At their wedding, Everett announced that all the strawberries and flowers decorating the venue were not only edible but guests
were encouraged to take shif they couldn't finish them. "Let's not waste," he said with a smile, that sboyish charm
still evident, the one that years ago had him giving out apples just to win Dorothy's smile.
The event was nothing short of the grandest party Eldorria City had ever seen.
After the ceremony, Dorothy slipped into a wine-red evening gown that hugged her figure perfectly.ing out of the changing
room, she voiced a concern, "Do | look... Can you tell I'm pregnant?"
"You're practically all skin and bones; where could anyone possibly see a baby bump?" Everett reassured her, taking her hand.
"Everyone's waiting to toast with us—I got you juice."
Dorothy's eyebrows softened into a smile, "Don't you feel like we're missing something? Our wedding seems different."
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But she couldn't quite put her finger on what it was.
Everett gently tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, "I decided to skip the toast to the parents."
"Your mom's gone, and well, your dad might as well be. | didn't want to make you sad on our wedding day," he explained, his
thoughtfulness warming her heart.
"What about your dad, though?" Dorothy asked. "I mean, | don't have my parents, but you do. Skipping the toast to the elders,
your dad, Jonathan Lopez, might not be too happy about that."
"Don't worry about it. I've already talked to him, okay?"
She nodded, "Okay."
As they were about to head to the reception hall, Jonathan himself appeared around the corner. Talk about timing.
"Dad."
"Hmm."
Jonathan nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over them before he spoke, "You finally got your wish, got married. Make the most of
it from here on."
Everett stood protectively between his father and his wife, his grip on Dorothy's hand firm. "After the wedding, I'm leaving for a
while."
"I'll have someone take you to the airport."
Jonathan waved him off, "No need. | can manage in Eldorria City. It's not like | can't find my way around."
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After a pause, Jonathan turned to Dorothy, hesitating for a moment before asking, "Can | speak to you alone for a minute?"
Before Dorothy could respond, Everett interjected, "Dad, what's so secretive that | can't hear? Besides, she's pregnant.”
His tone was half-joking at first but then grew serious, a reminder of their shared concern.
Jonathan frowned slightly, "What could | possibly do to her? She's carrying a Lopez, | know, no need to remind me."
"Then whatever you have to say, say it here. Why should she step away—"
Before Everett could finish, Dorothy gently tugged at his sleeve, "If he wants to speak privately, there must be a reason. Go on to
the reception, I'll join you shortly."
"But..."
"Go on! We shouldn't keep our guests waiting. It's rude."
She knew Everett had done so much for her already; she couldn't let him strain his relationship with his father over this.