The media has a knack for blowing things out of proportion, whether it's happiness or misery; they magnify it beyond recognition. Agnes wasn't keen on that kind of spotlight. Nor did she want the media to dredge up every little thing in the future and make a mountain out of a molehill. Jared understood where Agnes was coming from, but it still felt like a missed opportunity to him.
Noticing Jared's crestfallen expression, Agnes quickly shifted gears, "You know, it's quite something, us gathering here today. After all these years, it's the first time all seven of us siblings are in one place."
But as soon as the words left her mouth, Agnes regretted bringing it up. Her godfather was Jared's biological father. For Jared, that topic was like a knife, each mention a painful stab. Reggie treated each of his adopted children as his own, except he never acknowledged his own flesh and blood. That must have been hard for Jared. Agnes, lost in thought, looked at Jared, "I'm sorry, Jared."
Jared seemed unfazed. "How long have you considered him your godfather, and you guys never managed to get together before?" Jared asked.
Agnes shook her head, "We rarely meet up. Spread out all over the world, it's tough to get everyone in one place. The closest we get is during godfather's birthday, but the sixth one never showed up."
Jared wasn't overly curious, just acknowledged with a hum. Their convoy was on the move, heading towards the Sanctuary of Harmony. Jared started his car and followed. Soon, they arrived at the church.
The wedding, by design, was meant to be understated. The procession en route was inconspicuous, not drawing unwanted attention. To an outsider, it seemed just like any other family wedding procession. But Sanctuary of Harmony was a different story. Today, the Goby Church was reserved for them alone. A red carpet stretched out to the church's exterior, the inside decorated as lavishly as a grand palace. Flower petals covered the floor. Before entering the church, guests walked through an archway made of flowers, surrounded by various green vines. For a moment, walking there felt like stepping into Alice's Wonderland.
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