For those unfamiliar with it, they may not understand the significance contained within, but to insiders, it represents one of the important symbols of identity, status, and even personal taste.
Thinking of this, James Bennett couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. William Foster was indeed willing to spend lavishly on Clara Bennett, showing no signs of stinginess.
Perhaps for ordinary people, this was an astronomical expense, but for Mr. Foster, born into a wealthy family with abundant resources, this expenditure probably wasn’t a big deal at all, right?
After all, compared to the happiness and satisfaction brought by winning a beauty’s heart, money often seems much less significant.
James Bennett tightly held Clara Bennett’s arm, staying by her side until he brought her to the main table prepared at the front, then carefully handed the red cord he held to the long-waiting groom.
At that moment, as an indispensable witness to his sister’s life journey, his feelings were undoubtedly complex.
There was both reluctance and great expectation, both anxiety and pride.
James Bennett bit his lip, seemingly having many things he wanted to express to his sister, perhaps some advice, or maybe blessings to convey once more.
But ultimately, he said nothing.
For reason told him that saying anything more would be to no avail at this moment.
Things had already reached this point today; whatever change wasn’t going to alter the established conclusion.
Forget it, dwelling on past events now wouldn’t actually bring any substantial help.
The most crucial issue remains whether the two can coexist harmoniously and grow old together.
As for those trivial details and the twists and turns they’ve experienced...
Why pay too much attention to them?
The important thing is to cherish the current happy moments and bravely stride into a beautiful future, which is the most sensible approach.
Regardless of whether William Foster is perfect or flawed, to the Bennett family, none of that matters.
To them, the most important thing is Clara’s happiness and joy.
Moreover, their family has never bothered with outside gossip or cared about others’ evaluations.
Their attitude has always been firm: as long as the family is harmonious, all external factors are not a problem.
Thus, James Bennett boldly sat in the seat symbolizing the status of the parents.
As the elder in the family, he bore the responsibility of the elder brother.
This responsibility was not burdensome to him but made him feel proud and honored instead.
"An elder brother is like a father"—these words were deeply engraved in his heart, and he knew this duty was significant, but he believed he could do his best.
When William Foster took the red silk, Zam began hosting the wedding ceremonies.
"First bow to heaven and earth!"
Following the host’s voice, the bride and groom respectfully bowed to heaven and earth, grateful for the gift of their marriage by the heavens.
"Second bow to the parents!"
Next was the bow to the parents, expressing gratitude for the elders’ nurturing grace.
"Husband and wife bow to each other!"
The two stood facing each other, gently bowed, their eyes filled with deep love and commitment.
"Enter the bridal chamber!"
Finally, the moment arrived, and guests burst into laughter and blessings.
Several servants dressed as ancient maids carefully supported the bride towards the new room in the east, while Arthur Davis followed behind, pushing William Foster in the wheelchair.
Their slow procession, one leading and one following, left those on site momentarily bewildered.
It was the keen Charles Bennett who first noticed something was off: "Huh, I remember in ancient weddings, after sending the bride to the bridal chamber, wasn’t the groom supposed to stay and drink with the guests to celebrate?"
Looking at the eager groom wanting to follow the bride, his actions indeed stood out, leaving everyone stunned.
Upon hearing this, Mr. Foster anxiously slapped his thigh and shouted, "William, you stop right there! Where do you think you’re going now?"
William Foster’s expression was unusually calm, as if this was a matter of course: "Of course, it’s to the bridal chamber, where else would I go?"
Facing his nephew’s completely untraditional behavior, Mr. Foster couldn’t help being annoyed yet helpless, shaking his head and sighing: "Come back, now is not the time for you to enter the bridal chamber, quickly return to the banquet."
Silently thinking to himself, why can’t one be with their wife?
In his view, since he had welcomed his most precious wife into the bridal chamber, accompanying her was naturally the most important thing to do next.
Why should he stay here chatting about meaningless topics with a bunch of men?
It was truly incomprehensible.
But despite his reluctance, William Foster had to temporarily restrain his impulsive emotions, maintaining the necessary courtesy and respect in front of his brother-in-law.
After all, these were his wife’s siblings, and no matter what, he needed to leave a good impression on them.
Fortunately, the guests didn’t plan to stay much longer.
After eating, they began to take their leave one by one.
This made the somewhat oppressive atmosphere slightly relaxed.
After the banquet ended, William Foster couldn’t wait any longer to head straight to the bridal chamber.
His heart was extremely excited, seeming as if he couldn’t wait to start the arranged activities of the wedding night.
The ornate wooden bed in the room was draped with a red silk canopy, and the entire room exuded a festive atmosphere.
Clara Bennett was sitting upright on the bed, her head still covered with the red veil representing traditional etiquette.
Even though she couldn’t see her surroundings at the moment, her heart was full of anticipation.
Hearing the rapid footsteps coming from outside the door, she couldn’t help but lift the corners of her mouth slightly, revealing a faint smile.
In fact, before William Foster came in, curiosity had driven her to secretly lift the veil that obscured her vision.
Seeing this room decorated as if it had traveled back to ancient times, especially the large bed with a classical style, she found it both amusing and interesting.
The groom apparently paid great attention to every detail, obsessed with creating an atmosphere full of ceremony.
Initially, she had merely mentioned in passing that she wanted to experience a unique ancient-style wedding. Unexpectedly, he had prepared everything according to the ancient forms, how could she not be moved?
At this moment, all the fatigue and all the waiting seemed so worthwhile.
After William Foster came into her life, what could have been a life full of helplessness and even pain was suddenly filled with infinite beautiful memories. This sweetness and happiness were unprecedented.
Out of gratitude for his meticulous planning of the wedding, Clara decided to make him happy tonight as well.
Therefore, after the banquet, she obediently sat at the predetermined spot.
That is to say, on the side of the bed, waiting for her husband, hoping to add a few more warm moments to this marriage.
But unexpectedly, the first thing William Foster, who had just stepped over the threshold and hadn’t walked far, cared about wasn’t something else, but he asked, "Clara, did you eat enough during dinner?"