Chapter 376

The engagement ceremony began. The familiar song “Exchanging Lifetimes” played as Jennifer, in a red gown, held hands with Donald. They walked to the stage, signed the white engagement certificate, and pressed their fingerprints on a white sheet. The videographer captured every moment, bright lights shining on the lovely couple.

Teresa thought about her wedding to Jonathan. Back then, she’d worn a smile just like Jennifer’s. She wondered, “But my rushed marriage had no grand engagement party, no official documents, and few guests to offer blessings; just disapproval instead. A marriage without well-wishes truly can’t be happy!”

Tears streamed down Teresa’s cheeks as she headed to the bathroom to fix her makeup. Jonathan wasn’t there today.

Suddenly, a clean handkerchief was offered. She looked up and saw a stranger’s face. The person smiled and asked, “You… must be Jennifer’s sister, Teresa, right?”

“You know me?” Teresa asked.

“Yes, you really are Jennifer’s sister. I noticed the resemblance, so I thought I’d ask.” Sanford extended his hand. “I’m Sanford, a college classmate of Jennifer’s.”

“Oh,” Teresa recalled, asking, “You’re the college friend Jennifer mentioned from Shaville?”

“Yep. Has Jennifer spoken about me?” Sanford’s eyes lit up.

“She was planning to visit you in Shaville, but things changed.” Sanford tucked his hands in his pockets. “You mean she found someone she loves? That’s sudden. I thought Jennifer wouldn’t easily fall for a guy, with her personality.”

Seeing sadness in Sanford’s eyes, Teresa asked, “You like my sister, don’t you?”

Sanford admitted openly, “Back in college, I pursued Jennifer, but she rejected me. I suggested being friends, and she agreed. Now she’s getting married, so I wish her well. She mentioned a beautiful sister; I see she wasn’t kidding—you have a great figure, too.”

“You must be nuts,” Teresa wrapped her shawl tightly around herself and turned to leave.

Sanford followed. “Hey, I was complimenting you. No shady intentions. I’ve heard from Jennifer that you look like a star, and now I see she wasn’t lying. You have your own charm.”

Teresa usually ignored Sanford, but when he suggested adding each other on WhatsApp, she stopped and turned. “If she doesn’t like a guy, I like him even less.”

“Wait—” Sanford stuttered. He chuckled. “You sisters really know how to talk back. Fine, no WhatsApp then; I won’t offend you, I’d be in trouble either way.”

Teresa returned to the engagement venue. She sat at the main table while Evelyn had already gone up with Cathy to take turns greeting guests on stage. Applause broke out, and Teresa clapped along, putting on a show. She was no longer Jonathan’s wife; today, she represented Jennifer.

The host called out her name. “Our main character’s sister has arrived. Would you like to say a few words to your sister?”

The spotlight shifted to Teresa’s delicate face as she waved her hand. She had nothing to say, unsure of what to express.

Cathy adjusted the mood. “Let’s have her sister come up to sing a song at the wedding.”

Teresa smirked sarcastically. Sing? No way.

Jennifer walked up to the main table with Donald to toast. Teresa stood up expressionlessly, raising her glass, but Jennifer gently pressed her shoulder down.

“Teresa, I appreciate the sentiment, but don’t drink. Don’t make Donald and me worry about you.”

Teresa brushed off Jennifer’s hand; she had no intention of drinking anyway.

Jennifer moved on to another table, while Sanford poured himself a drink to toast Jennifer.

“As a friend of Jennifer’s for many years, she’s been through a lot. From now on, please treat her well.”

“Thank you for the blessing, I’ll take good care of Jennifer,” Donald responded as he clinked his glass with Sanford.

In a voice only they could hear, Jennifer joked with Sanford, “What do you think of Teresa in that red dress? Isn’t she beautiful?”

“Wow, stunning. I was lucky to chat with her, but she ignored me,” Sanford replied.

“Really? She’s single, easier to pursue than I am,” Jennifer teased, leaving it at that.

Donald playfully tugged at Jennifer’s arm, pulling her close. “Weren’t you going to tell me something today? I’ve been waiting.”

Jennifer rested her hand on Donald’s shoulder before whispering, “Donald, I love you.”

Donald froze, then took Jennifer’s hand, feeling emotional. He had finally waited to hear those words. He embraced her amidst the enthusiastic applause, leaning down to kiss her forehead.

“Jennifer, I love you too, and always will,” Donald said.

“I believe you,” Jennifer replied.

They held each other tightly as the large red backdrop perfectly matched the moment. Evelyn wiped away her tears, and Cathy handed her a tissue.

Irene marveled, “I never expected this.” Initially thinking Donald and Jennifer wouldn’t last, she assumed they’d never get married, but here they were, so quickly engaged. The Lynn family held a respectable status; once engaged, they wouldn’t back out. According to Nareigh customs, engagement meant the marriage was set. Next, they’d pick a date for the ceremony and wedding, making it official. The details of planning the wedding would be even more complex than those for the engagement. From now on, Jennifer was officially Donald’s fiancée.

Irene thought, “Donald and Jennifer made quite the twisted fate! Well, at least my son Jonathan is free. If Donald wants to jump into this fire, let him. I’m just the aunt; it’s not my concern.”

Just as the crowd was lively, an unexpected cheer erupted. A tall, well-dressed man strode in, and amidst gasps and admiration, he greeted Donald with a hug and blessings. Cathy and Werner had thought Jonathan wouldn’t come, as he’d mentioned being out of town and might not make it back.

“Jonathan, we were about to take a family photo. Join us!”

Jonathan agreed. His gaze swept the room, landing on Teresa in the red dress. He paused, a slight smile tugging at his lips.

Irene suddenly pulled Jonathan aside for a quiet word.

Sanford approached Teresa, clenching his fists, staring intently. “Teresa, can I ask who that man who just walked in is?”

“Why do you want to know?” Teresa was confused.

“Is his father named Yorick? Is he Yorick’s son?” Sanford asked again.