Catherine and Halsey couldn't help but smile listening to the children's conversation.
The previous melancholy was instantly dispelled by the kids' exchange.
"You better watch your step or you'll fall," Noah hurriedly warned his sister upon hearing her plan to trip.
"Okay, I will!" The little girl immediately bit her lip, looking as if courage had suddenly filled her small frame.
"Noah, Hedwig, it's time to go!" Halsey gently reminded them.
With that, the two children, holding handfuls of flower petals, scattered them into the air, creating a romantic shower of flowers.
Catherine's entrance with the children drew everyone's attention.
The two children were adorable and beautiful. Catherine, in a floor-length pure white wedding gown with a sheer veil that faintly revealed her delicate and lovely features, lightly rested one hand on Halsey's arm and walked forward with him to the music.
The three generations walking down the red carpet together created a breathtaking scene.
While "getting married after pregnant" wasn't uncommon, the sight of a family at a wedding still felt dreamlike.
Perhaps due to the thick atmosphere or the romantic starry ceiling in the church, the guests held their breath in awe.
Catherine stumbled a few times, but fortunately, her father steadied her, preventing her elaborate gown from tripping her.
When they reached Blake, Halsey's eyes welled up.
He simply said, "I entrust Catherine to you. Please take good care of her."
Blake, seeing the emotion in Halsey's eyes, nodded sincerely. "I will. Thank you!"
Catherine, overwhelmed with gratitude, glanced at her graying father, tears threatening to fall.
The children stood by, looking up at their parents' romantic moment.
Abigail and Patricia then guided the children to their seats.
Under the priest's guidance, Blake and Catherine stood face-to-face.
Through her thin veil, Blake saw her holding back tears and felt a pang of heartache.
After both recited their "I do's," the crowd erupted in applause.
Blake took the wedding ring, gently lifted her left hand, and slid it onto her ring finger, followed by a tender kiss on her hand.
This kiss seemed to declare possession. For the rest of her life, she would be Blake's wife, and he would never let her go.
Catherine was deeply moved. Though she held back her tears to maintain the atmosphere, a few escaped.
Blake lifted her veil and placed a gentle kiss on her forhead, leaving Catherine blushing.
The ceremony concluded amid another round of applause.
Guests moved to the banquet hall.
Emily sat rigidly in her seat.
Watching Blake gaze lovingly at Catherine, she felt an unexpected calm.
Though envy and jealousy remained, she no longer felt the urge to disrupt their happiness.
Had she changed?
Perhaps. The pain of knowing she couldn't be with him had altered her heart.
Blake and Catherine noticed Emily, especially after most guests had left. Her solitary figure stood out.
Blake frowned and glanced at Catherine. He said, "Don't get the wrong idea. I invited her out of duty to our pack."
Catherine shook her head and replied, "I'm not misunderstanding. She looks so sad. Maybe inviting her wasn't wise."
Emily could no longer hide her distress. On the verge of tears, she struggled to hold back.
Richard hadn't left either. He glanced at her and said, "Stop staring. Let's go."
Emily tensed, put her sunglasses back on, and stood up. But instead of heading to the banquet hall, she walked toward Blake and Catherine.
Blake instinctively stepped forward to shield Catherine.
Catherine, worried by Emily's state, watched as Emily approached with a desolate smile.
"Congratulations, Blake," she offered her blessings with a tinge of sorrow.
"Thanks," Blake replied curtly.
Emily looked past him at Catherine and said, "I envy you. I hope you cherish your role as his wife and cherish his feelings."
Catherine, though never fond of her, was taken aback.
After speaking, Emily left, her back radiating loneliness.
Nick remained seated, his gaze complex and pained on Catherine. Only Blake's warning glance made him look away.
Blake led Catherine away.
Patricia returned—she seemed to have noticed Nick's discomfort and came back to check on him.