Chapter 1986
Chapter 1986
Looking at his reflection in the mirror, Ryan's rugged features-his sculpted cheekbones, deep-set eyes, and short, graying hair-evoked the image of a hardy, weathered pine tree standing resolute against a snowy backdrop. But the youthful edge he once possessed had long since faded.
Just then, a knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.
Ryan walked over and opened the door.
A playful smirk played on his lips as he said, "Justin."
Justin raised his eyebrows slightly and lifted the plastic bag in his hand. "My wife sent me over to dye your hair, Chairman Hoffman."
Ryan's eyelashes fluttered as he gave a mischievous grin, a glimpse of his youthful charm shining through. "Honestly, I'm not too sure about your skills, Mr. Salvador."
"Let's give it a try. If it turns out badly, this one's on the house."
The two brothers looked at each other and smiled-a lightheartedness they had not felt in a long time.
With a barber drape around his shoulders, Ryan sat in front of the mirror while Justin stood behind him, patiently applying the dye to his hair.
Watching each white strand turn black, Ryan could not help but joke, "We promised to grow old together, but here I am secretly dyeing my hair."
"In the future, make sure to dye it regularly. Just because you're married doesn't mean you can let yourself go. My sister might lose interest in you," Justin said. He glanced at Ryan's head full of white hair, trying to sound casual, though there was a hint of sadness in his voice.
"Carrie won't mind, but I'm afraid you'll be jealous of me."
"Jealous?"
"Jealous that I have a higher rank, jealous that I look more mature and steady... Ouch!"
Justin narrowed his eyes slightly, the comb catching on a tangled patch of hair, causing Ryan to wince in pain. "Bro, calm down! I know my mistake!"
With his hair fully dyed, Ryan stood side by side with Justin in the mirror.
It felt as if they had returned to their younger days, when they were the ambitious and admired rising stars of the business world, making their grand entrance together.
"Ryan," Justin said, his voice trembling with emotion. "I feel like a father sending you off to get married." Ryan let out a hearty laugh and gave Justin a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry, an older brother is just like a father!"
On the other side, Carrie changed into a light pink dress specially designed for her by Roza.
The dress had long sleeves, a high neckline, and a full-length skirt, perfect for a winter wedding. It exuded a vintage elegance.
Bella helped Carrie get ready in front of the mirror. As she looked at her own radiant reflection, Carrie's moist eyes sparkled.
Roza, a perfectionist, instantly picked up on even the tiniest imperfection. "The chest area is a bit loose. That was my mistake."
Carrie had lost a lot of weight due to her illness, leaving her frail and thin.
"Carrie's fair complexion suits this color, and her long neck looks beautiful with the high neckline." Bella quickly tried to smooth things over, fearing Roza might take the dress back for alterations, which they did not have time for.
Amelia nodded repeatedly. "Indeed, she looks like a swan!"Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.
Bella giggled. "As for the chest, it'll gradually fill out after marriage with her lover's nourishment." Carrie, being innocent and naive, did not fully grasp the meaning, but Roza understood perfectly. The two friends exchanged a knowing look, like a pair of old perverts.
Although Amelia was a bit naive, she now had her own boyfriend, Steven, so she quickly understood, her face flushing deeply in embarrassment.
At that moment, there was a knock on the door.
Bella quickly ran over and opened it, revealing Ryan in a crisp suit, his black hair neatly combed back, looking handsome and charming. She nodded in satisfaction. "It seems my man did a good job."
Standing behind Ryan, Justin pressed his lips together, looking a bit shy.
Bella then ushered the groom into the room.
When Ryan's eyes fell upon Carrie, elegantly dressed in the pink gown with delicate makeup, his entire world seemed to light up.
"Is this my Carrie?" Ryan asked cautiously, his voice hoarse.
Carrie blushed deeply, her heart pounding as she gently nodded.
"Carrie... You're so beautiful."
Ryan's throat tightened with emotion, his chest filling with profound joy. He moved closer and gently took her hand, clasping it firmly.