Ste struggled to find the words to exin to Lucia.


    Admitting her reluctance would let everyone down.


    Waldo’s brow furrowed as he turned to Matthew, his voice tinged with usation.


    “How can she be indifferent to a wedding? Did you overlook somethingst time, or perhaps not make her feel secure enough? Is that why she’s hesitant to do it again?”


    Matthew remained silent.


    Unable to watch Matthew take the me, Ste quickly interjected, “Waldo, you’ve got it all wrong.


    It’s not his fault.


    It’s on me.


    ”


    Waldo remarked, “There’s no need to speak on his behalf.


    He’s always engulfed in work.


    Perhaps he didn’t put in enough effort on the wedding preparationsst time, leaving you disappointed.


    ”


    Ste hastened to rify, “No, that’s not it at all.


    We were both deeply invested in preparing for the weddingst time, but what happened during the ceremony has cast a long shadow over me.


    I’m genuinely concerned.


    ”


    Hearing this, Waldo remained silent.


    Lucia’s expression turned grim as well.


    It was evident that the memory of the horrible event had affected everyone, their faces momentarily clouded with sorrow.


    Even after all this time, bringing up anything rted to Benny still enveloped the rk family in a veil of grief.


    Ste chimed in, “Matthew and I have been married for some time now.


    The ceremony is merely a formality.


    What truly matters is our bond.


    ”


    She then grasped Matthew’s hand, adding, “So, the wedding itself is insignificant to me.


    ”


    Lucia seemed to disagree but hesitated, searching for the right words.


    Matthew dered, “I admit, I wasn’tpletely ready before, which allowed someone to exploit the situation.


    I n to arrange a new, even more magnificent wedding.


    ”


    At this, Ste began to object.


    Matthew gripped her hand firmly and dered, “The more something frightens us, the more essential it is to confront it.


    This wedding will be wless.


    You deserve every happiness.


    There’s no reason for you to suffer any injustice.


    ”


    Ste, seeing his determination, chose not to protest further.


    “We should take our time with this decision.


    We’ll discuss itter,”


    Byron suggested, deferring the topic.


    Laughter soon returned to the table, lightening the atmosphere.


    Matthew and Sanford exchanged knowing nces across the table.


    At that moment, Waldo’s curiosity was piqued by Sanford’s unfamiliar face.


    “Who is this?” he inquired.


    Byron exined, “This is Sanford, a young man Kori once sponsored.


    We’ve maintained a rtionship over the years.


    He now partners with Bet in a business, and I’vee to regard him as my own grandson.


    Sanford, meet Mr.


    Waldo rk.


    ”


    Sanford greeted Waldo courteously, and then steered the conversation in a new direction.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    “Actually, I’m here today to explore a potential coboration with Ste.


    ”