Chapter 476 Turned Himself In
Jesse was about to make another move, but after a moment of thought, he let his hand drop and slumped onto the couch.
He glanced awkwardly at Philip beside him. "Does it hurt?"
Philip ignored him and scooted further away.
Jesse sighed softly. "Yeah, I'm greedy, I admit it. But asking my own son for money isn't a crime. Back then, Mrs. Thomas paid me every month to keep a secret! I never broke our deal!"
He suddenly seemed to age several years. "Today is his wedding day. Things turned out like this, he must be feeling awful."
Jesse stood up and shook his head. "No, I need to go check on him."
He turned back to Philip. "Pack your bags and head back to Valoria."
At the wedding reception hall.
The once bustling scene had quieted down significantly after Michael's sudden departure.
Many guests, thinking the wedding couldn't possibly continue, had already left.
Elizabeth stood under the crystal chandelier, her dress trailing behind her. Behind her was an arch adorned with flowers.
She should have been walking hand in hand with Michael today, exchanging vows, rings, and kisses.
But now, the place was in disarray. And Michael was nowhere to be seen.
Sarah approached, trying to comfort her. "Elizabeth, even if you didn't finish the ceremony, you're already married. The biggest challenges in married life have already happened. From now on, it's all happiness."
Elizabeth grabbed her hand. "Sarah, come with me to change."
When Michael hurriedly arrived at the banquet hall, most of the guests had already left.
He ran to the dressing room and flung the door open.
Elizabeth wasn't there.
His suit was now wrinkled, and he looked disheveled.
He stood alone on the stage, crouching down in defeat.
Elizabeth was gone. His bride was gone. There was no one to marry him.
Suddenly, a hand rested on his shoulder, and a gentle voice spoke. "Michael. You're here."
He jumped up, turning around in surprise to see Elizabeth standing behind him.
He hugged her tightly. "Elizabeth, thank goodness you didn't leave!"
Elizabeth comforted him, gently patting his back. "Silly, I'm supposed to be your bride today! How could I leave?"
Michael laughed and cried on her shoulder.
Elizabeth pulled away and stood up straight. "Even though there are only a few guests left, shouldn't we finish the ceremony? After all, we've prepared for so long."
Michael took her hand and kissed it. "Alright. Let's get married."
Music played in the wedding hall, and Elizabeth had changed into another wedding dress, one with a shorter train, making it easier to move.
They recited their vows in front of their friends.
They exchanged rings.
The officiant announced, "Michael, you may kiss your bride."
Their friends cheered from below.
Elizabeth covered her mouth, laughing softly.
Michael grabbed her hand and kissed her passionately.
The officiant chuckled. "Looks like Michael couldn't wait. Alright, I now pronounce you husband and wife."
Applause erupted from the guests.
They stood on the stage, looking at each other, as their friends showered them with flower petals.
In the morning, birds chirped, and the sun shone brightly.
Elizabeth was awake in bed but didn't want to get up.
Michael's phone rang. Not wanting to disturb Elizabeth, he quietly took the call on the balcony.
It was Matthew.
"Michael, Jesse called me."
Michael was puzzled. "How does he have your number? Do you two know each other?"
Matthew protested. "No, Michael! I didn't even know he existed before! I have no idea how he got my number!"
Michael's tone turned serious. "What's going on?"
Matthew sighed. "Aren't you just married? Calm down. Did Elizabeth not satisfy you last night?"
Michael raised his voice. "Matthew!"
Matthew quickly continued. "Jesse said you should take care of his kids from now on."
Michael frowned. "Why? He never raised me, why should I help him? Besides, his kids should be adults by now, right? Why would they need my help?"
Matthew scratched his head. "I don't really know. But he said he's turning himself in to the police today."
"Turning himself in? For what?"
"He said you don't need to worry about him. Just take care of your siblings. They don't have degrees and can't find good jobs. So, it's up to you."
Michael repeated softly, "Don't worry about him? Turning himself in?"
Elizabeth stood at the balcony door, looking worried. "Michael, are you going to the police station? Do you need me to come with you?"
Michael walked over and hugged her, leading her back to the bedroom. "I thought you were still sleeping. Do you want to rest a bit more?"
Elizabeth shook her head. "I'm already awake. I can't sleep anymore. You haven't answered me yet. Are you going back to the police station? You came back for the wedding yesterday, but you posted bail, didn't you? You're not completely off the hook, are you?"
Michael lowered his head, his voice soft. "Yes, I'm sorry, Elizabeth. I can't stay with you all the time..."
Elizabeth hugged him. "It's okay. Let me change, and I'll go with you to the police station."
At the police station, Michael and Elizabeth sat side by side in the chief's office.
Elizabeth asked, puzzled, "Chief, what do you mean? Is Michael really in the clear?"
The Chief of Police smiled at them. "Yes, it's all sorted out. Yesterday was just a misunderstanding. Sorry for the scare."
Michael's brow remained furrowed. "Chief, did someone turn themselves in for my case?"
The Chief of Police nodded. "Yes. How did you know? Oh, he told you, didn't he?"
It seemed Jesse had turned himself in.
Michael looked up, pleading. "Can I see him?"
The Chief of Police hesitated. "Technically, he's not allowed visitors. But since he turned himself in, and the case isn't closed yet... Alright, I'll take you to see him."
Michael went to see Jesse.
In less than half an hour, Michael came out and headed straight for Elizabeth, who was waiting outside.
Elizabeth was anxious. "How did it go? What did he say? If he didn't commit the crime, he'll be charged with obstructing justice and still get arrested. He can't help you. What is he trying to do?"
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
