Take My Breath Away

With Rhea's help, Erica, clad in a traditional wedding dress with a long train, elegantly walked towards the door of the hall. Seeing how gracious his daughter looked at this moment, Wesley gave her a rare soft smile and reached out his arm. "I didn't think you would be the first among my three kids to get married. Rika, you look great in this dress. Just try not to say anything or you'll show your true colors."

Erica released Rhea's arm and held Wesley's. Despite her dad's warning, she couldn't help but speak with clenched teeth. "Do you think I wanted to be the first one? And do you have any idea how heavy this coronet is? At least a dozen pounds!" As far as she was concerned, Matthew must have deliberately picked out this phoenix coronet to spite her. With this heavy coronet on her head, she had to walk very carefully. If she didn't keep her head up at all times, she was afraid she would lose balance and fall to the ground.

"Look at these rubies inlaid on it, they're all genuine! Of course, it's heavy. I would sure hope so. Just hold out for a little longer. You're wearing a phoenix coronet and robes of rank. In ancient times, only the women in rich and noble families had the privilege to dress like that on weddings. The Huo family is giving you the same treatment. You should be grateful, to say the least," he said.

Erica complained, "But Dad, I am indeed from a rich and noble family. That's what I am saying! Why do you sound like that Matthew Huo is out of my league? Why would I be honored to marry him and not the other way around?"

"Well, it's true, you were well matched, perhaps even better, in status at first, but now you have a son with another man. Forget about Matthew's family background. He's a man of integrity and character. He never fools around. So, indeed, it would be your honor to marry him."

Erica grumbled, indicating disapproval and anger. 'Is that what a father should say to his daughter?'

It was as if she had become utterly worthless to him because she had a child out of wedlock.

"As for Feb, I have discussed it with your mother. We'll take care of him in our home first. When your relationship with Matthew is stable, and if he agrees, we'll bring the baby to you. And one more thing, for heaven's sake, change his name ASAP. Your brother was right, the poor boy will be made fun of in school."

"Dad! If you want to change his name, do it yourself. I'm not good with names."

"I would be happy to," he replied.

The emcee's voice grabbed their attention from down the hall. "Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention,

hea asked someone to bring a tissue and quietly handed it to Erica. Then she whispered worriedly, "Rika, this is your wedding. Smile and be happy, okay? Please don't cry!"

Just as Erica was about to take the tissue, the man standing next to her swooped in and grabbed it from Rhea.

Erica looked at him in astonishment as he took the tissue and wiped the tears off her face with a deadpan expression.

Matthew cast a cold glance at her and warned her in a low voice, "This is a wedding! Hold back your tears and put aside your unhappiness. If you dare to embarrass me today, I'll be sure to make your life very difficult."

Erica kept silent, but cursed at him in her mind. 'What is wrong with this man? How would my crying embarrass him?'

The emcee beside them couldn't help but marvel. "Wow, the bride is moved to tears. She's getting married and going to be the daughter-in-law of the Huo family. She must be very excited. And our groom is so considerate that he is wiping tears for our emotional bride..." Thanks to his words, everyone thought that those were Erica's tears of joy.

When the bride finally stopped crying, Matthew handed the crumpled tissue back to Rhea.

The emcee duly announced as the couple exchanged wedding rings.

On Erica's ring finger was a shining diamond ring that was as big as a pigeon egg, while Matthew was wearing a simple platinum ring.

The emcee continued, "It is fate that brought our bride and groom here together. After experiencing sunrises and sunsets, winters and summers, good and bad, years after years, they have finally arrived to this wonderful and exciting part of their lives. Next, let me ask the groom. Do you take Miss Erica Li to be your lawfully wedded wife?"