Chapter 136: Childhood Friend

The grand marriage hall bustled with attendees, their merry conversations filling the air. The wedding ceremony was grand and people still couldn't get enough of the celebration.

Amidst the attendees was the High Captain, Jiang and his family.

He stood tall, every bit the influential figure that his reputation painted him as.

Celia, his wife, stood by his side. Her red hair, cascading to her neck, contrasted against her delicate pale red gown, and her green eyes shimmered with unspoken emotions.

Surrounding them were their three sons. Muxan and Luxan were engrossed in their own conversations while sneaking away to get a good look at the beauties while feeling jealous of the guy who married the princess.

But Xulan stood out, lost in his thoughts, his eyes distant and face a shade paler than usual.

Celia leaned in to Jiang, her voice a gentle whisper, filled with concern, "We should leave, husband. The ceremony is over."

As she spoke, her eyes darted towards Xulan, understanding the emotional storm he must be weathering, watching his childhood friend, the woman he adored, marry another, "Xulan..." her heart ached for her youngest.

As his mother, how could she not know whom Xulan loved and wanted to marry. But unfortunately fate seemed to be against him, suddenly getting Olivia married to a man none of them never heard of before.

Xulan, despite the whirlwind of emotions threatening to consume him, forced his eyes to linger on the newlyweds, especially Olivia. Her laughter, her radiant joy was a stark contrast to the void he felt.

He wanted to leave, to escape from the sight that tormented him, but the weight of his father's stern command earlier that day held him rooted to the spot for he had to keep up appearances.

But to see her happy like this, left him feeling even more distressed. She always dreaded getting married to a stranger but it seems like she was truly happy. If she was, then he should be feeling happy for her but he couldn't.

Seeing her in the embrace of another man made him feel like something was being ripped within his chest.

Jiang's sharp voice cut through Celia's gentle one, "Nonsense. How can we leave before the newly-weds?" He looked around, his gaze sharp, "Besides, I must introduce myself to the Empress's right hand. This could be the most important opportunity in my life."

Almost as if summoned, Bai Ling, tall and undeniably charismatic, began walking towards them. Jiang leaned in, whispering firmly, "Put on your best smile, Celia. Here comes Bai Ling. You never really tried but this time I want you to make sure he takes a liking to you."

Celia sighed softly but lifted her face, forcing a warm smile.

But as her eyes met Bai Ling's, she felt a peculiar sensation. Those dark, deep-set eyes seemed to penetrate right through her, reading her very essence. She momentarily lost herself in that gaze as if those eyes could see through every inch of her soul.

With a heavy heart and a nod, Xulan murmured, "Y-Yes, father," and trudged away, every step weighed down by his emotions.

"Such sweet friendship is something I dearly miss," Bai Ling before shifting his gaze towards Celia and asking with a smile, "Is that the same for you, Celia? I am sure you must have had at least one childhood friend, right?"

Celia's eyes quivered as memories she had tried to bury unearthed itself in her mind, her fingers tightly clutching the sides of her dress.

"Haha, of course she had," Jiang laughed and sneered, "But he was a bastard who abandoned her when she needed him the most."

Celia's gaze shifted to the side as her fingers curled up.

Bai Ling raised his brows slightly as he kept looking at Celia, "Oh, I feel sorry for you, Celia. But I wonder what made him abandon you. A nice and kind lady like you couldn't have hurt him or anyone, right?"

Celia slowly looked up at Bai Ling but she didn't know why she couldn't muster the strength to answer him under his gaze.

"Of course, not," Jiang scoffed as he placed his arm around Celia's shoulder and said with a grin, "Ask anyone around here and they will say my wife is the kindest soul ever. She even helps poor orphans every day even though I told her she can do better things with her time."

"You are very kind indeed, Celia. That childhood friend of yours deserves death for leaving you," Bai Ling said with a narrowed gaze.

Celia took a deep breath and nodded with a pleasant smile, "Thank you for your kind words, Lord Bai. But I have long since forgotten about him and he isn't worth thinking about," Celia said, her tone firm as she locked her gaze with this.

"I see," Bai Ling nodded slowly, though a dark light flashed across his eyes briefly.

Turning his attention back to Jiang, Bai Ling spoke in a more serious tone, "Well, I've some matters of importance to discuss with you. Would you be available now? It should only take a few minutes."

Jiang, who had been waiting for an opportunity like this, grinned, "Of course, Lord Bai. Let's speak in private."

He then turned to Celia, his voice dismissive, "Wait here. I'll return shortly."

Bai Ling and Jiang departed, leaving Celia with a swirl of emotions - concern for her son and a creeping sensation about this man named Bai Ling. Something about him was creeping into her mind.

But her eyes flickered upon feeling someone's gaze on her. Turning her head, she pressed her lips together to see Nadia staring at her with a indifferent look.