SWNOVELS Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Today marked the union of the Cartier and Royce families in the city of Lumina City. It was a grand event with a venue that sprawled over thousands of square meters, adorned in luxurious and fantastical decorations.
The emcee on stage was introducing the groom to the distinguished guests. “Let’s welcome the handsome and charming Mr. Jameson Royce to the stage!” As the emcee’s voice fell, the applause from the audience echoed like thunder.
However, moments passed, and the groom, who was supposed to make his entrance from one side of the stage, remained conspicuously absent. Murmurs began to ripple through the audience. The emcee, with a composed smile, attempted to salvage the situation, but as seconds went by, it became apparent that something was amiss. The emcee remained silent, and the hall quieted down considerably.
Suddenly, from backstage, the sharp sound of a slap reverberated. Those close to the stage witnessed a scene unfold. Mrs. Bernadette Royce had just slapped her son, Jameson. Without hesitation glared at her and strode from the stage.
Simultaneously, backstage, Marion was standing arm in arm with her father, Richard Cartier. The father-daughter duo awaited the opening of the doors, ready to step into the night that belonged solely to Marion and her soon-to-be husband.
“Are you nervous, sweetheart?” Richard asked as he affectionately petted his daughter’s arm. Marion looked shyly at her father.
Just as she was about to reply, she suddenly heard Mrs. Royce’s voice from behind them. “Jameson, come back here!” Marion instinctively turned around to the commotion. Just as she did, Jameson had whizzed past her.
Upon catching sight of her, his expression subtly shifted. “I-I’m sorry, Sally is in trouble. The wedding will have to be postponed for a few days,” he said without slowing down.
Marion felt the joy in her heart go out. Earlier, when her father asked her if she was nervous, she was indeed nervous. However, it was not because she was about to marry Jameson; her anxiety stemmed from the uncertainty surrounding tonight’s wedding. Would it go smoothly, or would it encounter unforeseen complications, much like the message from Sally Reagan last night suggested?
Richard, who still stood beside her, wore an even graver expression. With the wedding approaching and the banquet hall filled with guests, Jameson chose this critical moment to leave.
Marion watched as Jameson’s figure receded into the distance. She could not let him leave! She snapped back to reality, lifted the train of her wedding gown, and chased after him, “Jameson!”
She had forgotten that she was wearing heels. Each step felt like a knife slicing into her ankles. Despite the pain, Marion persisted, gritting her teeth as she ran to catch up with Jameson.
The wedding banquet was on the second floor and as Jameson reached the entrance on the first floor, he heard Marion calling for him. It only took a moment’s hesitation before he walked out of the hotel.
As Marion rushed out, she saw that Jameson had already crossed the street. She did not hesitate.
Jameson was about to get into a car when the sound of screeching tires pierced the air. “Marion!” he heard his mother scream.
Clad in her pristine wedding gown, Marion was hit by a black sedan. A sharp pain shot through her lower legs instantly. She tumbled to the ground, and the once immaculate wedding gown was now stained with blood. Her arms were scraped, and the elegant Ms. Cartier was now disheveled and miserable.
Marion bit her lip as she struggled to sit up. She caught Jameson staring intensely at her as he stood by his getaway car. She did not speak, but her eyes pleased with him.
‘Could you stay? Could there be a moment when you choose me before anything else?’