You Hit My Heart

Chapter 2030: Sending off the Last Guests

They arrived at the lawn outside the banquet hall.

The afternoon sun, soft and golden, filled the island air with a fresh and natural warmth. The warm sunlight weaved through the faintest of breezes, soothing, lingering, the aroma of early winter enveloping everything in the world.

Children played innocently, their cups clinking, as everyone toasted each other, surrounded by laughter and cheerful chatter.

Luther and Joyce joined in, receiving everyone's blessings.

As the evening approached.

The entire wedding finally came to a close, guests slowly departing. Several yachts shuttled back and forth, ferrying the guests away.

Luther first arranged for Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Powell, Jane with Wilson and Cullen, as well as Cecelia with Iris, to leave the island and return home, with dozens of bodyguards and military escorts in tow. Anderson insisted on staying, waiting with Kane until the security system was dismantled before he would leave.

"Mummy, I'm going with Uncle Kane," Anderson insisted.

"But, Kane might not leave until tonight," Joyce said, "Are you sure you want to go with him?"

Anderson nodded, "Yes, I'll wait a bit longer."

Luther said, "Alright, I'll have Aaron escort Anderson off the island. Everything will be fine."

"Alright," Joyce reluctantly agreed.

As they were being escorted to the shore, about to board the ship.

Joyce felt a strange sensation welling up inside her.

"Wait, mum," Joyce called out.

Cecelia stopped and turned back, asking, "What's wrong?"

"I want to hug Wilson and Cullen one last time. I'm going to miss them," Joyce said.

Cecelia chuckled, "It's just one night, you'll be home tomorrow. You really can't bear to be apart from the kids for even a moment."

Joyce walked up, taking Wilson from Jane's hands, hugging him and kissing his cheek. Then, she hugged Cullen, giving him a kiss as well.

For some reason, as she watched them leave, she felt a hollow feeling in her heart. She must have experienced too many hardships in the past to feel this lack of security.

Iris rubbed against Joyce's leg, "Mummy, do you want to hug me too?"

"Of course," Joyce crouched down, hugging Iris and kissing her on both cheeks.

Luther looked at Joyce with amusement, "What's gotten into you? It's only been a few hours, yet you're so reluctant to say goodbye."

Joyce also felt a bit sentimental.

She straightened up, waving her hand, "You guys go ahead, see you later."

As Cecelia escorted the children onto the boat.

Joyce and Luther watched them depart.

At that moment.

Shelly and her husband, along with Jacqueline, were also ready with their belongings, waiting for the next boat to leave the island.

Joyce walked over to greet them, "Mum, you guys go back to the city center first. We'll catch up later."

Jacqueline's face softened, "No, Joyce, we're going straight to the airport after leaving the island. Our flight for St. Denis tonight is already booked, we're heading back for some important work my husband needs to attend to."

Shelly added, "Sister-in-law, seeing you so happy makes me and mum very glad. We won't disturb you any longer. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness."

Jacqueline reached out, gently grasping Joyce's arm, studying her face as if trying to memorize every feature. She was afraid that once she left, her memory would fade, unsure if she'd recognize them in the future. Nevertheless, the reunion today, seeing the family gathered, receiving Joyce's forgiveness, she had no regrets.

With a thousand words stuck in her throat, Jacqueline simply said, "Take care."

Joyce nodded, "You too, mum."

After boarding the ship, Shelly raised her right hand, waving, "Goodbye!"

Luther wrapped his arm around Joyce, standing by the shore.

After seeing off family members, it was time for important friends.

Joyce turned around, looking back, asking Luther, "Most of the guests have left, have you seen Felix and his group?" Luther looked around, "I saw them earlier, chatting happily with others. But I haven't seen them since, I'll call him." Just as he was about to take out his phone to make the call.

A low shout came from behind, "Luther!"

Luther turned around, it was Felix's voice.

Not far away, Felix and Vicki walked over together, with someone carrying their luggage.

Felix hurried over, "We're about to leave. There aren't many people left near the banquet hall, we're the last ones."

Luther patted Felix on the back, "It's getting dark, you should head back."

"What about you, are you staying tonight?" Vicki looked around, noticing that Joyce and Luther didn't have any luggage with them. "Yes. We still have some clean up to do. We'll head back tomorrow," Joyce said gently.

"It's not easy to plan a wedding, I feel tired just watching it," Vicki sighed.

"Your turn is up next," Joyce smiled, "But it's all worth it, after all, it's a major event in life, not something to be overlooked."

"Alright," Vicki nodded in agreement.

"Luther, the team that handled everything for you this time, please introduce them to me directly. It saves me a lot of hassle," Felix said, "I already got their contact information just now."

"No problem," Luther waved it off.

In the midst of their conversation.

Karl also arrived at the shore.

"Are you heading back to the Capital today? Or staying in Khebury? If you stay in Khebury, I can arrange accommodation for you," Joyce asked.

Karl chuckled, "I'm neither heading back to the Capital nor staying in Khebury. I'm going to Donovan, there's some business I need to take care of. I'll head back to the Capital directly after finishing tomorrow." "You're quite a busy man," Joyce smiled, "When you get back, you can't be so busy. Juanita is about to give birth, you should spend more time with her. Despite her usual laid-back demeanor, she's actually quite sensitive. Women tend to be more sensitive before and after childbirth. Take good care of her."

"Of course. Don't worry," Karl's gaze turned tender, nodding.

"I'll head off now, see you later." As Karl left, he paused, looking back for a moment. They might not see each other for a while after this farewell.

Felix, Vicki, and Karl boarded the last boat for departing guests today.

They waved goodbye.

As the water parted, white waves kicked up. Gradually, the people in front of them drifted farther away, the boat sailed away. Finally, a small dot emerged on the sea's surface. Joyce and Luther finally bid farewell to the last wave of guests.

"Sigh, I'm so tired."

Joyce's face fell, "It's finally over."

"Tired? Let me carry you back," Luther lifted Joyce up, the setting sun casting their intertwined shadows long and far.