Once her makeup was done, Ashley studied her reflection in the mirror, completely satisfied. Her eyes were bright with anticipation. She couldn’t wait to see Arthur’s reaction when he saw her. She was almost always bare-faced and rarely wore makeup. Other than at their engagement, Arthur had probably never seen her like this before. And this wedding dress was nothing like the last one — the look and feel were completely different. Arthur had already changed into his wedding suit and was waiting outside. They were finally getting married! After today, Ashley would be entirely his. They would be husband and wife in every sense. On Heaven Island, where Benjamin and the others had lived for over a decade, laws had long been established. After today’s wedding, they would be legally married under Heaven Island’s law. Arthur had been waiting for this day far too long. He stood at the back of the stage, the lively crowd spread out before him. Because of this wedding, Heaven Island was alive with joy and celebration. The senior members of Heaven’s Cult had all arrived early, eager to see the young heir and his new bride. Drums thundered across the island, the sound carrying over streets lined with red decorations. Smiles lit every face. Spencer and Nancy, caught up in the excitement, couldn’t help but feel both happiness and bittersweet reluctance. Their daughter was truly marrying out, yet she was simply starting a family with someone who would love and protect her under a more formal title. They could still help her when needed, still see her often.As long as she and Arthur were well, nothing else mattered more. Seeing Arthur so eager to marry made them genuinely happy. It wasn’t just them — Taylor had come as well. He sat in his wheelchair, headrest adjusted for comfort, pushed by Nina to a spot near the front of the stage. After over a month together, Nina had grown even fonder of the quiet, sleeping young man. She talked to him constantly, undeterred by his silence, as if he were her own life-sized doll. Arthur sometimes thought that might not be far from the truth. Today was no different — Nina chattered away to Taylor. “Taylor, look! There are so many guests here today. Heaven Island is so lively, and everything’s decorated in red. I love red.” “Can you hear the drums? They’re so loud! I love the sound of drums.” “Everyone’s smiling so big. I love seeing people happy — it makes us happy too!” “And the weather’s perfect. The sun’s warm and cozy.” Toby and Tricia were beside Taylor, long accustomed to Nina’s cheerful monologues. They considered it an honor that she liked Taylor so much. If he were awake, they were sure the two of them would become the best of friends. Taylor had a lively nature too, though more steady than Nina. It was easy to imagine him taking her to play, the picture a pleasant one. As the auspicious hour drew near, Arthur’s palms were damp with nerves. He hadn’t even been this tense at their engagement. But this was marriage — they were about to become a true couple. To him, the word “husband” still felt both strange and familiar. Every senior figure attending had brought a gift — and not small ones. For them, being at the wedding of Heaven’s Cult’s heir was itself a mark of prestige.Heaven Island was small, and Heaven’s Cult members were scattered across the globe. If everyone had been invited, the island would never have held them all. And Arthur’s face wasn’t something just anyone was allowed to see. With the Cult’s power and secrecy, and Arthur’s importance, security was paramount. The Heaven Island's palace was massive, yet nearly half of it was piled high with the money and the guests’ offerings. Over the past six weeks, Arthur had not only overseen every detail of the wedding venue and their new home, but also prepared an extraordinary bride price.