Chapter 297

【Luna's Perspective】

The small-town church glowed in the midday sun, transformed from its humble origins into a spectacle of elegance and wealth. White roses cascaded from every archway, and the simple wooden pews had been draped with silk ribbons and fresh flowers. Kevin's hometown had never seen anything like it.

I watched Kevin's parents' bewildered expressions as they greeted one distinguished guest after another—Pentagon officials, Morrison executives, and Blake family representatives. They had clearly expected a modest ceremony for their son, whom they believed was merely an assistant to some businessman. The reality—that their son worked directly for one of America's most powerful men—was still sinking in.

"Your pearls are exquisite," Violet whispered, touching the necklace I'd given her that morning. "I can't accept something so valuable."

"You can and you will," I insisted, adjusting her veil. "You're family now."

Max appeared beside me, handsome in his tailored suit. "Kevin looks terrified," he observed with amusement.

"He's overwhelmed," I replied, watching our normally composed assistant fidget at the altar. "The combined wedding gifts from our families alone could buy another mansion."

"Speaking of gifts," Max murmured, "here comes Lily."

My stomach tightened as I spotted her entering the church behind Nathan. Her eyes immediately sought Max, brightening when she located him.

"Was she invited?" I whispered.

Max shook his head. "Kevin only extended an invitation to Nathan."

During the reception, Kevin and Violet greeted her with forced smiles, unable to turn away a guest without causing a scene. I admired their composure, though I noticed Violet's knuckles whitening around her champagne glass.

As the afternoon progressed, Max joined his former Special Forces teammates at a corner table, their raucous laughter carrying across the garden. I smiled, grateful to see him relaxed among friends.

"Mind if I take my brother's seat?" a voice asked.

I turned to find Orion standing beside me, his sightless eyes hidden behind dark glasses.

"Please," I replied, gesturing to Max's empty chair. "He's catching up with old friends."

Orion settled beside me, his movements careful but practiced. "Luna, did Zoe come?"

The hope in his voice was unmistakable. "Violet sent an invitation, and I called her personally," I replied. "But I haven't seen her yet."

His expression fell, though he tried to hide his disappointment. "I see."

"Wait," I interrupted, scanning the arriving guests. "Orion, Zoe just arrived. She's..." I paused, noticing the young man accompanying her. "She's with someone."

Orion's hands clenched into fists on the table. Though he couldn't see, the tension radiating from him was palpable.

"What's she doing?" he asked, his voice carefully controlled.

"She's seen us," I reported. "She smiled and waved but doesn't seem to be coming over."

Orion drew a slow breath. "I understand."

"I could bring her over," I offered. "It seems silly not to talk when you're both here."

"Luna, don't," Orion said firmly. "There's no point."

I studied his face, seeing the self-doubt that had replaced his once-boundless confidence.

"If you don't take this chance, you might not get another," I urged gently.

"There was never a chance to begin with," he replied bitterly. "Not after last time."

"She's brought her boyfriend to share in the celebration," Orion continued. "To let you and Violet know she'll be married soon. And to make sure I finally give up this... inappropriate hope."

"Orion, why are you so pessimistic? This isn't like you. Where's your confidence gone?"

His smile was hollow. "Left it in Mexico, I'm afraid." Standing abruptly, he added, "Please apologize to Violet and Kevin for me. I'm not feeling well and need to leave early."

"Orion, what's wrong?"

But he was already walking away, his movements smooth despite his impairment, pride keeping him from using a cane in public.

---

【Zoe's Perspective】

"I thought you were exaggerating," Andrew said excitedly as we waited for our taxi outside the church. "But you really do know all these important people! Global billionaire George Blake, the Morrison Group CEO—I can die happy now having met them all!"

I barely registered my brother's enthusiasm, my thoughts elsewhere. "Andrew, are you even listening to me?"

"Since we're already here and gave our gift, why not stay for the whole reception? Do you know how rare this opportunity is?"

I had spotted Orion across the garden earlier. His tall, elegant figure was unmistakable even from a distance. I'd wanted to approach him, but courage failed me at the last moment.

"Mr. Morrison, the vehicle is about five steps ahead," a voice called out.

I turned to see Orion being guided to a sleek black car. He moved with careful dignity, refusing to use a cane despite his visual impairment. My breath caught at the sight of him.

A familiar scent drifted toward me—the expensive cologne I'd once complimented him on. The fragrance instantly transported me back to a year ago:

"Orion, you smell so nice. Is that cologne?"

"Do you like it?"

"It smells wonderful. I love it."

"Then take it."

"Oh my God! I looked up the price—it's $800 for a small bottle. I can't accept that."

"It's a gift. You don't need to pay me back."

"I can't. Your vision is impaired, yet you're still so particular about these things. When you're alone at home, why bother with cologne?"

"But I'm not alone. You're there, aren't you?"

The memory brought an involuntary smile to my lips. As Orion stepped into his car, he paused momentarily, his head turning slightly in my direction. For a second, I wondered if he sensed my presence before the door closed behind him.

In the taxi, Andrew continued his excited chatter as we pulled away from the church. Through the rear window, I watched Orion's car following ours until we reached an intersection where our paths diverged.

"Like our lives," I whispered to myself.

A dull ache spread through my chest, not sharp but persistent—like a hand squeezing my heart, making it difficult to breathe.

"Andrew," I asked suddenly, "if you were wealthy and powerful, or a high-ranking government official, would you marry someone like me?"

My brother snorted. "Are you crazy? If I had money and power, of course I'd marry someone from the same social circle. You're dirt poor—no money, no connections, not even a decent job. Stop dreaming about the impossible. Sis, ordinary people like us need to marry within our class."

I managed a bitter smile. He was only voicing what I already knew.

"Although," Andrew continued thoughtfully, "you're pretty good-looking with a nice figure. You'd make a suitable mistress for some rich official or businessman. Being kept on the side isn't so bad."

My heart contracted painfully. "Kept...I'll show you kept..." I lunged across the seat, my fist connecting with his shoulder.

"Sis! Sis! Weren't we just talking hypothetically? Why are you getting serious? Sis...don't...stop hitting me...I was wrong...I'm sorry!"

As I playfully pummeled my tactless brother, tears threatened to spill.