Sorry My Step-Uncle, I'm Not Your Backup Plan novel Chapter 61

After several days of continuous autumn rain, the sky finally cleared on the day of the engagement party.

At the Rodriguez estate, everyone had risen early for Gabriella's big day. Even Lucy, who typically loved sleeping in, had gotten up and donned a festive pastel blue dress for the occasion.

In Gabriella's bedroom, a professional styling team was at work. She wore an elegant cream-colored gown with delicate embroidery and pearl detailing. Her hair was elegantly arranged in a sophisticated updo adorned with subtle diamond pins.

Lucy leaned against the dressing table, tilting her head as she watched Gabriella with bright eyes. "You look like a princess today, Gabriella," she said in her sweet, childish voice.

Gabriella smiled softly, reaching out to affectionately touch Lucy's cheek.

Lucy's round little face suddenly clouded with worry. She furrowed her brow and asked, "After you get married, will you still come home often?"

Gabriella paused, surprised by the question.

She hadn't expected Lucy to ask something like that.

Her lips curved into a gentle smile, eyes twinkling. "Of course I will. The Blackwood estate is so close to ours—I can visit whenever I like."

"Hmph, you're fibbing," Lucy pouted. "You don't come home every day now. How can you possibly come back regularly after you marry Asher?"

Gabriella laughed. "I have to work, sweetheart. That's why I can't always be home now."

Lucy held out her little finger. "Pinky promise you'll come home to see me."

Gabriella smiled—clearly children weren't so easily fooled.

She extended her own pinky finger. "I can't promise every day, but I promise to visit whenever I can. I'll come home often, all right?"

Lucy nodded happily. "All right."

Gabriella linked her pinky with Lucy's, smiling warmly at her half-sister.

The engagement ceremony was set to take place at the Blackwoods' private estate in the northern countryside.

Early that morning, Asher personally drove to pick up Gabriella.

Randolph and Victoria had dressed formally for the occasion and were waiting in the downstairs sitting room.

Randolph's face lit up when he saw Asher arrive. He rose eagerly to greet him: "Asher, welcome! Gabriella will be down in just a moment."

Victoria stood beside him, her smile warm and genuine.

She was truly happy today. Though Gabriella wasn't her biological daughter, in her heart, she loved her just the same.

She silently reflected: *Rosalind, our girl has grown up. Today she's getting engaged. You'd be so proud if you could see her now. Asher is an exceptional young man, and he clearly adores her. She'll be happy with him—you can rest easy.*

They all sat in the sitting room, making pleasant conversation.

After a few minutes, Lucy came running down the stairs, excitedly announcing: "Gabriella's coming!"

Everyone turned to look as Gabriella descended the staircase, carrying a bouquet of fresh flowers.

Asher's breath caught, his eyes reflecting pure admiration.

Gabriella looked absolutely stunning today.

Her cream gown with intricate pearl detailing accentuated her figure perfectly, highlighting her slender waist.

Expert makeup enhanced her already beautiful features, while her elegant updo gave her a sophisticated grace that was captivating.

Though he had seen her face countless times, he found himself falling for her all over again.

Asher's lips curved into a smile as he stood and stepped forward to take her hand.

In the car, Gabriella and Asher sat in the back seat.

He could barely contain his excitement. "Gabby, this day has finally arrived."

Gabriella's smile was slightly shy, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "I've been looking forward to it too."

"I almost wanted to skip the engagement altogether and marry you straight away, making you Mrs. Blackwood immediately."

Gabriella's lips twitched with amusement. "I'll be yours eventually. Why the rush?"