Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 80

Chapter 80: My Lovely Bride, How Was It…
Nathaniel didn’t bother Ruediger, Lariette and Madeline for too long but, his gesture made an impact on the guests, especially the Elshers and the Silveras.

“We should have a meal together before I go back tomorrow afternoon. How about brunch tomorrow?”

Nathaniel’s husky voice verbalized his desire as his brown eyes darted from Ruediger to Lariette. He acted as if he didn’t notice countless pairs of eyes staring at them.

Lariette refrained from laughing at the sight of Ruediger glaring at the unbothered Nathaniel. She nodded softly, agreeing with the ebony-haired man.

“That’s lovely. Tristan is here too. We should host you two tomorrow, Mr. Nathaniel. Perhaps, in my grandfather’s villa. Maddie stays with us there as well.”

A light smirk was drawn on Nathaniel’s eyes. Tristan made a quiet ‘hooray’ gesture with his fist, his whole face beaming as he looked happily at Lariette.

“Great. I’ll wait for the confirmation from Rudy,” Nathaniel nodded, pleased to see the annoyed look worn by Ruediger, “Then, Tristan and I will return to our seats. The ceremony will start soon.”

Turning on his heels, Nathaniel patted Ruediger’s back twice before walking away, his gesture showing their close friendship.

“See you tomorrow!”

Tristan waved at the crimson-haired man and the lady in the navy dress, clearly joyful to meet them.

“That jerk,” muttered Ruediger under his breath, his emerald eyes trailing after Nathaniel who went to the Silvera family’s side across the hall.

Lowering her face, Lariette covered her mouth, laughter bubbling from her lips. Her sapphire eyes curved into two lovely crescent moons.

“Are you mad because he deliberately showed, kinda announcing you two are good friends?”

Lariette’s question earned helpless laughter from Ruediger. He saw Nathaniel and Tristan sitting on the second-row seat, now being approached by Mr. Silvera and a few other guests.

“I won’t get mad because of that. We’re not deliberately hiding our friendship. It’s just that we’ve never met at the same event until now.”

Nathaniel was renowned for being reclusive while Ruediger purposely stayed away from high society events due to his bad relationship with the Alvord family.

Lariette wouldn’t be surprised if this was the first event Ruediger and Nathaniel shared.

Not only did their personal appearances catch everyone’s attention but, learning about their friendship hyped more interesting rumors within high society.

Their voices were a sea of whispers under the melodies played by the quintet. The echoes of waves kissing the shore became fainter beneath the other sounds.

Most of the guests already occupied their seats, only a few were left wandering the hall.

Madeline, whose eyes remained on Nathaniel, muttered, “I think Mr. Silvera’s questioning about you two. The others look nosy too.”

Lariette and Ruediger chuckled, understanding what Madeline meant.

Across the glass hall, Mr. Silvera and a few guests were still talking to Nathaniel despite the man looking uninterested. Seeing the view made the trio laugh.

Ruediger was also the subject of the gossip yet, no one dared come to ask him anything. The nosy guests simply looked at him from afar while mindlessly speculating behind his back.

“Oh, the music stops.”

Madeline blurted out once the quintet ceased playing the music. Lariette and Ruediger stopped talking, their eyes staring at the altar.

The male emcee stood near the altar. He raised the microphone before greeting the guests.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being with us on this beautiful day to celebrate the union of Matthias Silvera and Stephanie Elsher. The ceremony will now begin. The groom, the altar is yours.”

All eyes turned to the right side of the altar. Matthias walked in from the side door, exuding calm composure in his tailored black suit. The white boutonnière on his lapel matched the floral arrangements.

Standing on the altar, Matthias’ piercing green eyes were fixed on the far end of the aisle. As always, no hint of tension betraying his emotionless face.

Madeline leaned closer to Lariette next to her, whispering, “Even on his wedding day, he looks like a robot.”

Lariette pressed her lips together, trying not to laugh. Ruediger let out a faint cough because Madeline’s words reached him too.

“Here comes our lovely bride,” announced the emcee after a considerable amount of time. The music resumed, shifting to the first notes of the bridal march.

Lariette and Madeline turned to the end of the aisle, as how most of the guests did.

Stephanie appeared, linking her arm with Jonathan’s. Her gold wedding dress was majestic, shimmering under the soft lights. Holding an elaborate bouquet, she stepped forward in a graceful manner.

Jonathan looked regal and proud by Stephanie’s side. His solemn expression carried a hint of pride as he escorted his beloved daughter down the aisle.

Applause echoed in the glass hall as Stephanie and Jonathan walked past the guests. It was evident how celebrated this wedding was.

Lariette silently watched the father and daughter pair. Despite being unwilling, there was still a slight bitterness that crept into her heart.

Before, she used to imagine Jonathan walking her down the aisle on her wedding day.

Now that the illusions had been broken, Lariette knew the vision wouldn’t ever come true.

‘You’ll be fine, Lariette. You’ll be fine.’

Smiling to herself, Lariette shook her head slightly. She didn’t notice that Ruediger had been staring at her from the moment she turned to look at Stephanie and Jonathan.

When the father and daughter reached the altar, Jonathan turned to Stephanie. He placed a light kiss on her forehead.

“Phanie, remember that you’re always my little girl.”

Stephanie nodded, tears pricking her eyes, “I love you, Dad.”

“I love you too, my dear,” was what Jonathan said before turning to Matthias, offering Stephanie’s hand to him, “Please take care of her. She’s our precious jewel.”

Matthias took Stephanie’s hand, his grip steady. Without replying verbally to Jonathan, he simply nodded.

Jonathan refrained from revealing the disappointment in his eyes. Even now, Matthias still showed him no respect.

Stepping away, Jonathan returned to his seat by Samantha’s side. He hugged his wife upon seeing the teary look on her face.

The emcee resumed speaking, sensing the pivotal moment, “Let us now witness the poignant vows that will bind our bride and groom together in love and commitment.”

Stephanie’s whole face beamed with excitement. Despite still being upset after knowing her plan to humiliate Lariette didn’t go well, the happiness of marrying Matthias overtook her resentment.

Standing opposite Matthias, Stephanie impatiently waited for the man to read his vow. She subtly shifted her eyes, looking for Lariette.

‘Oh, there she is. That loser.’

Stephanie bitterly glanced at Lariette who adorned the jewelry of her dreams. She had heard everything from Fridah, including about the Mermaid’s Heart.

“Before we start, I have something to announce.”

Matthias’ deep and rich voice lured Stephanie’s attention back to him. She swore her heart almost leaping out of her chest, unable to hold back her excitement.

Until…

The frostiness of Matthias’ voice and the nature of his words froze Stephanie.

“My lovely bride, how was it sleeping with another man right before your wedding?”

Surprised gasps overtook the hall, everyone was bewildered by the groom’s words.

With his piercing green eyes still on the stunned Stephanie, Matthias declared coldly, “The wedding’s off.”