Chapter 332

Once the white veil was lifted, the matchmaker promptly removed it. The couple’s eyes met, and each saw breathtaking beauty in the other. Both held their breath.

Rafael’s heart raced. He couldn’t tear his gaze from his bride’s face. She was the most beautiful person he had ever seen—like a fairy hidden beneath a rose tree.

Carissa gazed at Rafael with bright eyes, noting that he looked even more handsome than before. The griffin patterns on his ceremonial robes showcased his high status. The usual coldness in his noble presence was absent, replaced by warmth and tenderness in his eyes. Standing tall and graceful, he seemed a divine being.

Both blushed, transfixed, reluctant to break eye contact. Something wondrous passed between them in that shared gaze.

The matchmaker spoke up. “Your Highnesses, the ladies outside are here to receive their blessing gifts and share in your joy.”

This snapped Carissa out of her reverie. Were they not supposed to drink the ceremonial wine first? Before she could ask, a crowd surged into the newlywed suite.

Carissa was deeply moved to see Violet, Cynthia, Bun, and even Rod, who stood at the forefront with a white and gold ribbon tied around his neck. The other young wives and ladies could only offer their congratulations from behind this barrier of four people.

After the congratulatory messages, many praised Carissa and Rafael’s union as a match made in heaven, describing them as a perfect, beautiful pair. A flood of compliments poured in, accompanied by excited squeals, all astonished by the couple’s appearance.

In this situation, Carissa was more adept at managing the crowd than Rafael. She smiled warmly and curtsied. “Thank you, all, for your blessings. Your kindness is deeply appreciated. Please, drink a little more today. Lily, please distribute the blessing gifts so everyone can share in the joy.”

Lily carried a large bag filled to the brim with small blue and gold pouches, each containing pairs of gold coins.

For a royal wedding, giving gold coins was not considered extravagant. However, the guests had seen the dowry items, which filled the entire side hall and extended into the corridor. Even Helen was astonished by the sheer volume.

+25 BONUS

Chapter 332

Most of those who managed to enter were the young daughters and ladies from influential families, who left after receiving their share of the joyous blessings.

But Rafael couldn’t linger in the newlywed suite for too long. As the groom, he needed to greet the guests. Reluctant to leave, he turned back three times before finally departing.

As soon as he left, Lily sat down, rubbing her aching legs. It was a happy day, but exhausting.

Rod and Bun also needed to leave. With the groom gone, only female relatives could remain in the newlywed suite. Violet and Cynthia stayed behind, while Carissa’s female guild members remained outside to entertain the guests.

From the way Adrian and Everett were behaving, it seemed as though they intended to turn Hell Monarch Estate into their own domain.

“Cari, you look so beautiful today,” Violet said, cupping Carissa’s face, her eyes sparkling with admiration. “How do you manage to be so stunning? If someone else had your looks, I’d have to scratch her face.”

Cynthia laughed. “There are many people more beautiful than you. Why haven’t you scratched any of them?”

“Shut up. Today, my guild had more flair than your guild. You need to wait until I’m finished talking to Cari before it’s your turn,” Violet insisted, always eager to assert her superiority.

Cynthia refused to back down, determined to challenge the pompous aristocrat. She sat on Carissa’s right, turning her friend’s face toward her and making noises of admiration. “If I ever get married, I want to look this beautiful.”

Violet turned Carissa’s face back toward her with a huff. “Your face will never look as good as Cari’s, no matter how much makeup you use.”

“Who says so?” Cynthia promptly turned Carissa’s face back toward her.

Carissa placed her hands on their shoulders. “Stop. I need to ask you both something. Did Sage Adrian say you couldn’t come to the city until my wedding? Is that why you only came today?”