The Rise Of The Unwanted Girl (Athena) novel Chapter 425

Chapter 425

The wild doves symbolized good fortune and unwavering fidelity between spouses.

Typically, during the wedding procession, wild doves were carefully selected and caged before being released by the happy couple. However, the prolonged ordeal proved too much for the wild doves, and they died from being overstressed in the

cage.

The news hit Michael like a bolt from the blue. ‘Awful. Just awful. From the very moment I stepped out, nothing’s gone right, Michael thought, utterly drained.

For a moment, Michael even considered sending Willow back. ‘With so many mishaps on our wedding day, how can our marriage possibly go smoothly?‘

Willow also broke out in a cold sweat at the news, a growing sense of dread gripping her. She clutched Michael’s arm tightly, sobbing, “Michael, this isn’t my fault! It’s not my fault, I swear!”

In the past, seeing Willow cry would make Michael’s heart ache. However, her sobs at that moment felt like daggers stabbing into his skull.

Surrounded by a gawking crowd, Michael closed his eyes briefly, forcing himself to swallow the bitter pill. “Willow, I know this has nothing to do with you,” he said through gritted teeth.

‘If I sent Willow back now, I’d be sending her to her death, Michael thought, the weight of responsibility heavy on his mind.

Michael’s words brought Willow some much–needed calm. He then helped her back into the bridal sedan, mounted his horse, and continued the procession.

It wasn’t until late afternoon that the wedding procession finally stumbled back to Osborne Manor in complete disarray. The guests had been waiting for the better part of the day, their stomachs growling with hunger. But with the wedding procession still nowhere in sight, the party couldn’t begin.

Coffee was plentiful, and they all drank so much they felt bloated from it. One after another, the guests kept scurrying to the

restroom.

Outwardly, everyone offered comforting words, but in private, they were all laughing their heads off at the Osborne family’s bad luck. “What an unprecedented farce–and of all families, it had to happen to the Osbornes!”

One woman even whispered, “Marrying such a jinx into the family? What did the Osbornes do to deserve this? Haha…”

Near the corner, Kelsey was on her way to the main hall to console the guests when she overheard two women gossiping.

When Michael and Willow appeared together, Kelsey’s face turned as stiff as a rock. Michael was caked in mud from head to toe, looking like a complete mess. In stark contrast, Willow remained spotless and immaculate.

Fortunately, they had prepared a spare set of wedding attire. Otherwise, having to go through the ceremony in filthy clothes would have been inauspicious.

Fletcher’s face also looked displeased. But with so many guests watching, he had to maintain his composure. Not only did Fletcher have to grit his teeth and endure it, but he even had to force a smile on the guests.

The wedding ceremony only resumed once Michael had changed into fresh attire and returned. Although Willow had taken some aconite powder to dull the pain, her legs remained too weak to support her, so she had no choice but to lean on the servants for help.

After changing a few pleasantries, Willow finally breathed a deep sigh of relief. ‘At last, I’ve married into the Osborne family, just as I’d always wished!’

But before she could even catch her breath, she heard a clamor erupt outside as a stern voice boomed, “Make way. The Justice Ministry is on official business. Everyone, clear out!”

Horrified, the guests peered out into the courtyard, only to see dozens of Justice Ministry officers marching in with their swords drawn.

Michael fixed the intruders with a cold gaze and demanded in a low, commanding voice, “Mr. Cross, what is the meaning of

this?