Chapter 213
"When?" His voice was hoarse.
Stella's heart fluttered. "After we get settled?"
"Too long." He shook his head.
"Right after landing?"
"Still late." He remained stubborn.
Stella laughed. "We can't possibly have the wedding mid-flight, can we?"
"Right now."
"Now?" Her eyes widened. "It's 1 AM. Even bridal shops are closed."
His gaze burned. "Right here."
Stella glanced around. The night air carried floral scents, mingling with fresh earth.
"Let the stars be our chandeliers, petals our aisle. This crabapple tree will witness it." His eyes dropped to her skirt. "Why this dress today?"
She lifted the hem, letting the pale floral sundress flutter in the breeze, blending with falling petals.
"You bought it. I didn’t have time to change before the flight." She lowered her head. "Just grabbed a jacket on my way out."
Only then did Adrian notice the shirt she wore. His shirt.
The oversized fabric draped over her slender frame, the hem covering her dress, accentuating her tiny waist.
"Wrong one..." Her ears turned pink.
"Beautiful." His Adam's apple bobbed. "Just a bit long."
"Postpartum..." she muttered irritably.
Suddenly he leaned in, fingers working the buttons.
"What are you—" She clutched the collar.
"Let's have a Chinese-style ceremony."
Before she could respond, he gently draped the shirt over her head like a veil.
"Mr. Roland..." Her vision blurred.
"East meets West." He took her hand. "Come."
Beneath the crabapple tree, he asked solemnly, "Miss Stella Valentine, will you marry me? In sickness and in health..."
His voice held uncommon gravity in the quiet night.
She nodded. "Yes. Only you."
His lips curved like melting ice.
"And you, Mr. Roland?" she countered.
"Waited too long for this." He exhaled. "For these words..."
"I'm worth the wait, right?"
"Every second."
He removed the makeshift veil. Starlight illuminated her profile, ethereal.
"From now on, we're husband and wife." Soft words.
"Mhm."
"May the groom kiss his bride?"
She rose on tiptoes, arms circling his neck, offering her lips.
He seized control instantly, claiming her mouth.
When she finally pushed back breathlessly: "You said... fusion wedding?"
"We'll host a proper one later." A promise.
She shook her head, cheeks flushed. "What comes after Western weddings?"
"Receptions?"
"And Chinese ones?"
"Banquets."
"Wrong." She bit her lip. "The... wedding night."
His eyes darkened. "Little star..."
She pulled him down. "I entrust Stella to you. Treat her well."
Night wind stirred, petals swirling.
......
The late wind chilled. Nestled in his arms, she murmured drowsily, "Cold..."
He wrapped his coat around her, fishing a star candy from the pocket.
The silver wrapper glinted. For years he'd carried candies—first for her, then himself.
Countless wrappers collected, yet the bitterness never faded.
Until tonight, when the candy finally returned to its owner.
His phone vibrated. 4 AM. Uncle Xavier calling.
Glancing at the sleeping Stella, he answered.
"Adrian, you've disappointed me."