Chapter 159: A Drama Within a Drama
The preparations for Liang Xiaoluo's wedding began early in the morning. The makeup artist and staff worked meticulously, dressing her in an elegant white gown with a flowing train. Her light makeup enhanced her natural beauty, reflecting an ethereal elegance.
It took nearly two hours to complete the process. Liang Xiaoluo sat motionless the entire time, her face expressionless, offering no complaints. When she finally looked in the mirror, she barely recognized herself. She appeared stunning—far more beautiful than she had ever imagined—but the reflection held no meaning for her.
"Miss Liang, it's time to leave," one of the attendants announced.
Xiaoluo stood up, and a servant rushed to assist her. "Careful, the train is long. Let me hold it for you."
Silent, she allowed herself to be escorted downstairs. At the entrance, Ming appeared like a ghost, his greasy grin plastered across his face.
"Miss Liang," he said obsequiously, "I'll head to the venue ahead of you. I hope today will be the happiest day of your life."
Something about his words felt off, but Xiaoluo couldn't quite pinpoint what. Instead, her concern shifted. "What about my father and family?" she asked.
Before she could finish, Ming had already walked away, leaving her question unanswered.
"Miss Liang, this way, please," a maid urged.
She was guided into a luxurious Lamborghini parked outside. As the car began to move, a small convoy of vehicles trailed behind them. The atmosphere grew tense as the driver occasionally glanced at the rearview mirror.
"Xiaoyue, make the call," the driver muttered cryptically, avoiding eye contact with Xiaoluo.
The maid, seemingly understanding the driver's intention, discreetly made a call, her voice hushed. Xiaoluo barely noticed, lost in her thoughts. She didn't care to listen, much less question their motives.
The trailing cars suddenly accelerated. The driver's knuckles tightened on the steering wheel, his face pale. "Miss Liang, hold on. We're speeding up."
Xiaoluo looked up, confused. "What's going on? What are those cars behind us?"
Before her question could be answered, the Lamborghini surged forward, and the tension in the air reached a breaking point.
At the Royal Hotel, Ye Tianlin stood at the entrance, the epitome of perfection in his tailored black suit. His sharp features, styled hair, and piercing gaze drew every onlooker's attention. The crowd was abuzz with excitement for what was being hailed as the wedding of the century.
Tianlin's eyes scanned the horizon, eagerly awaiting Xiaoluo's arrival. His joy was evident, his anticipation almost childlike.
"Looks like I underestimated you, Tianlin," said Ye Tianqing, standing beside him, his tone a mix of admiration and nostalgia.
Tianlin turned to his older brother, a rare, genuine smile gracing his lips. "I'm sorry, Brother," he said, his voice sincere.
For years, their relationship had been marred by misunderstandings and unspoken tensions. Yet in this moment, Tianqing felt a flicker of warmth he hadn't experienced in years.
Placing a firm hand on Tianlin's shoulder, he said, "Make sure you're happy together."
As Tianqing turned to leave, Tianlin called out, "Brother, you deserve happiness too."
Tianqing paused mid-step, his expression unreadable. After a moment of silence, he walked away without replying.
Inside the venue, familiar faces mingled, including Yan Ruoxi. She and Tianqing exchanged a brief, distant glance—a silent farewell. She smiled faintly, resigned to the reality that their lives were destined to part ways after today.
With less than an hour until the ceremony, unease began to creep into Tianlin's heart. He glanced at his watch repeatedly, each passing minute feeling like an eternity.
"Son, standing here won't bring her any faster," came a voice from behind.
Turning, Tianlin saw his father, Ye Lao, being wheeled toward him by Hua Lin. The old man's presence was both surprising and reassuring.
Few knew that Ye Lao had regained consciousness days earlier. After months of silence, he had woken in response to Tianlin's heartfelt confession. That night, Tianlin had poured out his soul, admitting his mistakes, fears, and plans. Against all odds, his father had opened his eyes, his recovery nothing short of miraculous.
Yet Ye Lao had remained in hiding, per Tianlin's request. Only today, on Tianlin's wedding day, would the world know he had returned.
"You've grown into a fine man, my son," Ye Lao said, his voice tinged with pride. "And now, you've found your happiness."
"Thank you, Father," Tianlin replied, his expression softening. "I've waited so long for this day."
Ye Lao chuckled, but Hua Lin's forced smile betrayed her unease. Beneath her outward composure lay a shadow of resentment—a darkness she could no longer contain.
Happiness? She thought bitterly. His happiness should have been mine.
As the minutes ticked by, Tianlin's unease grew. His gaze darted toward the driveway, but there was no sign of Xiaoluo.
Suddenly, Zuo Lun approached, his face grave. Leaning in close, he whispered, "Young Master."
Tianlin's sharp eyes locked onto his subordinate's face. "What's wrong?"
"Miss Liang… we've lost contact with her."
Tianlin's expression hardened, his pulse quickening. "What do you mean? Explain. Now."
Zuo Lun hesitated, the weight of his words heavy. "Her car… it's gone off the radar."
For a moment, Tianlin was silent. Then, with a voice as cold as ice, he growled, "Find her. No matter the cost."