Chapter 539
Even though the wedding date hadn’t been officially set, Camilla’s simple declaration had electrified the Charles Estate. Every staff member, from the maids to the head butler, launched into a frenzy of joyous preparation.
Dane immediately assembled a team to begin selecting premium vendors for the reception. Everyone had a mission, leaving the actual bride and groom completely sidelined in the chaotic celebration.
That weekend, Jade Spring Abbey was bustling with visitors. The parking lot at the base of the mountain was packed with three times as many cars as their last visit.
As Camilla and Lance strolled up the path, the Matchmaking Tree came into view. The gentle breeze rustled the branches, sending hundreds of crimson ribbons fluttering beautifully in the air. Beneath the canopy, couples stood with their eyes closed, whispering prayers for eternal love.
Seeing the tree brought back vivid memories of their first visit. Camilla nudged Lance playfully. “Were you seriously praying to the God of Wealth last time we were here p>
Lance raised an eyebrow, his deep, raspy voice carrying over the wind. “You already know the answer to that. I told you, the Matchmaking Tree is highly effective p>
Camilla laughed. “You are incredibly manipulative, Lance Charles. But you were right. It is very effective p>
“So, Camilla,” Lance murmured, his eyes locking onto hers. “What exactly did you wish for that day p>
Instead of answering, Camilla walked over to the ancient trunk and scanned the branches until she found the ribbon she had tied months ago. The faded ink still displayed her blunt prayer.
It wasn’t for wealth.
It read: Divorce as soon as possible.
A knowing smirk spread across Lance’s face. He caught her gaze, and they both stared up at the majestic tree.
“Asking the God of Marriage to grant you a divorce,” Lance teased. “You really know how to assign the wrong jurisdiction, Camilla. But since he delivered on your request, we should probably write a new ribbon together today. Consider it boosting his success metrics p>
With all her past burdens lifted, Camilla happily agreed. They wrote their names on a fresh crimson ribbon and secured it tightly to a sturdy branch.
Just then, a sudden gust of wind swept through the courtyard, dislodging an older ribbon from a higher branch. It fluttered down and landed near Camilla’s feet. Assuming it was another couple’s fallen wish, she bent down to pick it up, intending to tie it back.
The moment she read the words, her fingers froze. She slowly turned to look at Lance.
The handwriting was identical to the bold strokes on her original ribbon, but with a few extra words appended to her wish.
Wishing Camilla divorces as soon as possible.
A faint blush of embarrassment colored Lance’s cheeks. He cleared his throat. “Well, Camilla… it seems we’ve always had a telepathic connection p>
Camilla twirled the red silk around her fingers. “Lance, if my memory serves me right, we had barely spoken two sentences to each other at that point. What made you so confident I would end up with you after the divorce p>
“I wasn’t,” Lance admitted softly. “But I knew whoever you ended up with, they would treat you vastly better than that bastard ever did p>
He hadn’t cared if she chose him. He had only wanted her to be free from Barnard’s cruelty.
The red silk in her hand felt scorching hot. Despite the countless times Lance had proved his devotion, this quiet, selfless confession made her heart skip a beat.
The atmosphere beneath the tree grew intoxicatingly sweet, until a gruff, exasperated voice shattered the romance.
“Your brother called me at the crack of dawn saying you two were on your way! I’ve been wondering where the hell you were, and here you are, being thoroughly nauseating in the courtyard!” Carney grumbled, suddenly materializing beside them. He smoothed his sweeping robes and flicked his whisk in annoyance, glaring at Lance.
Lance returned the glare with equal irritation.
Once inside, Carney calculated their auspicious wedding date: October 5th. It was exactly six months away.
The timeline was perfect. It gave Darwin plenty of time to orchestrate his extravagant gala, and provided Tanner with an adequate recovery window to attend. More importantly, it fell in early autumn—a season of crisp, golden beauty.
Camilla loved the date. The only slight concern was the tight schedule for ordering a custom haute couture wedding gown.
Leaving the abbey with plenty of time to spare, Camilla turned to Lance in the car. “Since Grandpa is determined to throw the wedding of the century, I can’t cut corners on the dress. Do you have any designers in mind p>
“Don’t worry about the dress,” Lance smiled mysteriously. “I’m taking you somewhere p>
The car pulled into a residential complex that felt overwhelmingly familiar to Camilla. As they parked in front of Building 18, her eyes widened in shock.
“How… how do you know about this place p>
It was the exact apartment complex she had rented during her college years. After her father supposedly passed away, Elise had sold their family home to afford Camilla’s tuition. They had bounced around rundown, sketchy neighborhoods until Elise’s health deteriorated. Needing to juggle college, part-time jobs, and hospital visits, Camilla had finally rented a tiny apartment here in the university district.