Lost and Found: Return of My Mysterious Fiancee

Viewers watching the live stream online were furiously typing on their keyboards by now.

"This is the wedding of the century! Thank you, General Praevion, for streaming this live. My sugar intake is officially maxed out today!"

"Let me see the ring! How big is that diamond?"

"This is so romantic! I want a wedding like this, even just dressing up like Alina would make me happy!"

Ruud held out a ring that shimmered brilliantly under the light. The 15-carat diamond was set in a unique design, its perfect cut radiating an understated luxury. With utmost care, he slipped it onto Alina's slender ring finger, unable to resist kissing the back of her hand afterward.

A drone zoomed in on the ring, capturing every exquisite detail.

"Alina is so lucky. I don't think there's a woman who wouldn't envy her right now!"

"This diamond ring is blinding me-it's so extravagant!"

"This is the most romantic wedding of the century, hands down!"

"Come on, come on, I need to see the kiss already!"

Alina picked up another ring, adorned with countless smaller diamonds, and slid it onto Ruud's ring finger. The ring sparkled brilliantly, reflecting the light.

When the exchange of rings was complete, Ruud wrapped an arm around Alina's waist and leaned down, pressing a deep, tender kiss on her lips.

"How long is General Praevion going to kiss her? Let her breathe already!"

"This is torture for us single folks!"

"So sweet! I'm devouring this sugary moment!"

"Wishing General Praevion and Alina a lifetime of happiness! Congratulations!"

After a long moment, Ruud reluctantly let Alina go. His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed, then he couldn't help but plant a few more soft kisses at the corner of her lips.

It was torture for the lonely hearts in the audience.

Suddenly, there was a loud pop. Above the couple, the drone released clusters of red flower petals, which fluttered down like a dream. Standing beneath the cascade of petals, Ruud and Alina looked stunning, as if they had stepped out of a fairytale.

During the banquet, Ruud and Alina made their way around, offering toasts to their elders. The guests enjoyed their meals with laughter and cheer, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

Meanwhile, in a dimly lit cabin, the only light came from a computer screen playing the wedding live stream.

River sat before the screen, her face streaked with tears. Her bloodshot eyes stared at the images of Ruud and Alina's wedding with a hatred so intense it seemed like she wanted to claw Alina's smiling face off the screen.

Her arms were covered in fresh wounds, blood dripping down, yet she didn't have the strength to smash the computer to pieces and erase the scene before her.

Her spirit was on the verge of collapse. She slumped to the ground in despair. Watching Ruud and Alina wed felt worse than being scorned by millions of online viewers. She would rather endure public humiliation than witness this day. Bang! The cabin door was kicked open, slamming against the wall.noveldrama

A flash of light crossed River's eyes as she staggered to her feet, stumbling forward.

But before she could step outside, fear paralyzed her. She fell back to the ground, retreating.

Mark entered, wearing a half-mask and a black cloak. His cold, enigmatic gaze bore into her. Beside him stood his loyal bodyguards.

River trembled, her lips quivering as she knelt at Mark's feet. "Grandfather, I was wrong. I shouldn't have gone after Alina on my own. I shouldn't have disgraced the family like this."

Her tears flowed freely as she begged for Mark's forgiveness.

Mark cast a disdainful glance her way before kicking her hard in the stomach, sending her sprawling to the side.

"Useless trash," he spat coldly. "I've never stopped any of you from pursuing what you want, but you've lost again and again!"

"Last time, after you lost Poppy, I locked you in the castle as a small punishment. But this time, you nearly killed Poppy. How should I deal with you now?"

His voice was low and menacing, making River shake uncontrollably.

---

At the Pace family wedding.

Jared and Tina were seated at a table, enjoying their meal. Jared carefully peeled shrimp for Tina, his movements meticulous.

The Farrell family had shown up in full force for the Pace family wedding. Not only were Marie and Sophia present, but Asher and even Simone had come as well.

Simone sat quietly at the Farrell family table, eating with elegant poise. However, every so often, her gaze would lift, focusing on a particular direction.

Jared and Tina exchanged a glance, a flicker of confusion passing between them.

Tina raised an eyebrow. "It seems like Aunt Simone didn't come just for the wedding."

After a moment, Simone stood. "Jared, Tina, please take care of Dad for me. I have something to take care of."

Tina nodded, her gaze shifting to Logan, who had indulged in more than a few drinks. His cheeks were flushed, and he looked half-asleep, a goofy grin plastered on his face. Anyone who didn't know better might have thought he was the one getting married today.

As Simone left, Tina turned to Marie. "Mom, can you keep an eye on Grandpa for me? I need to step out for a bit."

Marie smiled knowingly. "You're all so busy today. Go ahead, I'll watch over Grandpa. Jared, go with Tina. I'll feel more at ease that way."

Seizing the opportunity to let Jared spend more time with Tina, Marie seemed determined to solidify Tina's place as her daughter-in-law. Until the wedding became official, she wouldn't rest easy.

Tina walked ahead, with Jared following closely behind. He gently placed a hand on her waist as he leaned in and whispered, "Are you tailing Aunt Simone?"

Tina nodded without hesitation. "She kept looking at my dad earlier."

Though she had acknowledged Ruud as her father, she had never called him "Dad" aloud. In private, however, the word came naturally to her.

It was different from when she had met Hugo. She knew Hugo wasn't her biological father, so she instinctively addressed him as "Mr. Reed." But Ruud was her real father, and in private moments, the way she referred to him reflected that truth.

Jared frowned slightly. "Does Aunt Simone have some unresolved connection with General Praevion? I've never heard anything about it."

Tina's lips curled into a sly smile, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Let's find out."

Tina moved silently, and even with Jared behind her, their presence went unnoticed.

Simone was wearing a white dress, the island's sea breeze lifting its hem slightly. Her long hair, draped over her shoulders, swayed with the wind. Her silhouette was graceful and poised.

She walked quickly but frequently glanced back, as if checking for followers.

Tina instinctively turned to look at Jared. His deep gaze met hers, and he shook his head slightly, signaling that he was also puzzled by Simone's heightened vigilance.

Simone arrived at a secluded part of the island, standing with her back to the sea. Her posture was upright, her hands clasped behind her as she faced the waves.

The usually gentle and elegant Simone seemed like an entirely different person. Her demeanor had shifted dramatically.

She stared at the turbulent waves crashing against the rocks with relentless force. The spray turned into foam, only to be swept up and hurled against the rocks again. Her dark eyes mirrored the stormy sea, filled with suppressed turmoil.