Chapter 128: Wedding (2)

Albert’s voice carried enough enthusiasm to draw a few glances from the people nearby. He didn’t seem to care, though. Reaching Ethan, he grabbed his shoulder and pulled him into a friendly embrace.

Ethan laughed and returned the gesture. "Easy there. You’re getting married today, not leaving for war."

Albert released him and gave him an incredulous look. "And that’s how you greet me after arriving late enough to make me wonder whether you’d changed your mind?"

"Late?" Ethan raised an eyebrow. "We arrived when we were supposed to."

"That’s what everyone says when they’re late," Albert snickered.

Ethan clicked his tongue and shook his head. "You haven’t changed at all."

"Neither have you, bro." Albert grinned before glancing toward Evelyn and Nora. His expression immediately became more welcoming as he straightened his clothes. "Ah, I almost forgot. Evelyn, Nora, welcome! I’m glad you could make it."

Evelyn smiled politely. "Congratulations, Albert. You look very handsome today."

Albert’s grin widened. "Thank you! I was beginning to worry that the suit wasn’t doing me justice, but hearing that from you makes me feel better."

Ethan snorted. "Don’t get too carried away. She’s just being polite."

Albert shot him an offended look. "Can’t you let me enjoy a compliment for once?"

"Not when you’re making it so easy to tease you."

Evelyn covered her mouth, suppressing a laugh at their exchange. Nora, meanwhile, watched the two cousins with quiet amusement. Their closeness was obvious, and she found it refreshing to see Ethan interacting with someone who could tease him without making him defensive.

Albert eventually turned toward Nora and smiled. "And how’s my little cousin doing?"

"I’m fine," Nora answered politely. "Congratulations on your wedding."

"Thank you, Nora!" Albert exclaimed, looking genuinely pleased. "Make sure you enjoy yourself today, all right? There’s going to be plenty of delicious food."

Nora’s eyes brightened slightly.

Ethan noticed immediately and shook his head. ’There he goes, encouraging her again.’

Still, he didn’t interrupt. Albert was getting married, and there was no reason to deny the man the pleasure of spoiling his younger relatives a little.

Albert then glanced toward the other side of the hall, where a young woman was speaking with a few guests. His expression softened as he called out to her.

"Yasmine!"

The woman turned at the sound of her name. She excused herself from the conversation and approached them with measured steps, her wedding dress moving gracefully around her as she walked.

Ethan studied her briefly.

Yasmine El Mansouri had an elegant appearance, but there was nothing particularly showy about her demeanor. She carried herself with quiet composure, her expression gentle as she approached Albert. When she reached the group, her gaze moved from her husband-to-be to the people standing beside him.

"Yasmine, these are my uncle Jason and Aunt Maria’s family," Albert explained, gesturing toward Ethan and the others. "You already know my parents, of course, but this is my cousin Ethan, his wife Evelyn, and their daughter Nora."

Yasmine smiled politely. "It’s a pleasure to meet you."

Ethan returned her greeting with a calm smile. "Likewise. Congratulations to you both."

"Thank you," Yasmine replied, her gaze briefly shifting toward Evelyn. "You look lovely today."

Evelyn smiled, slightly surprised by the compliment. "Thank you. You look beautiful too."

Yasmine’s cheeks colored faintly, and she lowered her gaze for a moment before looking toward Nora. Her expression softened as she noticed the girl’s reserved posture.

"And you must be Nora. It’s nice to meet you."

Nora nodded politely. "It’s nice to meet you too, Yasmine."

"Please, enjoy yourself today," Yasmine said warmly. "I hope you have a wonderful time."

"I will. Thank you."

Ethan watched the brief exchange with a faint smile. Yasmine was reserved, but she didn’t make the mistake of confusing reserve with coldness. She had made an effort to greet everyone, and her kindness toward Nora seemed genuine.

’She appears to be a good person.’

Of course, one short conversation wasn’t enough to understand someone’s character, but his first impression was favorable.

Albert was about to continue the introductions when another guest approached and called his name. The groom turned with a sigh, clearly recognizing that he wouldn’t be able to spend much time with any single group of guests today.

"Sorry, bro. I’ll catch up with you later," Albert told Ethan before turning toward the newcomer.

Ethan waved him off. "Go ahead. It’s your wedding, after all."

Albert grinned and hurried away, leaving Yasmine with them for another moment. She exchanged a few more polite words with Evelyn before a member of her family approached to ask for her assistance. After apologizing, she excused herself and followed the guest.

Ethan watched her leave before turning toward Jason, who had been waiting patiently.

"Come on," Jason said, gesturing for them to follow. "We should go greet Albert’s parents properly."

They walked toward another section of the hall, where Richard and Helen were standing together. Richard was speaking with a few relatives, while Helen listened with a pleasant smile. When they noticed Jason and Maria approaching, both immediately brightened.

"Jason!" Richard exclaimed, stepping forward to clasp his brother’s hand before pulling him into a brief embrace. "I was beginning to wonder when you’d arrive."

Jason scoffed. "We arrived on time. You’re the one who keeps looking at the entrance every five minutes."

Richard laughed and slapped his brother’s shoulder. "And what’s wrong with that? It’s my son’s wedding. Am I not allowed to look around?"

"Not if you’re going to complain about everyone else’s timing."

The brothers exchanged another laugh before Helen approached Maria, wrapping her arms around her sister in a warm embrace.

"Maria, it’s so good to see you!" Helen exclaimed. "How have you been?"

Maria smiled as she returned the hug. "I’ve been well. And you? You’ve probably been too busy with the wedding preparations to rest properly."

"Don’t remind me!" Helen laughed. "I’ve barely had time to sit down these past few days."

Their conversation continued with the easy familiarity of two sisters who had known each other for years. Meanwhile, Richard turned toward Evelyn and Nora, greeting them warmly before directing his attention to Ethan.