Chapter 87 Wedding Photos In The Villa
“What in the world is this?” Julia exclaimed, her voice echoing in the room.
With a bewildered look, she pulled an identical wedding photo of a passionate kiss from under the bed, dusting it off with her fingertips.
As she compared the wedding photos in her left and right hands, realization dawned on Julia. She couldn’t help but purse her lips, rendered speechless by the discovery. She hadn’t known about the hidden wedding photo under the bed but, surprisingly, had found a spare one.
Stunned beyond belief, she thought, feeling a mix of amusement and shock.
With a clever smile, Julia hid the wedding photo in the wardrobe and turned the key in the lock. ‘Let’s see how you hang it now!‘ she thought, triumphantly challenging the unknown prankster. Just then, Shiloh’s voice, laden with disbelief and surprise, filtered through the closed door. “What happened? Julia?”
‘Hmm? What’s going on now?‘ Julia wondered curiosity piqued.
Opening the door with a confused expression, she was met with Shiloh’s wide–eyed, astonished stare. Following Shiloh’s gaze, Julia’s breath caught in her throat Every surface–the living room walls, the staircases, and hidden corners–was plastered with th wedding photos they had taken together. A montage of love, celebration, and memories filled the entire
space.
Overwhelmed, Julia felt bewildered. She could only close her eyes to hide herself from the puzzling situation.
“What do you think? Not bad, right?” Jared emerged from the kitchen, his hands still holding the tools used to hang the pictures and his eyes twinkling with mischief.
Julia’s attention shifted to the kitchen door, a sudden thought crossing her mind. ‘Are our wedding photos in the kitchen as well? Oh God! That’s even worse!‘
With a mix of exasperation and curiosity, she asked, “Jared, what on earth were you thinking?” Reaching out to the photos displayed, she took one down that was nearby, her movements quick as she pulled it out.
However, Jared caught Julia’s action, his eyes darkening and reflecting intent. “We’ve been married for a while, and there’s not a single wedding photo at home. I thought it was time to change that.”
Jared wanted Julia to be constantly reminded of their wedding, subtly reinforcing her new identity as Mrs. Brooks.
“But hanging so many photos all over? Don’t you think it’s too much?” Julia argued, reaching for another wedding photo.
“Okay, let’s just hang on,” Jared conceded with a sly smile.
The sudden change left Julia stunned as her mind raced with questions. Even though she didn’t want to hang even one picture, the villa was so full that hanging only one seemed like a good compromise.
She didn’t know that this was part of Jared’s plan.
He knew Julia would never agree to something she didn’t want to do because she was strong and independent. The wedding pictures were a warning that she didn’t want them, and putting them up against her will could make her livid.
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For that reason, Jared chose between filling the wall with pictures or picking just one photo. It was, indeed, a clever trick.
Just a week before Julia’s birthday, Lincoln called, his voice full of apprehension. “Carter’s wedding date is so thoughtless and clearly meant to embarrass you.” As irritation grew within him, an idea surfaced. “Ma’am, do you want me to sabotage it for you?”
“Why get in the way? Don’t you think it would be great if those two bad people got married?” Julia replied that she had a clever plan. She was excited to see Carter discover the truth about Vivien and then enjoy the drama of their inevitable breakup.
Lincoln understood Julia’s reasoning but couldn’t help asking another question. “Are you sure you don’t want me to ruin it?”
While playing with her hair, Julia replied, “Didn’t I tell you to book all the luxury cruise ships in Monroe City? That’s bad enough.”
She recalled how rude Vivien was at the coffee shop when she told the Princess about her wedding with Carter. Now that Julia had booked all high–end cruise ships in Monroe City, the tables had turned. Let’s see how you brag now, she thought with pleasure.
“Okay, fine, I won’t get in the way anymore. Also, your birthday is on August 8. Should we have a party?” Lincoln changed the subject by asking.
“I can’t. Jared has arranged an important dinner on that day,” Julia explained, recounting how Jared had stressed the significance of a business deal that could shape his future.
Julia agreed because she felt like she should, even though it meant she couldn’t celebrate her birthday.
“Well, everything’s about him now,” Lincoln muttered with a hint of
anger.
