They arrived at the lawn outside the banquet hall.
The afternoon sun, soft and golden, filled the island air with a fresh and natural warmth. The warm sunlight weaved through the faintest of breezes, soothing, lingering, the aroma of early winter enveloping everything in the world.
Children played innocently, their cups clinking, as everyone toasted each other, surrounded by laughter and cheerful chatter.
Luther and Joyce joined in, receiving everyone's blessings.
As the evening approached.
The entire wedding finally came to a close, guests slowly departing. Several yachts shuttled back and forth, ferrying the guests away.
Luther first arranged for Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Powell, Jane with Wilson and Cullen, as well as Cecelia with Iris, to leave the island and return home, with dozens of bodyguards and military escorts in tow.
Anderson insisted on staying, waiting with Kane until the security system was dismantled before he would leave.
"Mummy, I'm going with Uncle Kane," Anderson insisted.
"But, Kane might not leave until tonight," Joyce said, "Are you sure you want to go with him?"
Anderson nodded, "Yes, I'll wait a bit longer."
Luther said, "Alright, I'll have Aaron escort Anderson off the island. Everything will be fine."
"Alright," Joyce reluctantly agreed.
As they were being escorted to the shore, about to board the ship.
Joyce felt a strange sensation welling up inside her.
"Wait, mum," Joyce called out.
Cecelia stopped and turned back, asking, "What's wrong?"
"I want to hug Wilson and Cullen one last time. I'm going to miss them," Joyce said.
Cecelia chuckled, "It's just one night, you'll be home tomorrow. You really can't bear to be apart from the kids for even a moment."
Joyce walked up, taking Wilson from Jane's hands, hugging him and kissing his cheek. Then, she hugged Cullen, giving him a kiss as well.
For some reason, as she watched them leave, she felt a hollow feeling in her heart. She must have experienced too many hardships in the past to feel this lack of security.
Iris rubbed against Joyce's leg, "Mummy, do you want to hug me too?"
"Of course," Joyce crouched down, hugging Iris and kissing her on both cheeks.
Luther looked at Joyce with amusement, "What's gotten into you? It's only been a few hours, yet you're so reluctant to say goodbye."
Joyce also felt a bit sentimental.
She straightened up, waving her hand, "You guys go ahead, see you later."
As Cecelia escorted the children onto the boat.
Joyce and Luther watched them depart.
At that moment.
Shelly and her husband, along with Jacqueline, were also ready with their belongings, waiting for the next boat to leave the island.
Joyce walked over to greet them, "Mum, you guys go back to the city center first. We'll catch up later."
Jacqueline's face softened, "No, Joyce, we're going straight to the airport after leaving the island. Our flight for St. Denis tonight is already booked, we're heading back for some important work my husband needs to attend to."
Shelly added, "Sister-in-law, seeing you so happy makes me and mum very glad. We won't disturb you any longer. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness."
Jacqueline reached out, gently grasping Joyce's arm, studying her face as if trying to memorize every feature. She was afraid that once she left, her memory would fade, unsure if she'd recognize them in the future. Nevertheless, the reunion today, seeing the family gathered, receiving Joyce's forgiveness, she had no regrets.
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