Chapter 261: 260 Fireworks and Stars

Although the creator of the drama world is the 【Drama King】, the more than three thousand souls composing the drama world are its true "masters."

Therefore, when over seventy percent of the "masters" had aligned themselves and begun cheering for "Mr. Joseph," no matter how desperately the 【Drama King】 resisted, the entire course of "Twelve Days Together" shifted uncontrollably.

…

"Agatha, you are absolutely beautiful today."

Watching her daughter, dressed in a custom white wedding gown, sitting quietly before the vanity with her head slightly bowed, the elegant middle-aged lady beside her couldn't help but sincerely praise:

"You've always been beautiful since you were a child, and now, in this wedding gown, you look just like a princess stepped out of a fairy tale—there's probably not a single woman in the entire kingdom more lovely than you."

Though the middle-aged lady's praise may stem largely from maternal bias, even if one were to scrutinize it, the compliment would still not seem excessive.

Compared to the lively, energetic waitress she once was at the dockside tavern, Agatha in her pure white gown was undeniably breathtaking.

The dazzling white gown, which would dull the skin of most women and require whitening powders to wear, became the perfect complement on her.

The small patches of skin exposed at her elbows and neck gleamed smooth and fair, like a corner of jade revealed beneath gauzy silk, subtly radiating a visible softness and luster.

The form-fitting white fabric traced her unforgettable figure into curves both voluptuous and graceful, while her face, lightly powdered and painted, glowed with exceptional radiance—truly like a white rose in full bloom, its noble, pure hue exuding an intoxicating fragrance that drew one irresistibly inward.

The only regret was that this enchanting white rose was not yet fully blooming; her once bright, spirited eyes now seemed dimmed, as if lacking the reflection of someone dear.

"Mother..."

After lightly biting her pale pink lip, Agatha asked softly, her gaze filled with confusion:

"When I was little, you told me you chose Father among many suitors not because he had the best family or the greatest potential, but because of love.

If you once did that—even breaking ties with your own father and not returning to his home until I was six—why are you now interfering with my marriage, forcing me to wed a man I don't love?"

"I... ah... it's precisely because I've lived through all this that I don't want you to suffer the same pain I did..."

Hearing Agatha's question, the middle-aged lady sighed, then pulled her bewildered, heart-wrenching daughter into her arms and whispered with a complex expression:

"Marrying for love is wonderful, but how long can your love last? Five years? Seven? Ten? Though long, it's still far too short compared to a lifetime.

No matter how beautiful love may be, it's merely a firework—once the initial passion fades and you both grow old, your youth gone, faded love cannot sustain a household.

Your father and I had many beautiful memories too, but over time, differences in values, family, social circles, geography... all the issues love had blinded us to emerged one by one, leading to endless arguments... and well, today is your day, let's not speak of this."

Shaking her head slightly, the middle-aged lady fell silent, gently grasping her daughter's shoulders and gazing into her confused eyes with softness:

"Agatha, I would never harm you. If you can't accept or understand this, then just temporarily trust me—and let time give you the answer, all right?"

"..."

"All right?"

"I... I need to think more..."

"Very well, then think."

Looking at her stubborn daughter, the middle-aged lady shook her head, then rose and took her arm, her eyes filled with sorrow yet firm:

"But no matter what you think, since you're here, the wedding must go on.

My dear daughter, the husband your father and I chose for you is the second son of a great noble family from another province. Though he has no right of succession to a title, his life of wealth and stability is assured.

Your father and I have sent people to investigate thoroughly—he is not only handsome, but also of impeccable character, with no known vices. He shares your love of astronomy and art, excels in painting and composition, and has deep knowledge of the stars—you two will surely get along well."

"Perhaps..."

Hearing her mother's words, Agatha bit her lip.

Had this been twelve days ago, this match would have perfectly suited her—even his love of stars matched hers—but now...

Looking down at the tiny diamonds stitched along her sleeve, each like a star, her mind did not recall the enchanting night sky over Ankara Beach; instead, she saw the figure of someone walking toward her beneath a sky of fireworks, his eyes reflecting a river of stars...

"..."

Mother, even if fireworks are fleeting, in the moment he appeared in the sky, he outshone all the stars combined—and now that I've seen such brilliance, my eyes can no longer hold any other light.

Realizing what she truly wanted, Agatha bit her lip and glanced toward the dressing room door—two towering guards, taller than the doorframe, stood unwaveringly outside, never relaxing their vigil even while she spoke with her mother.

How could she possibly escape?

Looking at the two guards, their muscles bulging like bears, and recalling her failed escape attempts, Agatha clenched her teeth in frustration—but she had no power against these two giants, so she placed her last hope on her beloved.

Mr. Li Ang... you must find me and come quickly, or I'll be forced to marry... hmm? Who is Mr. Li Ang?

"Agatha, we must go."

As the Princess playing Agatha was startled by the sudden name, the middle-aged lady glanced at the dressing room clock, rose, and took her daughter's arm with a smile:

"Come, the master of ceremonies has already called your name. Agatha, today you will be the most beautiful bride in the entire kingdom."