At noon.
Everyone gathered in the dining hall on the third floor to have lunch together.
Inside the villa, there was a dedicated banquet hall, but it was never used because they never entertained guests.
Mrs. Hurley was in charge of today's meals. In addition to dishes ordered from a Michelin-starred restaurant, she personally prepared many delicacies, filling the long dining table.
Jacqueline sat next to Cecelia, while Joyce and the children sat opposite them.
Wilson and Cullen had been fed and put to sleep. Jane and Mrs. Powell took turns to have their meal, and were now taking care of them in the nursery.
Mrs. Brown assisted Mrs. Hurley in serving the freshly squeezed fruit juice to everyone.
"Do you want some wine?" Cecelia asked Luther.
Luther then asked Huffman, "Do you need any?"
Huffman waved his hand, "Thank you for the offer, but I won't be drinking. I have some matters to attend to this afternoon."
Luther nodded and explained to Cecelia, "My brother-in-law is a doctor, and the hospital has specially invited him to perform a few surgeries, so it's not suitable for him to drink. Besides, he doesn't drink."
Cecelia laughed, "I've gotten used to having wine with meals in the warlord's territory. I always feel that men should have some wine with their meals."
Luther added, "It's a pity that Dad isn't here today, otherwise everyone would be together."
"You're right, he's getting on in years, but he's still so busy all the time." Cecelia also complained, "I told him that even if the sky falls, he must attend his daughter's wedding."
"Mom, it's not necessary. I know things have been unstable recently. I've been carrying the title of a young marshal, but I haven't fulfilled my responsibilities. Dad is working so hard because of me, and I should feel guilty." Joyce said, her voice lowering slightly. She had initially refused to return to the warlord's territory to inherit the family business and didn't want to leave for several years of training, choosing to return to Khebury with Luther. Her father had to bear the burden alone. Whenever she thought of this, she felt guilty.
Luther gently held Joyce's hand, comforting her.
Cecelia hastened to say, "What are you talking about? You've already done enough for us. As parents, the happiness of our children is the most important thing."
Joyce continued, "So, if Dad can't come due to work, then let him be busy. Luther and I have been married for several years, so this is just a formality. There's no need to worry about it."
With that, Joyce pushed Luther discontentedly, "I said we didn't need a wedding. You insisted on having one. We've been legally married for five years, have four children, and you still want to have a wedding? It's just formalism, causing unnecessary trouble."
Luther, "..."
Cecelia, "..."
How did the mood change so suddenly?
Jacqueline, sensing the awkward atmosphere, quickly changed the subject.
"Cough, cough, of course, of course. How can we not have a wedding? This is something that the Left family owes Joyce, even I, as an elder, can't bear to see it. It must be done, and it must be done grandly!"
"That's right!" Shelly hurriedly agreed, "A woman only has one wedding in her lifetime, and if it's not done, it's not proper of the brother. Sister-in-law, just accommodate your brother a little."
Joyce smiled, "I just mentioned it, and look how nervous you all are. Everything is already prepared, so let's just do it. What I meant is, guests who can't make it don't need to force themselves."
"All right, I understand," Cecelia nodded. "I have to go back tonight; I'll come over on the eve of the wedding."
"You're leaving today?" Jacqueline's face was full of disappointment. "I wanted to catch up with you properly."
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