I Was His Wife, Then His Widow, Then No One's But My Own novel Chapter 417

One week later, the wedding day arrived. The weather was absolutely gorgeous. White roses swayed gently in the breeze across the lush lawn, and the faint, sweet scents of floral blooms and champagne drifted through the air.

In the dressing room.

Nora sat in front of the mirror, staring at the woman in the reflection. She looked so breathtakingly radiant that for a fleeting second, she didn't even recognize herself.

She wore a custom designer gown. It was elegantly minimalist yet breathtakingly regal, cinching perfectly at her waist. The skirt was layered with gossamer tulle that shimmered with a soft, pearlescent glow under the lights.

She had been so nervous last night that she barely slept. Walking down the aisle again after all this time—and with a completely different man—felt surreal.

The makeup artist gently tilted Nora's chin, smiling warmly. "Just hold still for a second, Ms. Newman. Let me touch up your makeup, and you'll be perfect."

Nora offered a shy smile and sat up straight. Standing nearby, Genevieve leaned in, her eyes shining with pure admiration.

Her daughter-in-law was absolutely stunning. If anything, her son was the one marrying up.

Just then, the door clicked open. Xander stepped into the room wearing a flawlessly tailored black tuxedo. His bowtie was perfectly crisp, making him look even more broad-shouldered and devastatingly handsome than usual. His hair was meticulously styled back, highlighting his sharp features, and his deep eyes were softer than they had ever been.

Sensing the moment, the makeup artist quietly excused herself.

Xander walked up behind Nora and placed his hands gently on her shoulders. Their eyes met in the mirror. A slow, breathtaking smile spread across his face, and his gaze was overflowing with love.

Nora looked at his reflection and smiled back. "Do I look okay?"

Touched by her incredible thoughtfulness, Nora obediently took the bowl and took a sip. The savory, comforting broth instantly warmed her up from the inside out.

Just as she finished half the bowl, the sound of tiny footsteps echoed in the hallway, followed immediately by an adorable, high-pitched voice.

"Mom!"

Bonnie poked her head through the doorway. She was wearing a gorgeous pink tulle dress, her hair styled into an elegant updo decorated with tiny flowers. She looked like a little fairy straight out of a storybook.

Running up to Nora, Bonnie's mouth fell open in awe. "Mom, you're so pretty! You're prettier than Cinderella! Prettier than every princess in the whole world!"