Chapter 488

Teresa finally understood. Jonathan, assuming she would go with the bride's party to the groom's house, hadn't gone. She'd thought the same. After all, it was the Lynn family's territory.

Teresa awkwardly rubbed her arm and said, “You still have time to head back.”

Jonathan, not having seen Teresa in a few days, gave her a longer look and said, “I’m not going back. Let’s walk together. It’s not far from where we’ll have dinner.”

“Okay,” Teresa said.

Simultaneously, at Donald's house, they welcomed the bride. Donald and Jennifer received the Parental Blessing, as did Hayden. There was nonstop laughter and joy. Bright red decorations stood out in the center. Hayden sat there, looked at Jennifer, and for some reason, his eyes welled up. Jennifer turned to Werner and Cathy, who also offered their blessings. Jennifer thanked them warmly. Werner and Cathy's eyes also welled up; they were deeply moved.

Afterward, Donald and Jennifer gave their vows and speeches. People nearby teased them, asking about children and how many they planned to have.

“Yeah, eight,” Donald said, excitedly, hugging and kissing Jennifer like he was drunk. The crowd cheered even louder.

Meanwhile, Teresa and Jonathan walked to the hotel. A motorcycle sped past. Jonathan put his arm around Teresa's shoulder, pulling her close. He patted her shoulder and said, “You go inside.”

“Oh, thanks.” Teresa tried to calm her sudden flutter and avoided looking at Jonathan.

“The weather’s not great today,” Teresa said.

“Yeah,” Jonathan agreed, “But the temperature’s okay, not too hot or stuffy.”

“Yeah.” Teresa touched her ear. Perhaps because they were going to the wedding together, she felt an awkward, strange feeling she’d never experienced before. The walk felt both long and short.

They soon arrived at the Skycrest Grand Hotel. In the lobby, Teresa said, “I’m going to use the restroom. You go in first.”

“Wait,” Jonathan called after her, catching up. He raised his hand and gently wiped a corner of her mouth. “Lipstick.”

Teresa grabbed his hand and said, “I got this.”

Jonathan looked down, staring at her delicate fingers holding his. Teresa let go and cleared her throat. “I’m going to the restroom. I can fix it myself.” Jonathan put his hands in his pockets and watched her walk away.

At noon, the bride and groom's party arrived at the hotel. The cameramen followed and set up. The large wedding screen displayed “Donald loves Hannah.” To avoid complications, they used the name Hannah. There were thirty-two tables, seating six or seven people each. It was quite grand. Sherry took Michael and seated him at a quiet table. Michael shook his head and swayed, saying, “Sherry, so many people, and so much delicious food.” Sherry put her finger to her lips and whispered, “Shh.” Michael nodded and whispered back.

Then, with a loud bang and the crackling of fireworks, the lights dimmed throughout the venue. The door slowly opened, and the groom, Donald, appeared at the entrance. He held a microphone and began singing “Love Is Simple” as he walked toward Jennifer. […I forgot how it started, maybe it’s just a feeling for you, you’re really so simple…] Donald chose this song to begin the ceremony because it reflected his feelings for Jennifer. The word “simple” in the title symbolized how he saw Jennifer; he loved her simple, genuine nature.

When Donald reached Jennifer's side, Evelyn patted his shoulder and told him to take good care of Hannah.

“Mom, I will,” Donald replied.

Jonathan, sitting at the main table, heard Donald call Evelyn “Mom.” She was his former mother-in-law. Jonathan felt a little sad. Evelyn held Donald’s hand tightly, tears streaming down her face, and then placed Jennifer’s hand in his. Jennifer gently wiped Evelyn’s tears, mostly for show.

“What a touching scene. The love between Mr. Lynn and Ms. Johnston is like a simple melody, pure and clear as crystal,” the host said.

The wedding continued.

“Today’s wedding is truly packed with guests. The chairman of Horizonlead Group, Jonathan, is here too,” the host announced.

The spotlight hit Jonathan. He stood, waved to the guests behind him, gave a slight bow, and sat down.

“Also here is the bride’s sister, Teresa, owner of Teresouth Group, sitting to my right,” the host continued.

The spotlight shifted to Teresa’s table. Teresa stood, bowed slightly, and took the microphone as planned.

The host said, “As Hannah’s sister, Teresa will sing a song for her. The song is ‘At Least I Still Have You.’”

Jennifer looked shocked and stared at Teresa in disbelief. Donald held Jennifer’s hand, signaling her not to be surprised. Jennifer understood what was happening.

All eyes were on Teresa. She was tall, beautiful, and fair-skinned, with a face that suggested she would sing like an angel. But her first note was off-key.

Suddenly, someone in the crowd began clapping to encourage her. More people joined in, clapping along to show their support and prevent her embarrassment. With each line Teresa sang, the crowd kept the beat, and she steadily improved.

At the last line: [Even if I could give up the whole world, at least I still have you worth cherishing…], she finished and took a bow. She looked at Jonathan, who still held her hand, and smiled slightly, thanking him for keeping the rhythm.

Irene returned from the restroom and saw Jonathan’s lingering affectionate smile. Seeing him looking toward Teresa, Irene sat down and silently rolled her eyes.

“Ahem,” she whispered, “You’re a group president. You gotta watch your image and behavior.”

Jonathan frowned, confused. “What’s wrong with me?”

Irene tried to hint, “I know about that Winnie thing last time. I can’t just introduce women to you casually. Look around, there are tons of girls here, so don’t…”

Before she finished, a small hand reached between them and grabbed Jonathan’s large hand.

“Michael,” Jonathan looked down at the little boy and raised an eyebrow. Michael smiled and held out a handful of candy. “Jonathan, here, have some.”