Chapter 3 The Wedding, The First Time She Felt Valued

When Isabella got back to the hotel, the styling team was already there.

"You're about to get married, and you stayed out all night? Good thing you're not getting married from home; you've really embarrassed the family," Sophia couldn't help but snark.

"Isabella, now that John doesn't want you, who's gonna pay them?" Bianca asked, making sure the styling team heard.

Isabella suddenly remembered that the Williams family had arranged the hotel and wedding. She'd totally overlooked that.

The makeup artist noticed Isabella's tension and said, "Ms. Taylor, don't worry. We were hired by Mr. Johnson," hinting they had nothing to do with the John Bianca mentioned.

Isabella's phone rang; it was an unknown number. She answered and found out it was Michael.

"How'd you get my number?" Isabella asked, realizing she hadn't given it to him.

Michael ignored her question and said, "Have the stylists arrived? Don't worry about them. I've taken care of everything for the wedding. Just wait for me to pick you up."

Michael's calm tone was super reassuring.

"Thank you!" Isabella said, feeling grateful.

Worried that Michael might regret his impulsive decision from the day before but feeling awkward about backing out, Isabella gently reminded him, "If you regret it, there's still time to cancel the wedding. Of course, if you could help me have a wedding, I'd be very grateful."

"I never regret my decisions, and my life is not a play," Michael replied before abruptly hanging up.

Isabella wondered, 'Is Michael mad? Whatever, let's get married first; maybe we won't have any more interactions after the wedding.'

When Isabella came out after getting styled, Bianca couldn't take her eyes off her.

"Mom, her tiara is so shiny. I want it. Look, her wedding dress is from my favorite designer's classic collection, which the magazine said isn't for sale. I want it! Mom," Bianca excitedly grabbed Sophia's arm and shouted.

Seeing Isabella steal the spotlight today, Sophia felt particularly uncomfortable.

Sophia mocked, "What's there to envy? She got dumped by the Williams family. No way she found someone to marry her in just one day. Bet she's being kept by an old guy, probably older than your dad. She's really embarrassed our family."

Sophia's words spread, and people started gossiping that Isabella was being kept by an old man older than her father, Aiden Taylor.

There was a commotion outside, and someone shouted that the wedding cars had arrived.

Sophia dragged Bianca out first, eager to see Isabella embarrassed.

The wedding car fleet consisted of luxury cars, with a stretched Rolls-Royce leading the way.

Seeing this, Sophia was even more convinced that only a wealthy old man could afford such a luxurious fleet.

When Michael stepped out of the Rolls-Royce, Bianca was almost in tears with envy.

"Wow! He's so handsome! He's exactly my dream guy," she said, grabbing Sophia's arm. "Mom, didn't you say it was an old man? How is he this good-looking?"

Sophia, in pain from Bianca's grip, pushed her away. "He's just a hired actor. How could a young, handsome, and wealthy man marry someone like Isabella?"

Sophia's previous misjudgment made no one believe her this time. The crowd was buzzing with discussions about Michael's youth, wealth, and good looks, speculating about his identity.

The bride was about to head out to the wedding place.

Michael walked to Isabella, picked her up, and the crowd gasped.

Isabella had never been the center of attention like this before.

It was flashy, but she was totally into it!

Aiden couldn't stop gawking at the luxury cars. He'd never seen so many different types, let alone sat in one. He eagerly picked a car and hopped in, acting like it was his. This cowardly, selfish man, who always hid when Isabella was bullied, was now the first to enjoy the luxury.

Sophia and Bianca also rushed to grab seats, worried there wouldn't be any left. Bianca even tried to sneak into the lead Rolls-Royce as a bridesmaid but got stopped by the bodyguards.

Michael saw all of this and got the picture.

When Isabella got into the car with Michael, she noticed the streets around the hotel were packed with onlookers. It was a bit much.

"Why such a big show?" She felt a bit uneasy, thinking Michael had gone overboard.

"Why? You don't like it?" Michael asked.

Isabella blushed, a smile creeping onto her face. She shook her head and said, "No, I like it. It's just..." No one had ever done anything like this for her before; it was a first.

Sensing her thoughts, Michael gently tapped her nose and reassured her, "Don't worry. It didn't cost much. These are all friends here to help."

Isabella wondered, 'Who is he? How does he have so many friends with luxury cars?'

The wedding was held at the swanky Royal Crest Resort, decked out with orange roses, making it feel like they were surrounded by warm, intense sunlight.

At noon sharp, the officiant signaled that the ceremony could begin, but Michael said to wait, as an important person hadn't arrived yet.

Isabella thought it was one of his relatives and kept quiet.

Aiden, however, grumbled, "What important person? Being late to such an important event and making everyone wait is just ridiculous."

The usher signaled that the person had arrived.

Ignoring Aiden's complaints, Michael took Isabella's hand and walked to the door.

Isabella smiled gracefully beside Michael, trying to hide her nervousness so as not to embarrass him in front of the important person.

As they walked to the door hand in hand, the usher slowly opened it. In the bright noon sunlight, the important person outside was Ella.

Ella wore a burgundy floral dress, her snow-white hair neatly combed, sitting in a wheelchair, her wrinkles like a blooming flower.

Isabella excitedly hugged Ella. For her, Ella's presence made the wedding complete.

Ella gently patted Isabella's back, comforting her, "Isabella, I know everything. You've been wronged, my dear Isabella. Fortunately, the hard times are over. Michael is a good man. Live well with him."

Isabella nodded heavily on Ella's shoulder.

Isabella stood up and pushed Ella's wheelchair towards the wedding venue. She looked at Michael and quietly asked, "Did you tell Grandma?"

Michael shook his head and whispered in her ear, "I saw in the company records that you had a grandmother, so I brought her here."

He placed his hand on the wheelchair, pushing it together with Isabella, and said in a voice only they could hear, "Isabella, we are one. If you have anything, you must tell me."

Isabella didn't respond, thinking to herself, 'You don't tell me your things, and even my things. Why should I tell you mine?'

Despite her thoughts, she couldn't hide the happiness and sweetness on her face.

The wedding was mostly attended by the bride's relatives, with only a few tables for the groom's side. The ceremony was simple yet solemn, ending with a long kiss.