The Walker Mansion stood on a vast estate, surrounded by extensive gardens, sports courts, and even a golf course. 

The high-ceilinged hall, with its immense stained-glass windows, was decorated with extreme elegance and simplicity. 

Martha admired her daughter-in-law’s good taste. Were it not for the circumstances of the marriage and her humble background, she might even have considered her the ideal wife for her son.

There were just over eighty guests. On the bride’s side, besides her father, stepmother, and brother, there were only a few friends. 

Old Mr. Walker was beaming with joy at seeing his grandson married. 

Oliver had three daughters: Martha, the eldest, mother of John; Laura, married and mother of Claire and Arthur; and Catherine, the youngest, a staunch forty-year-old spinster.

As she was led into the hall by the butler, Elizabeth looked around for John and grew anxious as she listened to the cheerful murmur of people chatting.

She entered the hall alone, and the guests were surprised. Martha acted quickly, greeting her daughter-in-law with an affectionate but fake hug, which Elizabeth easily saw through.

“Elizabeth, dear, come, I want to introduce you to some friends and family.”

Elizabeth returned the smile and tried to remain confident, even as she searched for her husband, who had not yet appeared. 

Waiters served drinks and appetizers, and a small band played light music. However, the groom’s absence began to spark whispers among the guests. 

Martha was starting to worry and did everything she could to keep her father from realizing the circumstances of that wedding.

Shortly after the introductions, Elizabeth went to talk to two of her friends.

“Lizzie!” exclaimed Sara. “Why didn’t you tell us? You and John. How? We didn’t even know you were together.”

“It all happened so fast. I’ll explain later—I didn’t want to talk about the contract; I was so happy.”

“Don’t tell me that…” Emma looked at her in surprise and then at her friend’s belly. “Lizzie, you…”

“No!” she exclaimed, horrified and visibly blushing. “Of course not.”

“You seemed so shy, and you won over the most handsome and sought-after man in the country. You have to tell me your secret,” Emma remarked. 

- We’re so happy for you. Congratulations! Too bad Adam couldn’t come; he’s finishing his PhD abroad, but he sent his best wishes.

“And speaking of happiness, where’s your fiancé?” Emma asked.

Elizabeth was starting to get worried.

It was with relief that she saw him arrive.

 When John finally entered the hall, he grabbed a drink. Martha ran over to him.

“What’s gotten into you? Your grandfather asks about you all the time! And please, cheer up and treat your fiancée well, at least in front of the guests!”

“Do you want me to pretend to be a loving groom?” he asked coldly.

“At least show her some attention. Do it for your grandfather.” Martha knew John loved his grandfather.

John approached Elizabeth.

“I’m sorry for neglecting you. I had some matters to attend to,” he said, taking her hand.

Elizabeth looked at him with a mixture of relief and hope.

“It’s all right,” she replied, her eyes shining as she looked at him. 

For the first time, he held her gaze with a softer expression.

“Excuse me, I want to take my fiancée to see my grandfather,” he said to Sara and Emma with a beautiful smile, but his eyes had a gleam that wasn’t reflected in his lips.

Holding her hand firmly, he led her over to old Mr. Walker.

“Grandpa,” said John, approaching with a surprisingly different expression: there was sweetness in his deep voice and tenderness in his gaze.

“John! Where have you been? How could you leave your lovely fiancée all alone?” his grandfather scolded.

“I’ve already apologized to Lizzie”—for the first time, John referred to her as Lizzie.—“I had to take care of a few things,” he said, sitting down next to his grandfather.

“Sit down, my dear,” Oliver Walker invited, pointing to the seat next to John.

“John, your fiancée is a delight; take good care of her.” 

“Don’t worry, Grandpa. I’ll take care of her just as she deserves,” he replied, looking at Elizabeth with an enigmatic, somber gleam that made her uneasy.

“When I met your late grandmother, Emily, I knew right away that I had found someone special. I hope you know how to recognize that too,” said the old man, seriously.

John knew that Elizabeth had already met his grandfather and had likely charmed him with her delightful manner. He could almost believe she was sincere if he didn’t doubt her character so much. 

John left Elizabeth talking with his grandfather, watching her for a few seconds before walking away. 

His gaze followed her every movement: elegant, graceful, polite.

John’s circle of friends was very exclusive, and perhaps that was why, upon spotting Daniel and Marcus near the bar, he walked over to them.

“John! Where on earth have you been?” asked Daniel, adjusting his tie. “You disappeared from your own wedding party?”

“I had a few things to take care of.” 

Marcus leaned back against the bar, crossing his arms, with a smile laced with irony.

“You just got married and you leave your wife alone at your own party?” he teased, glancing in Elizabeth’s direction. “Because, let’s face it, John… you married one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen… That doesn’t make sense, my friend.”

Daniel nodded, looking toward Elizabeth.

“No one expected this wedding… And… how did you manage to win her over? She never paid anyone any attention.”

Daniel was one of those who tried to approach Elizabeth, but she was polite and gently turned him down 

John just smiled slightly.

Shortly after lunch was served and the guests began to disperse, it was time for John and Elizabeth to head to the house where they would begin their married life.