Separate Weddings, Separate Lives novel Chapter 26

In the Cromwells' wedding hall, guests whispered among themselves or scrolled through their phones, watching footage of Elijah and Louisa's wedding.

"The Holten family is outrageously generous. Just the wedding gifts and ceremonial expenses alone must have cost billions."

"That's nothing. What really matters is the respect they showed. Albert said Louisa was settling. Looking back through all the years, which heiress married into the Holten family and ever got that kind of acknowledgment? Even when the eldest son married the daughter of the world's richest man, she didn't get this treatment."

"Louisa must have extraordinary luck to land something like that."

"She earned it herself. Do you think a family like the Holten family needs money? What they care about is prestige. She's a world champion. That kind of honor can't be bought. What a name to bring into the family."

"But she really kept things quiet. Who would've thought she was involved with Elijah? I always thought she was Thaddeus' type."

"Thaddeus must be rushing over to steal the bride. I doubt he'll even show up to marry the Watson family heiress."

"Shh." Someone nudged the person and gestured toward the Watson family standing nearby.

Every member of the Watson family wore a dark expression. Patrick looked at Danica. "I really don't understand. You knew exactly what he was going to do. Why did you still let him go? If he doesn't come back, where does that leave our family's dignity?"

Danica's face was deathly pale, yet her eyes remained unnervingly calm. "He'll come. And the Holten family wedding is already over, isn't it?"

That meant Thaddeus hadn't stolen the bride. Even if he had tried, he had failed.

It was just that the dignity the Holten family gave Louisa was too overwhelming. Even if Danica married Thaddeus today, she would only ever be compared to Louisa.

She really underestimated Louisa.

"What time is it already? If he were coming, he'd be here by now." Even beneath Rosalie's flawless makeup, her anxiety showed.

Danica slowly lowered her gaze and saw the man entering through the doors. He wore a black suit, his hair slicked back. His clothes and appearance were different.

She knew why. She had people follow him and knew he had bled for Louisa. This transformation was nothing more than an attempt to conceal how wrecked he had been on Louisa's side.

"Thank you all for waiting. The wedding will now begin," Jake announced as he jogged forward, the seasoned emcee working quickly to lift the mood.

The guests stared in disbelief. In their minds, this wedding was already over.

All eyes turned to Thaddeus, searching his face for some hint of emotion. However, there was nothing but a cold, ominous stillness. The way he looked at Danica was unsettling, sharp with fury, yet as if something darker was being forced down.

Thaddeus walked up to Danica, so close his body nearly pressed against hers. His teeth clenched as he asked in a low voice. "Where's my mom?"