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I gave a small nod in response, then quickly realized he couldn’t see it, so I murmured a quiet, “Mm.”
Holding Zane’s hand, I followed Mrs. Marjorie through the floral archway and down the aisle lined with white rose petals. The sun peeked through the canopy of oak trees, casting golden rays over the garden ceremony.
After the vows, we moved to a grand reception hall inside the Kensington estate. Guests chatted over champagne, the warm hum of laughter filling the space. A group of children suddenly ran toward me, giggling and calling out, “Aunt Liv! Uncle Zane!”
Mrs. Montclair had prepared small gifts for the younger guests–each received a delicate gold bracelet engraved
with their initials
Before the wedding, I had passed the time on the plane by sculpting tiny figurines out of clay. I handed them to the Montclair Family’s staff to distribute along with the bracelets
To my amusement, the kids barely glanced at the jewelry but were absolutely thrilled with my handmade figurines.
For the older guests, we had prepared fine teas and crystal keepsakes
As I caught the approving glances from the Kensington relatives, a quiet sense of relief settled in my chest. The elders received neatly wrapped boxes of fine tea sets and as I watched the Kensington relatives nod in approval, some even offering warm smiles, I finally started to feel like I belonged. I didn’t know the full extent of Kensington traditions yet, but I reminded myself to tread carefully, to be observant, to not make any mistakes.
Ilooped my arm through Zane’s as he introduced me to various relatives, his voice patient and reassuring beside me. Just as I was about to ask what came next, a strange hum filled the air.
The crowd instinctively turned toward the sky. A fleet of drones hovered above the estate, moving in a synchronized pattern. It somehow shaped like an ‘L‘
- it.
I blinked in surprise.
I hadn’t expected something so modern at such a simple wedding. Were they planning a drone show for u Zane’s assistant rushed up to him, whispering something close to his ear.
For the briefest moment, an odd expression flickered across his face–gone so fast I almost thought I imagined
“My apologies, Liv,” he said, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. “It’s just a scheduled crop treatment from a nearby farm. They’re letting us know to stay indoors when they begin spraying ”
Oh
Heat crept up my face.
I had actually thought it was some kind of surprise drone display for the wedding. Thankfully, I hadn’t said
anything out loud–imagine the embarrassment.
“Let’s go inside,” Zane suggested. “It’s getting cold and I’d like you to get comfortable with the house.”
I nodded, still feeling a little foolish.
As we turned toward the estate, I faintly heard Zane murmur something to his assistant foan an artificial rain
arrangement
That gave me pause.
I’d spent enough time around farms to know that weather control operations were usually coordinated well in advance, especially for large–scale crop spraying. And if they had just treated the area, wouldn’t artificial rain
interfere with it?
But before I could dwell on it, the children–who had been eagerly waiting–grabbed my hands and pulled me away with excited chatter.
None of us noticed as the drones finished shifting into their final formation.
High above the Kensington estate, glowing letters lit up the sky.
SORRY, LIV.
I had to admit, letting the children show me around was a thoughtful touch.
They led me through the estate grounds, ducking between grand staircases and winding hallways, filling the air with stories about different rooms and family traditions.
And with each passing moment, I realized something.
This was nothing like the Montclair Family.
Despite the Kensingtons‘ wealth and history, there was no suffocating pressure, no rigid rules that dictated
movement. They were traditional, yes, but not in a way that felt oppressive.
I wasn’t walking on eggshells here.
For the first time in years, I felt… free.
The evening blurred into a mix of introductions and farewells as Zane and I saw off the last of the guests. I helped a slightly tipsy Zane back to our bridal suite.
As soon as I opened the door, I noticed a suspiciously round lump under the covers. The blanket twitched. Then, it giggled.
