The day of Noah Calhoun and Isabella Swans wedding arrived, and it was a grander affair than Scarlett OHaras wedding to Noah had ever been. Stretch limousines lined up, and the expansive Hyatt Regency was booked in its entirety for the celebrations. Noah, as the groom, stood with his bride at the entrance to greet the arriving guests.
When they saw Scarlett descending from a car with a younger man, Noah couldnt help but frown, and Isabellas usually charming face twisted for a moment. They had not anticipated Scarletts attendance, and certainly not with a companion. Moreover, this man was not only younger than Noah but also strikingly handsome.
To their surprise, Scarlett was not at all the haggard, worn-out woman they had expected. Instead, she was radiant and full of life, her demeanor belying any signs of the distress she had supposedly been in recently. Isabella wanted to mock her, but Noah spoke up first, his face a mix of disapproval and disappointment, "Scarlett OHara, I didnt expect you to stoop to such levels."
Scarlett, arm in arm with Edward, looked at him quizzically. "What?"
"Scarlett, are you trying to spite me? Even if you are, you shouldnt be so careless with yourself. Look at the state youre in; you disappoint me."
Scarlett finally understood what he was implying and couldnt help but laugh in frustration. "You and Isabella are true love, and Im in a state of decay just because Im with someone else? Noah Calhoun, have you lost your mind? Whats so wrong with how I look now?"
Her complexion was the envy of the young women at her company. Was Noah blind or suffering from cataracts?
Edward tugged at Scarletts arm. "Scarlett, the wind outside is strong, lets hurry inside."
Scarlett immediately brightened up, her eyes sparkling. "Yes."
Seeing the two, Noah was furious. Isabella nestled against Noah, her voice sweet and worried. "Scarlett can be so difficult. You were only trying to help her, but she doesnt appreciate it. Shell realize her mistake when shes been deceived."
Noahs expression darkened. "Shes always been a bit foolish. Lets not pay her any mind."
Isabella meekly agreed, but inside, she was not pleased. What did Noah mean by that? Could it be that he still harbored feelings for Scarlett, even though she was with another man?
No, she must make Noah forget about Scarlett. Scarlett had come, but she had no intention of staying for the wedding banquet. She feared that consuming the Calhouns wedding wine would lead to a hospital visit鈥攄ue to being disgusted.
Many of the wedding guests knew Scarlett, and seeing her arrive with a strange man, they began to whisper among themselves. Scarlett paid them no mind. At her table were friends from her time with Noah, and they expressed concern upon seeing her.
"Scarlett, why did you come?" one asked.
"We had to come out of obligation, but if I were you, I wouldnt have," another chimed in.
"Scarlett, you have to introduce this young man. He looks familiar," a third friend inquired.
Scarlett gave them a sharp look before embracing Edwards arm and introducing him with pride. "Edward, my boyfriend, just back from abroad. We fell in love at first sight."
Noah happened to be at their table toasting when he heard this and remarked snidely, "Oh, a returned student, I wonder which obscure university hes from?"