Matthew held her hand firmly to reassure her.


    “If you don’t feel like speaking, just stay by my side.


    I’ll handle everything.? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    ”


    They whispered to each other as if they were alone, making people think they were showing off their intimate bond.


    Matthew’s usual stoic demeanor was reced by a subtle smile.


    It was a rare sight that left many in the audience taken aback.


    “Mr.


    rk and Mrs.


    rk truly are a match made in heaven.


    May you both enjoy a lifetime of happiness together,” one of the guests eximed, congratting the couple.


    Matthew simply smiled amidst the cheers and well wishes.


    Meanwhile, his eyes were affectionately fixed on Ste.


    After the crowd’s enthusiastic apuse subsided, Matthew took the microphone.


    “Thank you all for joining us tonight.


    We’re here to celebrate my grandmother’s birthday, and I hope we can all make that our focus.


    ”


    As soon as he finished speaking, waiters swiftly entered the banquet hall and filled the tables with a variety of delectable dishes.


    A few moments in, the hall was buzzing with the sounds of conversations, the clinking of cutlery, and the gentle chime of sses.


    Ste sat next to Lucia and was busy eating her meal in quiet contentment.


    “Ste,” Lucia said softly, setting down her knife and fork.


    “Yes, Grandma?” Ste asked, cing her utensils aside and turning to Lucia with a warm smile.


    Lucia presented Ste with a velvet box.


    “This is for you.


    Please, open it.


    ”


    Confused, Ste epted the box and opened it to reveal a magnificent sapphire ring.


    The band was exquisitely crafted from solid gold, and the sapphire’s translucence radiated beauty and opulence.


    “Grandma, what’s this?” Ste asked, looking surprised.


    “It’s the family ring.


    As Matthew’s wife, it mow belongs to you,”


    Lucia exined tenderly.


    Ideally, the ring should have been given to Ste by Matthew’s mother.


    However, since Matthew had rejoined the rk family as an adult and Amara seldom interacted with them, Lucia had held onto the ring.


    Considering this, Ste felt an even deeper appreciation for the ring’s value.


    Lucia nced over at Matthew, who was seated at the same table.