Chapter 787 787
—Diamond—
"I'd like to start with a compliment to my best friend," Diamond said as she turned towards Chloe. "Best friend, you look extra gorgeous today!"
Chloe chuckled, "Thank you. You too with the fuchsia dress. I like it."
"Oh, you should! Do you know how long it's been since I've put this dress in my wardrobe? I'm actually relieved that it's not destroyed by rats when I took it out."
The crowd laughed, and Diamond resumed reading, "When I first met Chloe, she looked timid and sad. She looked like a woman who went through difficulty.
"She was so timid that she wouldn't dare raise her head. But as I got to know her better, I discovered that Chloe is not a timid lady. She was stuck in an unfavorable situation and was trying to escape a nightmare."
Diamond intentionally glossed over Chloe's life with Vincent and the divorce because there were kids here. But every adult in the crowd knew about it because it had become a headline on the internet and gossip news.
"Chloe is a sweet lady with a strong motherly instinct. She also prefers a simple life as a traditional housewife, surrounded by her husband and children. She is very understanding and patient, perfect for a man who often yells at work. Yes, I'm talking about you, Boss."
The crowd laughed again. Even Vernon found it funny.
"So, Boss, Mr. Vernon Phoenix Gray. I want you to know that my best friend is perfect for you. She is the woman who will love you for who you are, and I hope you will love her the same way."
"I wish you two all the best and for your love to blossom for eternity."
—
Diamond ended her reading, and everyone clapped for her.
The MC announced the next reading for the groom's side, and the one who'd do the reading was none other than Dorothea.
Dorothea got up from her seat. She walked slowly to reach the mic. She looked weak yet peaceful, a big contrast to the Dorothea that most people knew before.
Dorothea wore her reading glasses and began to read the text she had;
—Dorothea—
"I may not be the most qualified to speak for my son, knowing that we had a terrible history in the past. That's why I was surprised when Vernon told me to do the reading for his side."
"I cannot speak much for him, but if I can describe my son, then I'd say that he is…" Dorothea looked at Vernon, who stared back at her.
There was no hostility in his eyes. Again, he didn't smile but patiently waited for Dorothea to continue speaking.
"… he is far different from his brother and father," Dorothea said sincerely. "He is responsible, loving, loyal, and hard-working. He knows what his heart wants and never gives up to convince Chloe that he is the right man to marry."
Dorothea choked on air as she was holding her tears, remembering Vincent and Vaughn, "Son, I hope you won't change after you get married."
"I won't," Vernon assured.
Dorothea nodded. She then looked at Chloe and removed her reading glasses, "And for my beautiful daughter-in-law, Chloe. You are the kindest woman I've ever met in my life. My life would have ended differently without your help. You are truly an angel on earth, and I hope you will forever be an angel."
Chloe wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes. She knew what Dorothea went through because she also had the same experience.
The only difference was that Chloe's happiness came to her at thirty-six, while Dorothea finally received her peace later in life.
"To end this, I have a request," Dorothea said. "Can I please hug the bride and the groom?"
Vernon didn't respond, but Chloe nodded without hesitation. Dorothea walked towards Chloe first. Chloe hugged her tightly. They might not be close in the past, but they were no less than a pair of mother and daughter now.
Vernon stared at his mother, who smiled at him. She didn't wish to get a hug from her son, knowing what she had done in the past.
She wanted to return to her seat, but Vernon suddenly hugged her.
He hugged her tightly but said nothing.
Dorothea's body trembled briefly before she hugged her son back, "You deserve to be happy, my dear son. I'm sorry I can't be a good mother to you."
—
Dorothea returned to her seat, and now it was the officiant's turn to speak as the wedding ceremony was about to start.
"The bride and groom gave me their loving words towards each other, so to start with, we will allow the bride to give her speech."
The officiant handed Chloe her wedding speech, and she started reading while holding the mic.
Chloe paused for a while, preparing herself for the reading she was about to make.
She glanced at Vernon, whose expression was unreadable because it was mixed between excitement and worry.
Chloe smiled and finally began her reading;
—Chloe—
"Vernon Phoenix Gray, I've known you since you were a boy. I remember you running around, creating havoc in the mansion."
"I remember how everyone despises you for your mischievousness, but I see a boy starving to be loved and taken care of. So I tried my best to care for you when you were young."
"I didn't think of anything or want any reward for what I did. I just thought that you need it," Chloe said. She stared at Vernon and chuckled, "Well, here we are, about to get married. Who would've thought that boy I met twenty years ago has grown to be a handsome and capable man?"
Vernon chuckled with Chloe because he found it funny.
Chloe might never expect them to get married, but Vernon had his goal clear since the day he met Chloe for the first time.
He fell in love and wanted to marry Chloe.
And that goal never changed.