Chapter 474
In the quiet suburb of Crestwood, nestled among the dense pines and cypresses of a serene cemetery, stood a meticulously maintained, solemn tombstone bearing the names – Husband: Harrison Lockwood, Wife: Juliette Lockwood, “Forever faithful, together
for eternity.”
Orion gently placed a bouquet of pink forget-me–nots in front of the grave.
Their slender stems and oval petals swayed in the wind, adorned with the dew of the early moming
He gazed at the photo on the tombstone, showing his parents together, smiling in bliss, as his lashes cast a shadow over his sorrowful
eyes.
Forget–me–nots were his mother’s favorite flower and the only thing his father held when he passed away.
As a child, he couldn’t understand why his father seemed to become a different person after his mother’s death, smoking, heavy drinking, wandering aimlessly, never sober, never once looking at him again.
He thought his father didn’t love him, until he met Xannie.
Only then did he realize his father’s heart had left with his mother, living each day like a soulless shell, enduring unbearable pain, trying to survive was his way of showing love, but eventually, he couldn’t bear it any longer.
Xanthea, seeing the sadness in his eyes, as if he was reminiscent of a distant and painful memory, couldn’t help but hold his hand tightly, intertwining their fingers.
“Mr. and Mrs. Lockwood, I’m Xanthea, Orion’s love. We’re getting married tomorrow, and we hope for your blessing.
Even though you left Onion early, he grew up healthy and safe. Only from now on, he won’t be alone. I’ll be by his side forever, loving him, taking care of him, filling the void of love he’s missed over the years, and turning him back into the cheerful little boy you remember, trust me!”
Her delicate hand was warm and strong, her energy seeping into him, strengthening him.
Orion looked at her radiant like a sun, her fist tightened as if she was making a vow, his lips curving into a smile.
He closed his eyes and kissed the back of her hand gently, his tall frame trembling slightly
“Mom and Dad,” he murmured, “don’t worry, an angel has come to love me in your stead now.”
December 9th. Lakeside Manor
The soft morning light filtered through the ornate windows, illuminating the girl in a breathtaking strapless wedding dress.
Her long, curly hair was elegantly pinned up, with a few playful strands framing her radiant, enchanting face.
A lace veil adomed with tiny diamonds lightly covered her slender, graceful neck, complementing the jade bracelet on her wrist.
The intricate and exquisite patterns of the dress outlined her beautiful back and slender waist, while the hern was embroidered with dazzling beads.
The voluminous skirt spread out on the floor like a cascade of moonlight, dreamy and splendid, incredibly beautiful.
“My goodness, Ms. Nightshade, you look absolutely stunning! I can say without exaggeration that you are the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen!” the stylist exclaimed, admiring her appearance.
Xanthea, lost in her reflection, had dreamed of this moment countless times, but nothing compared to the overwhelming joy of the actual day, especially knowing that soon, Orion would take her hand.
The thought was utterly romantic.
“Wow!”
“Ah, Xan, Xan, you look so beautiful!”