Chapter 250 - Nothing Else Matters (2/2)

Auntie Martha. Grandma. Queen Isla. King Alistair. Princess Maya, Dexter, and their little princess.

Olivia let out a shaky breath. The surprise of her life slowly seeping into her veins, telling her she wasn't dreaming.

She heard someone clear his throat and so her eyes snapped to Oliver who was waiting for her midway through the long train of red that led to the arch at the dock. It was dr.a.p.ed with linen, flora, and fairy lights.

Offering his angled arm, Olivia hooked her hand to the crook of Oliver's arm.

”So ugly this crying woman,” Oliver grumbled, but instead of getting annoyed at her brother, Olivia let herself cry a little more. She couldn't help but cry anyway. There was no point in holding back.

Olivia peered up to her brother. ”What's going on, Ollie?” she asked as they walked slow steps forward.

”Your wedding,” he kept his answer short.

She let out a shaky breath and traced her gaze back to Maxen. Olivia's hand trembled the nearer they got to the altar. It prompted Oliver to give his sister's hand a reassuring squeeze, toasting her hands and her heart as he cupped it with the warmness of his hand.

”Aiyoo this boy! Let go of your sister, Ollie,” Grandma exclaimed, and the rest laughed at Oliver who refused to hand over his sister, but Oliver ignored the cacophony.

Oliver's jaw clenched. As if Maxen could read the unspoken threats in Oliver's mind, threats of taking Maxen's life if he dared make her sister cry, Maxen nodded his head and agreed. He extended a hand, and the two brothers exchanged their signature handshake.

Finally, his answered prayer—his Olivia—was in the cocoon of Maxen's arms. He yanked her, pinning her c.h.e.s.t to his. Forehead to forehead, Maxen inhaled and caught a whiff of the crisp apple scent of Olivia's hair.

Foregoing the vows that should take place first, he dipped Olivia backward, and planted a searing kiss on her cherry-tinted lips, tasting her sweetness through her lips.

Their guests cheered, except for one person, the cardinal of Nisia, who was standing in the center of the altar. ”Your Highness, you cannot kiss the bride yet.”

Clapping hands and booming laughter filled the air. Maxen pulled a breathless Olivia back in place. She playfully slapped his arm whilst biting her bottom lip, and Maxen couldn't help but scratch the skin above his eyebrows.

The sacrament of marriage went on for an hour without a glitch as if everyone had been practising it for weeks instead of two days.

Two days after Oliver flew in Auntie Martha, Grandma, and Eli.

Two days after Oliver sent a sealed letter to the House of Sui, requesting their presence at the wedding of his sister, Olivia Lin, to an ugly military commander named Maxen Sui.

”You did amazing with the event planning, sweetie,” Oliver whispered in Ava's ear.

Peering up to Oliver, Ava suppressed her smile. ”Thanks for the budget, sweetie.”

Oliver scoffed. His eyes glued to where Olivia and Maxen kneeled as the cardinal gave them his blessings. ”Did you save the receipts? We'll send those to the House of Sui for reimburs.e.m.e.nt.”