Chapter 311

25 BONUS

Snow had fallen intermittently for two days. The grounds were covered in a thick layer of snow, though servants had cleared paths.

The orchids were in full bloom, buried beneath the snow. A kick would scatter the snow, and the flowers would flutter down with it.

Amid the sea of white, with purple petals drifting down, Carissa and Ryan built a snowman. Ryan enthusiastically found two pebbles for its eyes, giving it a quirky, adorable appearance. Carissa draped a cloak and hat over it. From a distance, it looked remarkably lifelike.

Nearby, Kyle had been painting at his easel for some time. He hadn't seen Carissa so lively in a while; this painting would be sent back to their guild.

By December 20th, with the wedding imminent, Carissa felt overwhelmed by preparations.

The wedding gown had arrived. After months of painstaking work, it was as splendid as one could imagine. The sky-blue outer garment, though looking heavy, felt surprisingly light and smooth. Intricate gold embroidery of cloud patterns—a traditional design reserved for women of the highest rank—adorned the gown.

The ceremonial shawl blended turquoise and gold, with woven dove motifs in shimmering gold. The phoenix crown matched this color scheme, adorned with over a dozen blue and silver gemstones. Delicate, fan-shaped accents in pale cyan and yellow added elegance at the back, curving gracefully and enhancing the ensemble's beauty.

Given the winter wedding, a fine piece of leather and fox fur created a white cloak. The outer layer was cloud satin, embroidered with intricate patterns before sewing. Large peonies, stitched in gold thread and symbolizing prosperity and wealth, decorated it. Since weddings rarely offered opportunities to break traditional norms or use symbols typically reserved for higher statuses, both griffin and phoenix motifs were also embroidered, alongside the peonies.

When Carissa donned the outfit, everyone was awestruck.

Lulu seated Carissa at the dressing table to apply makeup. After Lulu finished, everyone finally blinked again. What had Lulu done? Carissa looked more beautiful without makeup; with it, she appeared at least three years older. Carissa usually didn't wear makeup and was naturally elegant, with a complexion as smooth as silk. She hardly needed powder or rouge!

Holly patted Lulu's hand. “Alright, that's enough. Go attend to your tasks and stop causing trouble. What kind of bride's makeup is this? Her face looks so pale.”

Lulu giggled. “My lady usually doesn't wear makeup. If she does, she applies it herself. I haven't learned that skill.”

“Lady Sinclair took you to Meadow Ridge and spoiled you,” Holly said, dipping a cloth in hot water and removing the makeup.

Natural beauty was always best, though a bride did need wedding-day makeup. Holly had already invited a skilled staff member from Elegance Atelier to apply the bridal makeup.

Lily admired the gown's embroidery, praising it endlessly. “It makes sense that it's so expensive. I could never embroider such exquisite patterns and designs!”

Carissa looked at herself in the mirror, feeling dazed. When she married Barrett, Melanie had arranged for an experienced woman to do her hair and held her hand, giving instructions on interacting with her husband, respecting her in-laws, and treating younger siblings and relatives.

In the year at Valor Estate, Carissa followed her mother's advice. She knew one shouldn't be overly indulgent but adhered to her mother's teachings, especially after the Duke of Northwatch's family was wiped out. With no home left, she completely embraced the Warren family and followed her mother's words to the letter, feeling it was the only way to show devotion and bring peace to her mother's spirit.

In the blink of an eye, she had divorced and remarried. Looking at herself in the mirror, it felt as if no time had passed. It felt as if, any moment, a maid would assist her mother, who would take her hand and offer last-minute advice.

Her eyes instantly filled with tears. She quickly stood up, went to the inner chamber, and changed back into her regular clothes.