Chapter 24
Jennifer still left, without any hesitation, and as everyone expected.
Her departure even made Larry and the others breathe a sigh of relief.
They could all guess that if Jennifer had really stayed, every day from then on would be like today-forced to accept Kevin’s affection but never finding true happiness.
Maybe this is what they call a missed connection. They both loved each other, but unfortunately, they were never on the same page.
When she loved him the most, his heart and eyes were filled only with his own dignity. He’d rather pour all his atten- tion into someone who’d once abandoned him than spare a little for the one who truly deserved it by his side.
Kevin watched Jennifer leave, only to regret it instantly and wish to make amends. But no one in this world waits for- ever for another.
A week later, the wedding commenced as scheduled.
Jennifer hadn’t invited her parents, so Mr. Hall stepped in for all the ceremonial roles originally meant for her father.
Arm in arm with Mr. Hall, her voluminous skirt trailing on the floor, she looked like a true princess from afar.
Though the Halls were welcoming a bride, Mr. Hall felt the pang of giving away a daughter as he walked down the catwalk. Dabbing his tears, he warned Kyle, “You brat, if you ever dare mistreat Jennifer, I won’t let you off easy!”
Happiness in Kyle’s eyes nearly overflowed as he took Jennifer’s hand from Mr. Hall. His gaze, steady and solemn, seemed a vow to both Mr. Hall and Jennifer:
“I’ll always protect Jennifer, never let her get hurt again, and love her for the rest of my life.”
The bluntness of his vow made her ears flush crimson. She pressed her lips together, eyes shimmering with affection. “I believe you.”
The officiant continued the ceremony, beaming openly. “Kyle, do you take Jennifer to be your wife, to cherish through poverty and wealth, sickness and health, forsaking all others till death parts you?”
“I do.”
“Jennifer, do you take Kyle to be your husband, to cherish through poverty and wealth, sickness and health, forsaking all others till death parts you?”
Jennifer turned, secretly squeezing the hand holding hers as a radiant smile bloomed across her face. “I do.”
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Chapter 24
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As applause surged, Jennifer and Kyle exchanged rings. The emcee then announced, “Now let’s have the bride and groom share their first kiss!”
This was actually Jennifer’s first time performing such an intimate act before so many people. She watched Kyle lift her veil, leaning closer and closer until their warm breaths intertwined, creating an ambiguous yet lingering intimacy.
“Silly girl, close your eyes.”
Amidst his soft chuckle, she shut her eyes with flushed cheeks. In the next instant, a soft, gentle touch blossomed from her lips.
Below the stage, Kevin witnessed this scene. His heart constricted painfully, as though ten thousand needles were piercing his chest repeatedly. Yet he had no right to cry out in pain.
Because all of this was his own doing; his arrogance made him lose the one he should’ve treasured most.
Amidst the cheers, only he retreated alone in desolation.
Inside the banquet hall, guests mingled in crowds; outside, Kevin stood solitary facing officers who’d come with an
arrest warrant.
“Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Kevin, you’re now proven suspected of unlawful confinement. We’re plac- ing you under custody per procedure. Cooperate, please.”
Kevin paused silently, then glanced back toward the banquet hall.
They sure picked quite the occasion.
He nodded without resistance and followed them obediently into the squad car.
Jennifer saw Kevin again three months later.
Kevin and Jennifer returned from their honeymoon and stayed at the Hall’s home to accompany the elderly Halls for quite some time. Only when their clinic in Country A could no longer postpone reopening did they finally prepare to depart.
Just as they arrived at the airport, Jennifer spotted an unexpected figure.
He sat casually on the steps outside the terminal, surrounded by stray kittens meowing for the food in his hand.
Absentmindedly petting a kitten, he looked up and locked eyes with Jennifer.
Scooping up a cat, he walked slowly toward her. “Leaving for good this time?”
She nodded in response. He lowered his head with a bitter smile,
“Then farewell. Safe travels.”
Kevin watched their figures disappear into the crowd. They wouldn’t return, and he couldn’t go abroad.
This goodbye truly meant forever.
THE END
