Forsaking the Years of Longing novel Chapter 86

Chapter 10

At the wedding.

Inside the manor's grand hall, the lofty crystal chandeliers shimmered softly in the morning light, casting a glow that perfectly complemented the crimson carpet spread across the floor.

Matthew, dressed in a tailored suit, looked dashing and composed, while Charlotte, in a flowing white gown, stood by his side as they welcomed the guests outside the hall.

"Sir, madam... she..." Emma stood hesitantly nearby, her head lowered, a look of unease on her face.

"Daphne hasn't returned yet? She's been missing for a whole day, and you still haven't found her?" Matthew's irritation was evident, his tone sharp. Charlotte gently tried to soothe his rising t e m p e r.

"Don't worry," she said lightly, "maybe Daphne just didn't want to come to our wedding."

"Keep looking for her. If you can't find her, you can all pack your things and get out!" Matthew's voice carried a commanding authority that left no room for objection.

As the wedding march began, the ceremony officially commenced. Guests turned their attention to the couple walking down the red carpet.

Under the guidance of the priest, Matthew and Charlotte exchanged rings, and the church erupted with applause and cheers.

Yet, throughout the ceremony, Matthew seemed distracted.

Daphne's sudden disappearance weighed heavily on him, and his gaze frequently wandered offstage.

Even as the wedding concluded, Daphne's absence loomed large.

An uneasy feeling gnawed at Matthew, and he was eager to leave for home to look for her. However, Charlotte caught hold of his hand. "Matthew, where are you going? The wedding just ended, and you're leaving me behind already?"

Matthew paid no attention to Charlotte's words and was about to walk out of the hall.

"I went through so much trouble faking illness to marry you, and you're just going to walk away like this?" Charlotte's voice, tinged with anger, escaped her lips without thought.

"You've been pretending to be sick this whole time?" Matthew turned back, his sharp gaze fixed on her.

Realizing her slip, Charlotte hurried forward, grabbing Matthew's hand and deciding to lay it all bare. "Matthew, you wanted to marry me anyway, didn't you? You won't blame me for this, right?"

Matthew felt a surge of anger rising within him, but his urgency to find Daphne took precedence.