Wot wore a deep red formal suit with a golden boutonniere pinned to his chest. Usually rather honest and steady by nature, he was now so nervous that his hands trembled slightly, and even his smile was a little stiff.
"Wot, relax," Kailai reminded him quietly from beside him. "Take a deep breath. You'll be fine once you walk in."
Wot took a deep breath and nodded.
The music began. Wot stepped into the main hall and walked down the red carpet. The guests on either side smiled and applauded. He returned their smiles one by one, but his smile looked stiff no matter how one looked at it.
At the end of the red carpet, he turned around and looked toward the doors.
Everyone's gaze followed his toward the entrance.
The doors opened again.
Tiya Millers stood outside.
She wore a long white dress, its train trailing across the floor, embroidered with intricate silver patterns that shimmered in the candlelight. Her long golden hair had been swept into a high updo, with a few strands falling beside her ears, making her delicate face look even softer. She held a bouquet of white flowers, her gaze traveling down the long red carpet to settle on Wot.
A chorus of admiration rose from the guests.
Wot stared at her in a daze. The nervousness on his face gradually disappeared, replaced by a goofy smile of happiness.
Accompanied by two maids, Tiya walked toward him step by step. Her steps were unhurried and her expression calm. Only when she passed Loa did her gaze linger on him for a moment, and she gave him a slight nod in greeting.
Loa smiled and nodded back.
She reached Wot and came to a stop.
Looking at her, Wot suddenly whispered, "You look so beautiful