The old maid finished styling Lola's hair and beamed at her, saying, "Young Madam, take a look—are you satisfied with how I've done your hair?"
Lola turned her head left and right in front of the mirror, gently pressing her hair bun, her gaze lingering on the festive red ornaments adorning her head.
The bright red was almost blinding, instantly reminding her of that piercing night from her childhood.
Yet Lola's smile grew gentler. She lowered her head and rummaged through the jewelry box, picking out a delicate little hairpin with a slightly sharp tip.
Lola tucked the small hairpin into her bun and said, "Now it looks just right."
The old maid looked at the hairpin Lola had chosen, thinking that such a tiny piece would easily be lost among all the other ornaments—who could see the difference?
But since Young Madam had picked it herself, the old maid kept her thoughts to herself and smiled, "Young Madam truly has a clever touch. This little accent makes you look even lovelier!"
"I think so too," Lola replied, her gaze fixed on the small hairpin in the mirror. She glanced at the sky outside and asked, "Is it time yet?"
The old maid smiled, "Just in time! We'll escort Young Madam to the wedding hall now."
"Alright," Lola nodded. The old maid picked up a red wedding veil and gently placed it over her head.
Lola felt as if darkness had descended before her eyes; her vision was mostly blocked, and she could only see a sliver of space at her feet.
Two old maids helped Lola to her feet as festive music began to play outside.
This wedding was truly special. Lola had no family of her own, so this small courtyard served as her place of departure. From here, she would go to the wedding hall for the ceremony, and once the rites were complete, she would be brought back—this would be her bridal chamber.
Surrounded by old maids and servant girls, Lola was ushered forward. Everyone's face was lit up with joy and excitement.
With two old maids supporting her, Lola walked toward the door. As she walked, she saw two people standing by the roadside. From their shoes and skirts, Lola knew who they were.
"Chancellor Evans, Martin Wu." Lola stopped in her tracks, her head covered by the wedding veil, and turned toward Chancellor Evans and Martin Wu.
Chancellor Evans looked at Lola in her bridal attire, her eyes full of sighs. She asked softly, "Have you thought it through?"
Lola nodded, "Mm..."
"No regrets?" Chancellor Evans asked again.
Lola paused for a moment and said, "I chose this path myself. I have no regrets. This is my home, my happiness."
Chancellor Evans gazed at Lola, her expression complicated. This young woman, who grew up in an environment lacking security and love, chased after happiness with such intensity and longing that it surprised even Chancellor Evans.
To Lola, Neil Zhao was like the only lifeline she could grasp.
After Lola finished speaking, she slowly walked forward again. Martin Wu watched Lola's retreating figure, feeling anxious. She didn't quite understand why Mrs. Penny and Sean Hayes disapproved of Lola marrying at this time, but knowing them, they were never petty or jealous; they truly cared about Lola's happiness.
If they were opposed, there must be a reason.
But Lola was so stubborn and headstrong that she was willing to fall out with Mrs. Penny and Sean Hayes just to marry Neil Zhao immediately. This made Martin Wu feel uneasy.
Martin Wu was a straightforward girl. She called out to Lola's back, "Lola, since your mind is made up, I won't say anything more. Just remember one thing: I will always be your friend, always stand behind you. I hope your decision today is the right one, and I hope you find happiness."
There was something Martin Wu held back, something she didn't say on such a joyful day. That was...