Shining Through the Chaos with My Bulldog

Chapter 556 The Sacred Circle

After speaking, Iris spun on her heels and ran home as fast as she could. Once she arrived, panting, she rummaged through a large chest. Inside were delicate gold pieces Talia had bought for her—gifts meant for Iris's own wedding day. There were plenty of gold accessories, but Iris had no use for them now. Instead, she decided to pass along Talia's blessing to Cassian and Natalie. Carrying the chest, she hurried toward Villa 1. On the way, she passed Jensen Villa and casually glanced inside. She spotted Bruno sitting in the yard, staring blankly at a simple grave. Iris's eyes moistened. That scene replayed daily in her own yard as well. She hesitated a moment before walking over and calling through the gate, "Bruno ... are you okay?" Bruno's gaze was distant. Iris called his name several times before his eyes gradually focused, though he still seemed lost, mumbling, "What?" Iris opened her mouth to say something, but the words caught in her throat. She knew better than anyone that words of comfort meant nothing in moments like this. After a pause, she tried again. "Mr. Holland and Ms. Ashford are getting married today ... do you want to come with me?" Maybe seeing someone else's happiness would let them feel a little joy, even if just for a short while. Getting married? Bruno blinked. Then he looked down at the silver bracelet in his hand and rubbed it gently. After a moment, a hint of strength returned. "Alright ... I'll go."He stood up from the ground. "Let me change into something clean first." "Okay." When they arrived at Villa 1, they ran right into Dave and Celina at the gate. Cassian greeted Iris and Bruno politely but looked surprised to see Dave. Dave smiled warmly. "Congratulations, Mr. Holland. Wishing you both happiness!" He explained, "My useless son hasn't returned home yet, so today Celina and I are coming alone to congratulate you." Cassian raised an eyebrow. Theodore had left home? Did he storm off after failing to win Natalie over? Seeing Dave and Celina's cheerful expressions, Cassian reminded himself that it was a joyful day and the visitors were guests. He opened the door and led all four of them inside the wedding venue. Once everyone had taken their seats, the ceremony officially began. Natalie slowly descended the staircase, dazzling everyone in an elegant, flowing gown with a long train. For a moment, the audience was speechless. Cassian, standing at the bottom to receive her, felt his Adam's apple bob. His eyes locked on his bride-to-be, his heart racing. Natalie was breathtaking. Not the usual beauty, but a refined, glamorous look that made it impossible to look away. Cassian's lips curved slightly. Instead of waiting for her at the bottom as planned, he took a few steps up the stairs to meet her. At the center of the spiral staircase, they met. Cassian held out his hand seriously. Natalie placed her hand in his and whispered, "Why did you come up here?""I couldn't wait any longer," he said, ignoring the spectators below. Natalie pressed her lips together and smiled softly. He took her hand, and together they descended side by side. Harold, acting as the part-time sound engineer, held Natalie's tablet and played the wedding march. As everyone watched Cassian in a sharp suit and Natalie in a gorgeous gown walk toward them to the classic music, it felt like a dream. This wasn't the apocalypse—they had stepped back into a world of calm and beauty from before. When they reached the bottom, the music stopped. All eyes turned to Harold, expecting a traditional wedding opening speech. But Harold opened his mouth, and instead his clear voice rang out. "Let's begin the Sacred Circle!" "What?" Olivia and the others were stunned. Then Natalie and Cassian began the ceremony, taking each step with solemn care. Even Olivia, who had seen countless weddings, and the older guests—Ghania, Dave, and Celina—were amazed. During the ceremony, a necklace and a diamond were used. Harold explained. One represented the bride's mother, the other represented the groom's grandfather. Celina gasped, covering her mouth. "The Star of Veloria?" That was the diamond she had once desperately wanted. Just when everyone thought the ceremony was ending, the couple suddenly recited modern-style wedding vows, adding another layer of uniqueness to their unforgettable day.

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