Chapter 786 - Wedding ceremony (J&J) (2) (2/2)

Jeff looked at JoAnna and her words rang in his head: 'Our forever starts now.'

They practiced this few times, so he knew that she will say exactly the same thing he did. They decided on this approach in order to show everyone that they are equals. And even though he was expecting those words, this time his heart was beating wildly, and he thought that he might pass out from happiness. Because this time... it is real.

Another round of gasps enveloped the venue when camera showed that two of them are wearing matching rings. Both are simple platinum bands with a 'W' engraved in it.

To people who knew the significance of those rings, this is a monumental occasion… they are witnessing the change of generations in power. This is not just exchange of wedding vows, it is a ceremony where Oscar and Elanor are acknowledging Jeffrey and JoAnna by passing them the torch of leadership… and they just got married!

Marcus's eyes were glued to those rings and he was unable to hide all the emotions that are raging inside him.

His father denied him that position many years ago. Seeing that Jeff is getting it at such an early age made him remember all the humiliation he went through when his father announced Oscar as the next Master.

Why was he not good enough? His father never saw him as good enough!

Marcus wanted to glare at Donald and to release some of the pent up hatred at his father, but his eyes were unwilling to move away from the sight of those rings!

In Marcus' eyes, Oscar was always the favored son. How he saw it, whenever Oscar did better in his studies it was because teachers liked him more, when Oscar did better in sports it was because others gave him way, when Oscar did better with handling finances, it was because someone was secretly helping him… Marcus was confident that if it was a fair competition, he would be the one on top. Because he is the older one, how is it possible that his younger brother is better from him in every way? Oscar even got Elanor's heart! And Marcus saw her first, he even introduced Elanor to Oscar! Everything that Oscar has: money, power, respect, Elanor, two outstanding sons… all that should belong to Marcus!

And why is Oscar handing over power to Jeff? What's the rush? Why is he not making Jeff work by his side for several years first, how usually transfer of power works? Is Oscar terminally ill? That might explain it… But even with that, if he is in a rush to give power away, why is he giving it to someone as green as Jeffrey? Why is he not giving the power to his elder brother? It was supposed to be his in the first place!

”…husband and wife… You may now kiss the bride.”, Mr. Price's words rang through the grounds of the resort and pulled Marcus out of his thoughts.

Jeff and JoAnna closed in the already small distance between them.

Jeff lowered his head for a kiss and stopped when they were fraction apart.

”Mrs. White, can I have your first kiss?”, he whispered in her lips.

”Of course, Mr. White. All my kisses are just for you.”, she whispered back.

Regardless of the feelings anyone had at that moment: joy, jealousy, rage, indifference, fear, envy… everyone stood up and loudly clapped and cheered when Jeff's lips landed on JoAnna's.

When Jeff and JoAnna broke the kiss, Jeff pulled her into a tight embrace.

”Thank you.”, he told JoAnna in a low voice.

JoAnna smiled. Only she knows how much weight that 'thank you' carries, for both of them. It felt as if Jeff poured all his emotions into those two words, and her heart swelled from her ever-growing love for him.

She leaned into his embrace and took a deep breath. She was happy.