Chapter 711


    Brielle was blissfully unaware of Alivia’s machinations as she quietly drove the car, noticing Aubree’s


    silence beside her Aubree sat in the passenger seat, gazing at the world passing by, wrapped in her


    own thoughts


    Sometimes, Brielle considered silence to be the bestpanion.


    The road to Radiant Light Church was familiar territory for Brielle. Having driven it once before, she


    pressed a bit heavier on the gas pedal. Still, the church was a good distance from the heart of


    Beaconsfield, and it was three in the morning by the time they arrived.


    At this hour, the doors were closed. The priests would be asleep, so the two women made do with what


    they had and spent the night in


    the car.


    At five o’clock. Brielle woke Aubree. “Can you hear the bells echoing from the hills? Come on, let’s go


    up. We’ll catch the sunrise just in time”


    Aubree followed her lead, and together they ventured toward the church. Before them, thendscape


    unfolded into endless rolling hills. As the sun crested the horizon, Aubree felt an overwhelming urge to


    cry


    The world was vast and beautiful, and she had wasted so much time fixated on just one person. It


    seemed so shortsighted now


    The first time she met Andrew was when he descended from the Clements family’s grand spiral


    staircase, like a prince looking down upon her from his lofty perch Perhaps their ending was written in


    that first encounter–they were never meant to walk the same path


    Even now, she felt cursed as she witnessed the sunset, climbed mountains, or imagined herself beside


    a meadow’ske under a gxy of stars. Her heart was tethered to Andrew, destined never to break


    free.


    Maybe, just maybe, if she could retrieve the wish she had tied to that tree, this chapter of her life could


    finally close and be free from the burden of hope.


    The predawn sky was still tinged with darkness, making the rising sun all the more brilliant


    The priests were surprised to learn that the women hade to collect a wish–pledge and offered their


    counsel.


    Brielle took thedder offered to her with a gracious smile. “Perhaps some of us need these rituals to


    find peace


    The priests sped his hands and sighed. “Love brings worry. Love brings fear. Those free from love


    are free from both.”


    Brielle nodded in acknowledgment but offered no argument. It had not been long since she had left her


    own pledge among the many, and though she remembered where she had ced it, finding it now


    proved difficult.


    She and Aubree began their search at the lowest branches and worked their way up. After an hour,


    they had yet to find it


    Brielle was drenched in sweat, but when she looked at Aubree, her friend’s face was a picture of calm


    resolve. By now, Andrew and Tessa would be on their way to the chapel in a wedding limousine. The


    irony of the situation left her speechless, and she continued her search without a word.


    Two hourster, Andrew and Tessa had exchanged their vows in the chapel amidst the well–wishes of


    their guests.


    Tears of joy sparkled in Tessa’s eyes as she reveled in the envious gazes of the other women. This


    was how it should be–she was bom a Rond, destined to be the center of attention. She thanked


    Andrew silently for reinstating her to this coveted circle.


    Yet for all her visible happiness, Andrew’s demeanor remained detached, even as he ced the ring on


    Tessa’s finger. Tessa was too immersed in her bliss to notice.


    After the ceremony, Tessa clutched their marriage certificate, and couldn’t resist embracing Andrew.


    “Andrew, I’m so happy. We’re finally married.”


    It was clear to everyone that the wedding wasn’t well–received, many of Andrew’s friends, including


    Kenzo and Max, had not attended. Andrew retumed her embrace yet felt a hollow ache in his chest as


    if something vital had been consumed. He dropped his gaze and responded with a soft “Hmm,” then


    released her.


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    Marissa appeared at the periphery, gesturing Tessa toward an empty room, indicating a need for a


    private word. Tessa’s lips curled into a smile as she called out, “Hello, Marissa”


    Marissa’s face remained impassive at the address, giving no response. Tessa didn’t mind whether


    Marissa was genuinely happy or not–the marriage was sealed, and the Cléments family’s reputation


    would surely discourage any whispers of marital discord. That was exactly why she had worked so


    hard to marry Andrew


    Tonight was their first night as man and wife. Their bridal suite was gorgerously adorned. Tessa’s heart


    raced in anticipation of their wedding night, and her smile deepened at the thought.