Chapter 570
Gabriel nodded eagerly. "Exactly! We're important too!"
Joseph and Claire finally snapped out of their daze and burst into laughter.
The surrounding staff and friends joined in, filling the dressing room with warm laughter.
Soon, the wedding officially began.
On the white sandy beach, guests sat on beautifully decorated chairs, with the sea breeze gently blowing and the scent of flowers in the air.
Claire walked slowly, arm in arm with Franklin. Her wedding dress shimmered in the sunlight, and each step seemed like she was walking on clouds.
Since Claire's parents had divorced and started new families, they didn't attend the wedding. Zoey's father, Franklin, took on the role of giving Claire away, personally escorting her to Joseph.
"Take good care of Claire," Franklin said gently to Joseph, his eyes filled with the expectations of an elder.
Joseph nodded solemnly. "I will."
The priest stood under the flower arch, smiling at the newlyweds.
"Joseph Green, do you take Claire Johnson to be your wife, to love, honor, and protect her, in good times and bad, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"
Joseph gazed at Claire, his voice firm and tender. "I do."
"Claire Johnson, do you take Joseph Green to be your husband, to love, honor, and stand by him, in good times and bad, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"
Claire's eyes glistened with tears, but a joyful smile spread across her lips. "I do."
As they exchanged rings, Zoey stood nearby, her eyes misting over.
Henry gently took Zoey's hand and whispered, "They're gonna be so happy."
Zoey nodded, feeling both happy for Claire and excited about her own upcoming wedding with Henry.
As the wedding continued in a warm and joyous atmosphere, Zoey's gaze inadvertently swept over the guest seats and caught sight of a familiar figure.
Helena?
Zoey's heart skipped a beat, but when she looked again, the spot was empty.
"What's wrong?" Henry noticed Zoey's distraction and asked softly.
Zoey shook her head. "Nothing, I must have been seeing things."
She thought it was just her imagination.
However, unbeknownst to Zoey, Helena was watching the wedding from behind a nearby grove of trees, her eyes cold.
"Aunt Helena, we almost got caught," Felicity whispered, looking a bit nervous.
Helena scoffed, her gaze fixed on Franklin. "It doesn't matter. Tonight's cruise party is what really matters."
"Are you really going to..." Felicity hesitated.
"What? You think I can't do it?" Helena shot Felicity a cold glance.
Felicity didn't dare argue with Helena and could only mutter to herself, 'You're over forty, do you really think looking like Ophelia will make Franklin see you differently?'
But she didn't dare say it out loud and obediently nodded. "I'll go find out Franklin's room number."
Helena's lips curled into a satisfied smile as she looked back at the wedding, a calculating glint in her eyes.
Tonight, she would get what she wanted.
The night sky over Marigoldia was dotted with stars, and the massive cruise ship was brightly lit, with soft music playing on the deck.
Joseph held Claire by the waist, toasting with the guests, laughter filling the air.
Claire had changed into an elegant champagne-colored dress, which glowed softly under the lights. She leaned against Joseph, her face radiant with happiness.
Zoey stood nearby, holding a glass of champagne, her eyes occasionally drifting to Franklin.
He had drunk quite a bit, his cheeks flushed, and his eyes a bit hazy, clearly tipsy.
"Dad, you've had too much to drink," Zoey said gently, supporting Franklin's arm.
Franklin waved her off, laughing. "I'm just happy! Joseph and Claire are married, and in two months, it'll be your and Henry's wedding. How can I not drink?"
Henry stood beside Zoey, kindly suggesting, "Franklin, too much alcohol isn't good for you. How about I help you back to your room to rest?"
Franklin sighed, his gaze distant, and murmured, "Yeah, I should rest." His voice carried a hint of drunkenness and an indescribable melancholy.
Zoey noticed and turned to Celine. "Celine, could you look after Gabriel and Travis for a bit? Henry and I will take my dad to his room."
Celine nodded, taking Gabriel and Travis by the hand. "Come on, let's go get some cake!"
Gabriel and Travis cheered and obediently followed Celine.
Zoey and Henry supported Franklin on either side as they walked to his room.
The night breeze was cool, and Franklin's steps were unsteady, muttering under his breath.
"Zoe," he suddenly said, his voice hoarse, "if only your mom and I hadn't separated back then."
Zoey's heart tightened, and she looked at Franklin. His eyes were unfocused, lost in distant memories.
"If I had known she was pregnant with you, if I hadn't left because of that misunderstanding, we wouldn't have missed twenty-one years, and your mom wouldn't have..." Franklin's voice was filled with deep regret.
Franklin's words trailed off, but Zoey understood.
If it weren't for those misunderstandings, Ophelia might not have died in that car accident eighteen years ago.
Zoey's eyes welled up, and she whispered, "Dad, the past can't be changed."
Franklin gave a bitter smile, rubbing his temples. "Yeah, it can't be changed."
Henry listened quietly, gently patting Zoey's shoulder in silent comfort.
Finally, they reached Franklin's suite.
Henry took out the key card and opened the door, and Zoey helped Franklin inside, sitting him on the bed.
"Dad, you should rest. We'll come see you in the morning," Zoey said softly, pouring a glass of water and placing it on the bedside table.
Franklin nodded, rubbing his forehead, looking drowsy from the alcohol.
Zoey and Henry exchanged a glance and were about to leave when suddenly.
"Get out!" Franklin's angry shout echoed from the room.
This was followed by a woman's cry of pain.
Zoey froze, then rushed back into the room, with Henry right behind her.
The scene before them left them stunned.
Helena, the woman who resembled Ophelia, was sprawled on the floor, wearing a revealing red nightgown. She clutched her stomach, her face pale, clearly having been kicked off the bed by Franklin.