The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 296
Fitch looked at him with a dark, heavy gaze. He didn’t offer an explanation, only a rigid command.
“This is not up for negotiation! You must marry Tamara. The partnership between the Sherwood and Sloan families cannot be broken!”
Fitch’s tone was too overbearing, and Milford felt a surge of repulsion.
Gloria noticed Milford’s dissatisfaction. She gently took her son’s hand, coaxing him in a soft voice. “Milford, your father is only thinking about the family. Tamara is such a good girl. You two grew up together, and you know each other better than anyone. She loves you sincerely. Don’t let her down…”
Milford looked at his mother’s concerned eyes, then at his father’s unquestionable attitude. Finally, he fell silent. He took a deep breath, turned around, and walked out of the study.
The next day, Milford and Tamara’s wedding took place as scheduled.
At the venue, sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The entire banquet hall was decorated with fresh flowers and crystal chandeliers, looking dreamlike.
Tamara, wearing a custom wedding gown, stood in front of the full-length mirror in the hotel dressing room, admiring her reflection with satisfaction.
“Ms. Sloan, you look beautiful today!” The makeup artist offered a compliment with a smile.
The corners of Tamara’s lips curved upward. Her smile was full of happiness and high spirits. “Thank you.”
“Tamara, congratulations! You’re finally marrying Mr. Sherwood!”
“Mr. Sherwood is so handsome. You really are lucky!”
Tamara’s bridesmaids were all smiling, singing her praises.
Listening to them, Tamara lowered her head in feigned shyness, though her heart was already bursting with joy.
Tamara’s room was located directly above the main wedding hall. She only needed to glance out the window to see the general situation below.
She poked her head out to look around and saw that guests were arriving one after another. Relatives of the Sherwood family, business partners of the Sloans, and her own close friends were all exchanging greetings with smiles on their faces.
Where was Leilani? Did she not dare to come?
She quietly scanned the area and confirmed that Leilani was nowhere to be seen. The smile on her lips deepened.
In the wedding hall, guests gathered in small groups, raising their glasses and chatting. The atmosphere was lively and festive.
Just then, the sound of high heels echoed at the door of Tamara’s room.
17:48
Carola, dressed in an exquisite champagne-colored gown, walked over to Tamara in her heels. She affectionately linked arms with her and lowered her voice with a laugh. “Tamara, I just went down to take a look. That bitch Leilani really didn’t show up!”
Tamara was holding a glass of champagne. Hearing this, she smiled slightly and pretended to be surprised. “Really? I was so busy with makeup and changing that I didn’t notice. I didn’t expect Leilani to still be unable to get over it…”
Carola huffed, her eyes full of disdain. “She’s definitely feeling guilty and heartbroken, so she didn’t dare to come! After all, a hillbilly like her doesn’t deserve to appear at an occasion like this.”
She looked Tamara up and down, sighing with exaggerated admiration. “You look absolutely stunning today! This dress is international haute couture. A bumpkin like Leilani probably couldn’t afford to wear something like this in a lifetime!”
Tamara covered her lips and chuckled lightly, a trace of triumph flashing in her eyes. “Carola, don’t say that. Maybe Leilani is just too busy.”
Carola rolled her eyes. “Busy? What could she be busy with? What kind of serious business could an ex-convict have?”
She leaned in close to Tamara, whispering with schadenfreude. “I bet she’s hiding in some corner crying right now! After all, Mr. Sherwood is such an outstanding man, and in the end, he’s marrying you!”
Tamara lowered her head, pretending to be shy, her voice soft. “Milford… is indeed wonderful.”
17:48
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