Archie's POV
I looked at the person in disbelief, and it turned out to be Louie! He was dressed in a suit, and although he looked a bit pale, he seemed lively, radiating joy. Yes, today he was going to marry Alisha, how could he not be happy?
What were my feelings when I was going to marry Alisha before? I seemed to have forgotten, and back then, Alisha was just a command from Shaunda to me. I didn't care at that time, and I don't even have memories of our wedding.
Thinking about it now, it fills me with profound bitterness. If there were a time machine, I would definitely go back and tell my indifferent self: you will fall in love with your bride; please treat her well from now on.
Unfortunately, time doesn't rewind. Now, I could only, in regret, watch Louie in a groom's suit approach me step by step. I felt like a defeated person, trying to maintain pride and dignity in front of the winner.
Upon hearing Louie's words, Gray frowned and said to Louie, "Why are you here? Go back and prepare for the wedding. I can handle this." As he spoke, Gray looked at me with a hostile expression.
Unexpectedly, Louie shook his head, smiled at Gray, and said, "Thank you, Gray." Then he turned to Gray and Orathe and explained, "I heard that my grandmother Shaunda and cousin Archie were here, so I came specifically to escort them inside."
Upon hearing Louie's response, Orathe raised an eyebrow, "Louie, do you know what you are saying?"
Gray quickly pulled Louie's sleeve, signaling him to stop talking. However, Louie remained firm, looking at Orathe, "They are my family, originally on the invited list. I am glad they could attend my wedding."
Hearing this, I gritted my teeth, trying hard to control the storm of emotions within me.
Orathe seemed unsatisfied and replied, "Oh? But I remember Mr. Redner's name is not on the list."
Louie wanted to say something more, but was interrupted by Gray. Gray looked at me and then glared at Louie, saying, "Enough wasting time here. We are doing this for your own good! Go back quickly; there is a lot to do for the wedding!"
Louie replied, "I understand your concerns, Gray, but if you really fight with Archie here because of our wedding, both Alisha and I will feel guilty."
"But... But if let he meet Alisha... Oh... Don't you understand? I... You…" Gray looked at Louie with concern.
Louie calmly responded, "I understand what you mean. But I have confidence in Alisha. If she sees Archie and still feels love for him, choosing to give up our wedding, then I can only bless her."
Upon hearing this, Gray widened his eyes, seemingly unable to believe what he heard. "Are you out of your mind?"
"No, I just want to give Alisha a chance to choose. If she no longer loves Archie, whether he appears at the wedding or not won't change anything. But if she... then even if she marries me today, I won't be able to keep her heart. So, let Archie come, give Alisha the ultimate choice. Today, either let Archie give up completely or let me give up." As Louie spoke these words, his face was calm, but I could sense the conflict and struggle within him.
After hearing this, Gray, seemingly moved or convinced by a certain phrase, also looked at Orathe and seemed to agree with Louie's words.
Orathe stared at Louie, "Have you really thought this through?"
Louie actually showed a pale smile, "Yes, Alisha is always my top priority. Whatever choice she makes, I will support and bless her."
"Alright, since that's the case, have it your way. But after the wedding, Gray, make sure he immediately leaves Blood Dawn." After saying this, Orathe turned and left.
Gray then said to Shaunda, "You heard it too. Based on your previous help, Archie can enter our pack during the wedding, but! Once the wedding is over, if he dares to stay in Blood Dawn for even a second, I will tear him apart and throw him into the Dark Forest!" Then he looked at me contemptuously and turned to attend to other guests around.
I felt extremely embarrassed and angry, but there was nothing I could do. Because I knew very well that this was my only chance to see Alisha. At her wedding with someone else.
Louie's words just now shocked me. Although I seemingly should be grateful for his help, in any case, I couldn't bring myself to thank the man who was about to marry Alisha. Jealousy had already been devouring my heart like a mad snake.
Louie seemed to guess my thoughts. As he walked past me, he whispered, "No need to thank me, just for Alisha's sake. I don't want you two to fight today."
I felt even more uncomfortable hearing this. I turned to look into Louie's eyes and said firmly, "Consider it a debt I owe you." I was not willing to accept Louie's help without reason.
Louie looked at me, thought for a moment, and replied, "Alright, then keep an eye on Joey for me."
"Joey?" I felt puzzled.
"Earlier, when Alisha was fighting with Joey in the Black Furies, Joey, seeing he was losing, used his blood connection and witchcraft with Evita to forcefully sacrifice Evita, attempting to ambush Alisha." Louie paused for a moment, and I felt a surge of anger, "Joey, how dare he? Is Alisha okay?"
Louie shook his head, "Later, Joey escaped in the chaos. We have been trying to find him, but without success. So, if you are willing to help, then we are even."
"Since he dared to harm Alisha, I will definitely find this despicable rat and make him pay. This has nothing to do with you; it's something I have to do for Alisha. I still owe you a favor. When you're ready, feel free to come find me."
Louie looked at me and didn't say anything more. Then he walked with Shaunda into the wedding hall.
Looking at the guests around and the flower-filled hall, amidst the joyful chatter, I felt like a soulless body. Everything around me only made my heart colder.
What is Alisha doing right now? Is she looking forward to her wedding with a smile? Does she think of me? When she thinks of me, does her heart ache or…… If I see her, what should I do? If, even a tiny possibility, she still...
I couldn't help but be consumed by these thoughts. Shaunda sat beside me, holding my other hand with concern. Aunt Taria also glanced at me from time to time, secretly worried that I might do something crazy. Because I had been staring blankly at Louie in the front. I had to muster all my willpower to prevent myself from acting recklessly.
Finally, with exclamations, I realized that Alisha had finally appeared. I turned my head stiffly to look at her. After days of separation, for me, it felt like a hundred years had passed without her. But she was still so beautiful. Holding flowers, with a satisfied smile on her face, step by step, she walked towards Louie. That smile, for me, was the sharpest blade, piercing through all my fantasies. She was genuinely looking forward to this wedding with Louie.
Dragging her delicate wedding gown, passing by me, heading toward Louie. In that moment, I even wanted to stand up, grab her, ask her to stop, but Shaunda firmly held my hand to stop me from moving.
My eyes felt a pang of soreness, my vision began to blur, Alisha's figure in my sight was covered in mist, but her steps didn't stop; she walked to Louie and handed him her hand.
Moon Goodness, please, let her turn around and look at me, even if it's just one glance. I am willing to give everything!
I don't know if Moon Goodness really heard my plea. Alisha actually turned her head and looked in my direction. Before I could feel joy, I saw the panic and fear in her eyes, without a trace of joy.
I had come here after enduring countless pains. I thought I could face everything with strength, but until I saw the fear in her eyes, my world collapsed completely with a single glance from her.