Chapter 248: A Drop From Above
As the yacht pulled up to the private dock, a massive, cream-colored mansion came into view right at the water’s edge. It looked like a grand European castle, complete with pointed turrets, curved stone balconies, and tall black-framed windows.
Behind the estate, lush green hills rose up against the clear blue sky. Neatly trimmed hedges and stone steps lined the waterfront walk. While luxury boats rested quietly along the dock, screaming wealth and exclusivity.
Gavriel and Aliana were the first to disembark, followed by Cillian, then Jade, and Andrew beside her.
At the bottom of the grand steps leading toward the mansion stood Cedric Wilson, dressed in a casual white polo shirt and light trousers. With his messy blonde hair and warm amber eyes, a boyish grin spread across his face the moment Aliana approached.
She looked so stunning beneath the afternoon sun, like a goddess that for a brief moment, he forgot about everyone else around her... especially her husband, who had an arm possessively wrapped around her waist and his piercing icy-blue eyes were fixed on him.
Oblivious to the fact that he had just gained the eerie of the last person on the planet, Cedric continued smiling. However, behind Gavriel, three people instinctively stiffened as the oppressive aura radiating from him sent a chill crawling down their spines.
"Oh dear... we might have a problem here," Cillian murmured under his breath.
"I knew it." Jade clicked her tongue quietly. "At this rate, Cedric might end up with a black eye before the wedding photos are even taken."
"That would be putting it lightly," Cillian muttered, shaking his head. He had a feeling this so-called relaxing holiday was about to become anything but relaxing.
Beside them, Andrew looked up at the bright afternoon sun in utter disbelief. "Why do I suddenly feel so cold?"
Jade let out a helpless sigh. "You’re not alone, buddy."
Just as they drew near, Cedric called out excitedly, "Ali! You made it!"
But just as he stepped forward to pull her into a hug...
Splat!
Something wet splattered across his face.
Cedric froze awkwardly with his arms still spread open, while Aliana instinctively took a step back.
Her eyes widened before she quickly covered her mouth. "Oh my!"
Andrew, Jade, and Cillian blinked before they looked up together just in time to spot the culprit... a lone crow disappearing into the sky after delivering its precise gift.
"....."
Jade bit the inside of her cheek to stop herself from laughing, while Andrew stared after the bird in complete disbelief.
Cillian, on the other hand, had already turned away, one hand covering his mouth as his shoulders began to shake. Never in his life had he expected Gavriel to resort to such petty means, using a bird for an aerial attack just to keep another man from hugging his wife.
Cedric, still unaware, frowned at Aliana’s twisted expression and reached to have his fingers brush against his cheek before his eyes snapped wide in sheer disgust.
"What the hell is this?" He hurriedly pulled out a handkerchief and began wiping his face.
Only then did Gavriel finally speak. "Bird droppings."
That was when Cedric’s amber eyes snapped over to meet a pair of ice-cold blue ones.
Gavriel continued nonchalantly. "Some cultures consider it a blessing from the heavens."
"..."
Aliana, who was grossed out at the sight of poop, blinked in surprise at what her usually quiet husband had just said.
Slowly, she turned her head to look at Gavriel in disbelief and caught the ghost of a satisfied smile on his face, looking as though he had thoroughly enjoyed it.
Behind them, the three onlookers could no longer hold it together. They slapped hands over their faces, their shoulders trembling as they fought to suppress their laughter.
Quickly snapping out of her stunned silence, Aliana immediately turned to look at Cedric, who positively resembled a cooked lobster.
Clearing her throat, she let out a light chuckle and covered for her husband. "Well... that’s one positive way to look at it, right, Ced?"
Both men’s attention shifted to her.
Cedric could only let out a helpless laugh before nodding. "I suppose so."
Taking the opportunity, she stirred the conversation in a different direction. "Oh, right. Last time, I didn’t get a chance to introduce you two properly." Resting a hand lightly against Gavriel’s chest, she smiled. "Cedric, meet Gavriel, my husband and Gav, meet the groom."
Cedric offered Gavriel a polite smile despite the man’s intimidating presence. "Cedric Wilson. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Mr. Valentine."
He made no attempt to offer a handshake, given its current sullied state.
Just as the others were about to greet Cedric, the sound of soft footsteps echoed from behind him, drawing everyone’s attention.
A brunette with short hair and striking dark blue eyes emerged from the mansion.
"Ah, there she is." Cedric’s expression instantly brightened as he extended a hand towards the woman dressed in a short white summer dress. "Everyone, this is Gwen Prescott, my bride."
Gwen stepped gracefully to his side before offering everyone a warm, welcoming smile. "My apologies for being late. I’m so glad to finally meet you all. Thank you for joining us for our special day."
Her deep blue eyes swept across the group until they landed on Gavriel.
For the briefest of moments, surprise flickered across her face.
His gorgeous features, piercing icy-blue eyes, and commanding presence were enough to make every other man standing there... including her husband-to-be, fade into the background.
A faint blush crept onto Gwen’s cheeks when Gavriel met her gaze, and Aliana’s sharp eyes caught the reaction immediately.
When Gwen and Cedric continued to gawk at the striking couple, the three spectators watched the strange atmosphere in silence until Jade discreetly elbowed Cillian, signaling him to step in.
Catching the hint, Cillian stepped forward with his usual easy smile. "Well, we are happy to be here and celebrate with you."
The sound of his voice broke the brief silence.
"Right," Cedric cleared his throat, refocusing on the rest of the group as he gestured toward the estate. "Your rooms are ready. After you."
With that, the group headed inside the mansion, bringing the awkward encounter to an end.
As the group walked in, they immediately drew the attention of the various guests already mingling inside. Some sat lazily on plush seating, while others stood in small clusters with drinks in hand.
Conversations ground to a sudden halt at the sight of the newly married couple, who had been dominating the media headlines for weeks.
Whispers erupted instantly, spreading through the place like wildfire.