Chapter 586

Her eyes softened with a tenderness that flowed like spring water.

Her voice was low and gentle, like a captivating melody that brushed past everyone's ears.

"He was supposed to fly back from Europe, but he encountered a storm. His flight was delayed."

The guests below widened their eyes, looking curiously at the beautiful bride on stage.

She explained the delay in such a gentle tone that it was hard to feel angry.

"You must be wondering why he rushed off to Europe right before our engagement."

Vivian Bennett paused, a faint smile touching her lips, yet a trace of bitterness lingered within it.

"Because I said I wanted a gift that was one of a kind in the world before I would marry him."

Her voice suddenly grew hoarse, carrying a slight tremor.

A guest couldn't help but sigh. "What could that one-of-a-kind gift be? Such a vague request. He must have gone to Europe to find some priceless treasure."

"So now I regret it."

Vivian closed her eyes deeply, a single tear silently tracing down her cheek.

"The most unique, the most precious gift isn't found in any corner of the world. It doesn't cost a single cent."

She opened her eyes, her gaze clear and resolute.

"His unique love is the best gift."

Applause surged like a tide. The guests watched her, moved, their eyes filled with encouragement and blessings.

Vivian let out a soft sigh. "Please, give him a little more time. Let him bring this gift to me personally."

...

Back in the lounge, Vivian collapsed into a chair as if all her strength had been drained.

Sophia Miller followed her in, excited. "Vivian, what you said just now was so touching! Many guests were unhappy, feeling slighted. But after hearing your explanation, they're all willing to wait."

She dramatically patted her chest. "You scared me! I was really afraid tonight would be a disaster. Thank goodness you saved the situation and came up with such a beautiful reason... Thank heavens!"

Sophia clasped her hands together, murmuring a prayer.

But the radiant happiness Vivian had shown on stage was gone from her face now.

Her eyes were dark, like two bottomless voids, empty enough to unsettle anyone.

She just sat there silently, not saying a word.

The forced smile she had worn earlier had exhausted all her energy. Now, she didn't even have the desire to speak.

She stared blankly out the window at the pouring rain, utterly lost.

Sophia's excitement gradually faded as she watched Vivian, unsure what to do.

After a while, her cousin Grace Harper entered from outside, her face full of concern.

She was Vivian's closest relative, though she couldn't fully understand her younger cousin's heart.

But that dazzling, almost blinding smile Vivian had worn on stage had made Grace's heart race with alarm.

It didn't look like genuine happiness. More like a flame burning at its peak, consuming its last light and heat.

She had hurried in after her, a vague unease stirring in her heart.