Chapter 382
Juniper glanced at the guests around her as she witnessed Casaio’s and Zilia’s wedding taking place. It was meant to be her day. She glanced at Dominick, who looked strangely happy about it.
“Did you know?” asked Juniper.
He tilted his head. “Know what p>
“That Casaio and Zilia will marry today,” Juniper asked.
“Yes. Cas shared it with Gabriel and me just two days ago,” Dominick replied. “It’s a moment of double celebration for us p>
“It was meant to be our day,” Juniper said.
“Yes, it’s still our day,” Dominick replied, holding her hand again.
Flora, who was seated on the table next to them, ended up hearing their conversation. She glanced at Juniper and realized, ’Why isn’t she happy about it? I thought she truly cared for the people around her p>
Casaio and Zilia took the vows while looking into each other’s eyes while Mabel turned emotional. Her eldest son’s wedding was finally happening.
“He gave us a big surprise, dear,” Raidan whispered close to Mabel’s ear.
“Yes, he did.” Mabel nodded. Casaio suffered a lot in love. She had watched him, heard through the servants how he would spend the sleepless nights without Zilia by her side. Even she wanted him to find someone else, not knowing that for Casaio Zilia was the only one. Now, seeing him taking vows with the same woman, Mabel smiled, thinking, ’The Moon Goddess has strange ways to test us p>
Zilia slipped the ring onto Casaio’s finger, her vision blurring as tears spilled down her cheeks. “I love you,” she whispered as she looked into his eyes glistening through her own tears. Unable to hold back, she flung her arms around him, pressing herself into his chest.
Casaio’s embrace was firm, protective, his hands sliding gently along her back as though anchoring her to him. “And I love you, Zilia,” he murmured against her hair.
A soft cheer rose as the petals began to rain down from above once more, cascading over them like a blessing. Zilia pulled back slightly, her face tilted upward, catching the flutter of petals against her skin. When her gaze returned to Casaio’s, she found his lips capturing hers in a sudden, fervent kiss.
Her back arched into his support, one hand flying instinctively to cradle the back of his head, deepening the kiss that spoke louder than any words.
From the crowd, Idris’s joyous clapping rang above the applause, his grin wide with pride. His sister’s long-cherished dream, one she had carried in silence and hope, had finally been fulfilled before his very eyes.
Dominick stood up and whistled for Casaio.
Both Zilia and Casaio pulled back, smiling at each other. “Now, you’ve officially become Zilia Casaio Sinclair,” he said.
They both turned to Casaio’s parents and bowed for the humble blessings before waving at the crowd of guests.
Gabriel quietly stepped toward the podium just as Casaio led Zilia down from the altar. The newlyweds settled onto the seats beside Dominick and Juniper, their hands still entwined, radiant in the afterglow of their vows.
“Congratulations, Zilia!” Amelie and Katelyn chimed in together.
Amelie leaned forward with a gentle smile. “That was such a beautiful surprise, Brother Casaio. You two look perfect together. Idris was so emotional watching his sister get married,” she added, brushing her hand fondly over Idris’s head.
Casaio’s gaze softened as it landed on Zilia’s younger brother. Idris’s eyes were still watery, and his cheeks flushed pink from crying too much, but his smile shone.
Before Casaio could say a word, the clear sound of Gabriel’s voice resonated through the speakers, drawing every head toward the podium.
“I never imagined I’d be the one giving a speech at my brothers’ weddings,” Gabriel began, “standing here before our parents and all of you, our esteemed guests. All my life, I kept myself distant from family bonds, convincing myself I didn’t need them. But time… It has a way of reshaping us. And it certainly reshaped me p>
Amelie’s heart fluttered with pride as her gaze lingered on her husband.
“I am the third child of my parents,” Gabriel continued and took a brief pause. “Growing up with two elder brothers gave me a shield of protection I was too stubborn to admit I needed. I was the annoying one, the one who constantly bickered, argued, and tested their patience. But no matter how difficult I was, whenever I truly needed them… my brothers were always there. Always. Without me ever having to ask p>
“Is it really Gabriel speaking?” Dominick chuckled softly, leaning closer to Casaio.
Casaio smirked. “He’s changed for the better. Thanks to Amelie p>
At the podium, Gabriel let out a quiet breath, his gaze moving between his two elder brothers. “I was never the easiest younger brother to have. In truth, I don’t think I was ever a good younger brother to either of you. But despite all my flaws, both of you carried me through, in ways I can never repay.” His voice softened, touched with sincerity. “So tonight, standing here, I want to do what I should have done long ago, pray for your happiness, and for the joy and strength you’ll always find in your mates p>
Both Casaio and Dominick were touched by their brothers words.
Amelie’s gaze drifted toward Juniper, noticing how tightly her hand clenched around her glass. Her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.
“Are you alright, June?” Amelie asked gently, leaning closer.
“I’m fine,” Juniper replied, masking her unease with a smile that felt more painted than real.
Before Amelie could press further, the applause spread across the hall as Gabriel stepped down from the podium. He lingered quietly behind his father, while Raidan moved forward.
“Tonight, we have witnessed something extraordinary,” Raidan began. “Two marriages in a single day, an astonishment even for me, yet a blessing beyond measure. I thank you all for being here to share in this joy p>
“Now, there is one more announcement to make. The time has come to name my heir. From this day forward, Casaio will lead this kingdom… with his wife, Zilia, by his side p>
Casaio’s eyes widened at his father’s words. He hadn’t expected such a declaration. He glanced at his father, then mother, who simply gave him a smile.
“Though all my children will carry forward the legacy of the Sinclair family, it is Casaio, as the eldest, who will shoulder not only the responsibility and pride of this family, but also of the kingdom p>