Another Man's Arms

Springfest arrived as expected, but it was quiet and uneventful for Emelie. From the eve of Springfest to the fifth day of Springfest, nothing of note transpired.

On the fifth day itself, she attended Melanie's wedding in Capebatt City. It was held there as the groom was from Capebatt City.

The Swanson family was wealthy. They had bought a mansion from the 1900s worth over a hundred million, and it served as the wedding venue and was also given to Melanie as a dowry.

Melanie was Samuel's favorite sister, and he cherished her deeply. He longed to walk her down the aisle, but he was afraid that his wheelchair would knock into Melanie, as his legs were still paralyzed.

In the end, it was decided that Bryan would walk Melanie down the aisle. Samuel would watch from the audience.

Emelie sat beside Samuel, noticing the tears in his eyes. He had taken care of Melanie all his life, and it should have been him walking her down the aisle on the most important day of her life.

Emelie scanned the room, realizing Beathan was absent. However, she spotted William conversing with someone.

William sensed her gaze and turned to look at her.Owned by .

Emelie averted her eyes indifferently and casually teased Samuel, "Your brother couldn't afford to lend money to Charles, but he splurged on a mansion for your sister."

Samuel replied, "He purchased the mansion last year, not recently."

After the ceremony, Samuel was taken to a corner of the banquet hall. Emelie grabbed a cocktail for herself and a juice for him, then walked back to him.

She casually remarked, "I didn't expect Ms. Swanson's husband to be him."

"Why the surprise? Doesn't he have a good reputation?" Samuel asked.

Emelie smiled. "If he had a bad reputation, you and your brothers wouldn't have approved, especially you. Reaching this stage means he has passed your scrutiny,"

Samuel chuckled. They had indeed thoroughly investigated the groom's background, rejecting any candidate with a hint of impropriety.

Emelie continued, "His family background differs significantly from yours. Ms. Swanson is marrying below her social status."

Samuel was unfazed. "Having the same social status is ideal, but without genuine affection, marriage can turn into a source of resentment. That would be bad."

Emelie agreed.

Samuel added, "The emerald bracelets that you gave Melanie are exceptionally valuable."

Emelie took a sip of her drink. "The emerald bracelets come in pairs, making it a meaningful wedding gift.

11

The wedding banquet featured a buffet and a famous live band. After the newlyweds' first dance, guests were invited to join the dance floor.

While she was chatting with Samuel, a young man approached Emelie. He bowed gracefully and extended his hand. "Ms. Pierce, may I have this dance?"

At such gatherings, guests were free to ask others to dance.

Emelie hesitated, but Samuel encouraged her. "Go ahead. You look stunning today. Enjoy yourself."

Despite the winter, the banquet hall was warm. Emelie was wearing a simple light purple strapless gown, but it was still elegant and eye-catching.

Emelie didn't want Samuel to think she was pitying him by staying, so she accepted the man's invitation.

"I'll look for you later," she told Samuel.

"Alright," he replied.

The man led her to the dance floor, and they started waltzing.

Emelie wasn't interested and responded half-heartedly to his attempts at conversation. He knew who she was and wanted to take the opportunity to connect with her.

During the waltz, there was a move where one released one's partner and pulled them back in. As Emelie was released, someone grabbed her other hand, forcefully pulling her away from her dance partner.

Emelie spun around, finding herself in another man's arms. A icy, snowy scent enveloped her senses, and she looked up to find William's indifferent gaze meeting hers.