Emma raised her glass, offered a warm toast filled with good wishes, and finished her drink in one go, prompting a round of applause from everyone.
At that moment, it was time for Finnian and Liliana to make their rounds and toast the guests together. Traditionally, when the newlyweds make their toasts, they’re accompanied by assistants to help with their belongings. Liliana was joined by her assistant, Nora. Finnian was supposed to be followed by Hogan.
But Hogan still hadn’t shown up, and no one knew where he had gone. Emma was starting to get annoyed and sent someone to look for him.
Suddenly, Hogan burst into the room, lips pressed tightly together, his expression unusually serious—totally unlike his normal self. He walked straight in, grabbed Finnian’s arm, and said in a low voice, “Bro, I need to tell you something—Amara’s baby might be yours.”
He had spoken quietly enough that the other guests in the hall didn’t hear him, but Finnian, and those close by—Liliana, Emma, Mr. Kevin Everly—caught every word clearly.
All eyes turned to Hogan, shocked and incredulous, but Hogan paid them no attention; he looked only at Finnian.
“What did you say?”
Finnian appeared as if he hadn’t heard him the first time and asked Hogan to repeat himself. Hogan immediately realized that Finnian hadn’t failed to hear him—he just couldn’t believe what had been said.
Not that you could blame him; who would believe news like this?
“Let’s talk outside,” said Hogan, pulling Finnian out of the hall. Finnian didn’t resist, letting Hogan lead him away.
The wedding guests had no idea what was going on. All they saw was Hogan suddenly rush in and say something to Finnian, after which the groom—the star of the evening—just left. Everyone exchanged bewildered looks.

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