, Marcus, Belinda, and Alex finally joined them. Nieve briskly walked to table slightly stumbling. Marcus who was behind her supported her by arm. She smiled and put the plate on table. Everyone shuffled awkwardly around the short table, trying to adjust themselves on the floor cushions.

"Whose idea was it to sit like this?" Alex muttered, attempting to fold his legs but looking more like a tangled pretzel.

"It's traditional Chinese style," Esme explained patiently, sipping her tea with perfect posture. "Carpet, low table, cushions—very elegant."