Catherine's heart ached seeing her father choked up.
She stepped forward, her eyes instantly reddening, and hugged his shoulder.
"Dad, don't cry. We'll see each other every day. I'll never leave you again."
Halsey didn't want his daughter to cry too, especially since her makeup might smudge.
He quickly composed himself and said gently, "You're right. Our father-daughter bond will remain unbroken. I'll not only witness your marriage but also your happy life ahead."
Catherine smiled through her tears and nodded. "Dad, today is my big day. Please don't cry, okay? I'm afraid I won't hold back either."
Halsey was amused by her playful remark and handed her a tissue. "Wipe your tears. Let's not cry today. Let's keep it joyful!"
"Okay!" Catherine wiped her tears, though they still blurred her makeup, which she quickly touched up.
Downstairs, Blake stood straight at the villa's entrance, holding a bouquet.
Behind him followed four distinguished men, each casually holding a rose—a symbolic gesture for the loved ones they were about to meet.
The five tall and handsome men stepped into the hall like born aristocrats, turning every head.
The women in the hall couldn't help but stare—what a feast for the eyes!
At that moment, Catherine descended the stairs hand in hand with Halsey.
Blake's gaze locked onto her immediately. She was breathtakingly beautiful today.
Catherine's eyes scanned downward, and as she stepped down the curved staircase, she spotted Blake among the crowd, holding a bouquet.
Even among such dazzling men, her eyes found him first.
Love isn't without reason. Though there may be finer men in this world, Catherine's eyes held no one else.
Halsey smiled and said, "You're here quite early. It won't be long now."
Blake nodded at him and then turned his attention to Catherine.
Her face was still uncovered, awaiting the veil she'd don for the church walk.
"Shall we go?" Blake said softly.
"Yes!" Catherine smiled broadly.
The four groomsmen and bridesmaids paired off and got into their respective cars.
Upon arriving at the church, Catherine and the bridesmaids headed to the preparation room, as it wasn't yet time for the red carpet walk.
Suddenly, the two children burst in.
"Mommy!" Hedwig joyfully threw herself into Catherine's arms.
"Wow, Mommy, you're even prettier than me!"
The bridesmaids all chuckled at the child's innocent remark.
"Hedwig, you're beautiful too! Who braided your hair? They must have put a lot of thought into it!" Eda teased, tugging on the child's pigtail, imagining how delightful it would be to have such a cute daughter, even if it meant constant chatter.
"My granny did it. She's super skilled!" the little girl replied earnestly.
"Noah, come here for a hug too!" Catherine noticed her son standing by the door, looking a bit shy, and beckoned him over.
In truth, Noah was a bit bashful around all the beautiful women present, feeling a natural sense of nervousness.
Hearing his mom's call, Noah walked over immediately.
"Catherine, your son looks just like Blake!" Jessica exclaimed, realizing upon closer inspection that Noah was the spitting image of his father.
All eyes turned to Noah, whose face instantly flushed crimson.
"Getting shy in his old age, huh?" Catherine kissed her son's cheek with a smile.
"I am not!" Noah pouted. "I'm going to find Dad!"
With that, Noah left, and Hedwig tagged along like a little shadow. "I'm coming too! Wait for me!"
Seeing the adorable duo, everyone began chatting about children—a topic that naturally flows endlessly among women.
Meanwhile, Noah led his sister to a lounge where four handsome men were leisurely chatting over tea.
"Hedwig, Noah!" Leo called out.
"Where's my dad?" Hedwig looked around, not spotting her father.
"Your dad was called away by your great-grandmother. Probably something urgent," Leo said with a smile.
"Uncle Leo, what are you guys doing?" Hedwig walked in, her big eyes curious and unreserved.