Chapter 4 The Wedding Party

"Ger!" rebuked Daisy as she waved her hand in front of Gerald's face. Because the man with thick eyebrows just shut up.

"Um... sorry. I think my reason for last night is clear." Gerald replied clumsily.

But Daisy was not satisfied with his answer. "Please. I just want to know your other reason."

Gerald sighed. "Okay, I just can't see a woman being sad. That's it!"

Daisy could only smile at that.

After the bride and groom entered the reception hall, Gerald and Daisy, hand in hand, went straight to the red carpeted stage that was designed not too high, followed by the parents of the bride and groom. The music played by the orchestra was different, sounding more romantic as they entered.

Next, after everyone was seated, was the welcome from the bride's family. The host invited Harrison to hold the microphone. All the guests, including the bridesmaids, were eager to listen to his speech.

Finally, everyone applauded when Harrison ended his speech. Now, Gilbert took a few steps forward, as it was his turn to speak up. He held the microphone and glanced at Karen behind him, who gave a small nod.

"We, who are thrilled, would like to thank all our guests for coming to witness the sacred day of our son and daughter. Today will be a historic day for our family, especially for those who are about to enter the household. My son Gerald, and sister Daisy, first daughter Mr. Harrison, request everyone's prayers for God's blessings. Thank you!"

Again. The guests were disappointed. In fact, the guests had a big question about Gerald replacing Denver, but they didn't get the answer from Harrison or Gilbert's speech. Until someone not too far from the stage raised his hand and stood up. What else if not to ask about it?

Unfortunately, the host gave the microphone to the questioner. Gilbert gulped. From the look of the man, he knew what he was about to say.

The man cleared his throat. "Happy day, dear Mr. Gilbert and family. Forgive me if I'm presumptuous in asking. Because as far as we know, Miss Daisy's fiancé is Denver and the name of the candidate on the invitation is the same. What is the reason for the replacement of the groom? And why is Denver not attending this wedding?"

Everyone was boisterous and nodding their heads. Indicating that they were all represented by the man's bold questioning.

Daisy turned to Gerald beside her. Immediately, Gerald held her white henna-covered hand. He knew that the guest's question had reopened her wound from last night.

Meanwhile, Gilbert sucked in his breath. To be honest, the question annoyed him. But the guest's curiosity was natural. "Thank you for the question. But I also reserve the right not to answer in our privacy. Over time, maybe everyone will understand. In short, Denver withdrew from the arranged marriage between me and Mr. Harrison. She wasn't ready to take things to more serious level."

The questioner thanked Gilbert for his unsatisfactory answer. However, he also could not insist on remembering who Gilbert was. He was afraid of being charged with a criminal offense for objectionable conduct.

Three hours passed, and event after event had been passed with joy and emotion. Including the Ijab that Gerald said so loudly when shaking hands with Harrison earlier. Followed by wedding toasts, eating together, and the wedding cake procession. Gerald and Daisy were seen cutting a wedding cake that was so big it resembled a castle in a fairy tale.

When bribing each other with the cake between the beautiful and handsome bride and groom, there was no awkwardness at all between them. So sweet and romantic. As if the two had known each other for a long time. Harrison and Gilbert had arranged everything last night. That no one should show sadness in front of all the invited guests. It's okay if they all know that Denver resigned from the arranged marriage, but no one should know about the fetus that Daisy is currently carrying. So that when she was born, the child would be thought to be Gerald's, not the result of rape.

Day turned into night. The wedding party had run solemnly and smoothly. Finally, after several grueling events, Daisy and Gerald became husband and wife. Both rings were already on their fingers, as they showed them off in front of a photographer, who took various portraits.

The invited guests gradually left, leaving only the immediate family and important company colleagues who also said goodbye. Congratulations continued to be showered on the newlyweds.

From the way Gerald mingled with them, Daisy could tell that the man who was now her husband was outgoing and pleasant. His demeanor was more mature than his twenty-six years. One year older than Daisy.

And that man was now going to take Daisy to his residence. The red luxury sports car with flowers in front of it stopped right at the front of the driveway. Harrison, Elijah, and Angel took turns hugging Daisy, who couldn't help but go with her husband.

"I'm sure you'll be happy with Gerald," said Elijah behind his daughter's back.

Daisy released the hug. Feeling confused about the expression to show, the girl just nodded with a fleeting smile. Daisy wanted to hug her mother for a long time, pouring out her feelings about today and everything. However, she knew that the time and circumstances were not right for her to just indulge.

Meanwhile, Gilbert reassures Harrison and Elijah that they don't need to worry about Daisy. She was already their son's responsibility.

Elijah watched as the Gilbert family left with her daughter. The first daughter who had taught him the meaning of patience when Elijah faced being a mother for the first time. Tears that almost fell from the corners of Elijah's eyes accompanied her steps along the tapestry carpet. It felt like she had failed to be a mother to her. Failed to take care of her.

Before entering the car, Daisy looked back. Staring at her family that she had let down. However, she got in as soon as Gerald lifted her long dress and they both got into the car. She saw her husband nod politely at his in-laws before driving away.

A wave from the Harrison family accompanied their departure as they disappeared from sight. Each of their hearts roared on the porch, especially Elijah's.

'I'm sorry, Daisy. I swear... I will find the culprit who robbed you of your sanctity!'