Chapter 139: The Bride Is Not Very Comfortable
Hale, a man over six feet in height, began sobbing. His eyes, which were wide open, became red. He stayed close to Grace, being concerned that she would suddenly run away from him.
Grace didn't stop weeping until there were no more tears in her eyes. Finally, Hale cuddled her up. She didn't refuse him this time. They didn't go back to the hall but went back to the booked room directly.
Learning that the bride and groom wouldn't show up again, the audience began to murmur. Cathryn went out to find the couple but was in vain. So she returned to appease Hale's parents and Grace's parents. Then she went up to the platform.
"Excuse me. The bride is not very comfortable. The groom accompanied her and went back to have a rest. Since they're not here, we can't give them a toast. So let's have the toasts and have fun! Hope you can enjoy the food and drinks here. Cheers." Cathryn said.
After finishing these words, Cathryn came down from the platform, sweating palms. Keith held her hands and smiled, "I just realized that you got the talent to be a toastmaster. " He whispered.
Cathryn shook her head. She was still worried about Grace. "I have to do something for her, dear." She answered him and began to walk out. Keith followed her.
They found the room and knocked at the door. Hale came and opened the door for them. Grace had taken off her wedding dress and put on an evening gown instead. She was sitting there drinking coffee.
"I'm so glad that now you learn more about each other. You're more assured that you love each other. It's a good thing." Cathryn held Grace's hands, smiled, and appeased her.
"Now, you sound like an experienced love instructor." Grace was tired both physically and psychologically but still joked with Cathryn. She appreciated her help, too.
"You don't have to go back there. Take a rest, dear." Cathryn told Grace. "Your parents are there with the guests."
Grace finally calmed down but was still concerned. She couldn't drive away from the inner fear and worry. After all, it was the biggest hurdle in her mind.
"I'm going to see a psychological doctor," Grace told Cathryn. She used to seclude herself from others and adopt an ostrich policy. Now she decided to face the problem and try to solve it.
Learning that Grace had made this decision, Cathryn felt relieved. She hugged Grace, smiling. "It'll be fine, dear. I'm so happy that you can think in this way." Cathryn said.
They held each other, laughed, cried, and then laughed again. This made the two men beside them so nervous.
The wedding party ended at nine o'clock. Carl and his wife Sally went back to their room. Sally was still concerned about Grace. She wanted to go and have a look. Carl suggested letting the young couple solve the problem themselves.
When they got changed and were ready for bed, the doorbell rang. Carl went to open the door and found Grace standing there.
"Hi, Dad," Grace called him, sounding a bit reserved.
Carl opened the door for his daughter. Sally also followed. She hugged Grace. "Are you all right, my dear?" Sally asked.
Grace felt so sorry that she had made her parents worry about her. Finally, she smiled and told them she felt much better.
They talked for a while. Sally felt tired and went to sleep first. Carl walked Grace out. When they were about to part, Grace stopped.
Looking back at her father, who had always been serious, reserved, and tough, Grace did not feel scared but assured this time.
Hale told her that it was her father who told him about her experience. At the very beginning, Carl was very reserved and looked proud. However, after learning that Hale did not mind what Grace had experienced, this man held Hale's hands with tears in his eyes and told Hale to be nice to Grace for the rest of her life.
Men, especially those who once served in the military, are not good at expressing their emotions. Carl combined the two features. He always behaved like an iron man.
"Thank you, dad," Grace said, with a smile on her face. She looked more relieved.
Clenching his teeth, Carl's hand on the doorknob trembled slightly. He was trying to stay calm. After a long while, he looked up.
"You're welcome, dear." He told Grace.
Assuming that was all her father wanted to tell her, Grace turned and went out of the room. She went directly back to their own room. Hale was visiting his parents. He apologized and explained what had happened earlier. Grace took a shower and was ready for bed.
Meanwhile, a short message popped up on her phone.
Grace thought it was Cathryn telling her that she was home or something. She took it over and scanned the message. The title and the content of the message, however, made her so touched that her eyes got wet immediately.
The message was texted and sent by Carl.
Carl seldom sent messages. This time, however, he texted a long one.
"I've been feeling sorry for you, my dear. Compared with other fathers, I'm not gentle enough. But Grace, cold and reserved as I always appear, my heart is tender to you forever. You're my daughter, the girl I've been willing to spend my life protecting. You're so beautiful today. I feel happy for you. I may not be able to say these words to your face to face. But I hope you will always keep in mind that Dad loves you." The message read.
When Hale was back, he saw Grace burying her head in a pillow, crying. Assuming that she recalled the bad experience again, Hale tiptoed to the bed, trying not to touch her. Unexpectedly, as he just got to the edge of the bed, Grace hugged him tightly, crying harder.
Carl went to bed. Sally opened her eyes, looking concerned.
"He'll be released soon, won't he?" Sally asked.
The "He" that Sally mentioned was Carl's younger brother, the one who had sexually abused Grace. His name was Bill Riley.
"He will never be released. Don't worry." Carl responded drily, soothing Sally. "Sleep, darling." He said.