Chapter 212: Wedding Photos
Vivian Lowell couldn’t refuse Julian Faulkner. She placed her hand in his, and with a gentle tug, Julian pulled her into his embrace.
The rapid clicking of the photographer’s camera immediately echoed by her ear.
This time, the photographer in charge of directing poses didn’t intervene. Instead, he stood by and watched with a beaming smile, clearly pleased with Vivian and Julian’s natural chemistry. Even as a professional, there was nothing left for him to critique or adjust.
Nestled in Julian’s arms, Vivian tilted her head up to meet his deep gaze. She had never noticed it before; she had only ever thought his eyes were bottomless, like an ancient well devoid of any ripples, making his thoughts impossible to read. He had always seemed like a shrewd, calculating man.
But it was different now. His gaze was just as deep, yet it was no longer an unfeeling well, but a warm spring that was gentle enough to melt her entirely.
"Julian..." Vivian murmured, her heartbeat quickening.
"Mhm," Julian replied in a low voice. His head slowly lowered, planting a light, incredibly gentle kiss on Vivian’s lips.
This kiss was unlike the previous times Julian had kissed her. It wasn’t stormy or aggressive; it was as soft and fleeting as a dragonfly skimming the surface of a pond. Before Vivian could even fully register it, the kiss was over.
Julian slowly released his hold on her cheeks and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her flush against him. Vivian naturally wrapped her arms around his waist as well. Their bodies pressed together intimately.
His familiar scent wafted into her nose, making Vivian feel a bit restless in his embrace. Somehow, she actually began to miss the kiss they had just shared.
It was too short.
Vivian felt it wasn’t enough; she found herself missing the deeper, more intense kisses Julian had given her before. As she realized this, her cheeks burned a deeper shade of red. She tried her best to calm her racing heart, reminding herself that the photographers and crowds of tourists at The Sunstone Palace were still around. It wouldn’t do to wear her emotions so obviously on her sleeve.
The photoshoot was proving to be quite tiring. After changing through numerous poses, Vivian just wanted to find a nearby chair and rest for a while.
"Tired?" Julian had, of course, noticed the slight shift in Vivian’s mood. He walked over to Vance Wyatt, grabbed a bottle of mineral water, and handed it to her. "Drink some water first," he said softly.
Shortly after, Grandma Faulkner and Eleanor Rhodes returned from changing their outfits. This time, Eleanor wore an elegant qipao, while Grandma Faulkner was dressed in a Western-style gown. Even with the change in style, they both looked absolutely stunning.
"Oh, Vivian, Julian, are you done shooting? Grandma and I were just discussing it, and we think we should head over to the lake for some photos! I know a spot in the back with a lot of beautiful rockeries.
"Given the season, the roses and peonies there should be in full bloom. It’s the perfect backdrop for a photoshoot!" Eleanor chirped.
Eleanor had been to The Sunstone Palace before to rescue stray cats. She loved traditional Chinese garden landscapes and would occasionally visit for a stroll to relax when she had the free time.
The photographer pondered Eleanor’s suggestion for a moment and agreed. "That’s a fantastic spot. Madam Faulkner, Miss Rhodes, if you’d like to take photos there, we can head over now.
"Mr. Faulkner, Mrs. Faulkner, if you two are tired, you can take a break first," he said, turning back to Julian and Vivian. "You can join us later after you’ve changed your outfits. Do you need us to leave anyone behind to assist you?"
Vivian shook her head. "No, that’s fine. You all go ahead and take photos of Grandma and Eleanor. Make sure to get some good shots!
"Julian and I will rest here for a bit before we come find you. We have Vance here, so we’ll be perfectly fine."
"Understood," the photographer agreed politely.
Eleanor wandered over to check the pictures the photographer had just taken of Vivian and Julian, and she immediately let out a loud gasp of awe.
"Wow, this shot is gorgeous! Vivian, I’ve decided! This is definitely going on my shortlist of wedding photos to frame in your bedroom!"
Eleanor instructed the photographer to send the photo to her WhatsApp later, and the group soon wandered off toward the lake.
Vivian nearly choked on her water at Eleanor’s antics.
She wondered what Eleanor meant by "wedding photos to frame in the bedroom." She and Julian hadn’t even taken official wedding photos yet, and here her best friend was already picking out shortlisted options! Wasn’t she getting a little ahead of herself?
Vivian couldn’t help but grumble inwardly, turning her head to steal a quiet glance at Julian. Coincidentally, Julian was looking right back at her. Their eyes met.
At some point, the gentleness in Julian’s eyes had shifted into a thoughtful, scrutinizing gaze. He looked deeply curious as he asked, "A shortlisted wedding photo?
"Vivian, is that what you and Eleanor were discussing while I was away? Hmm?"
Vivian fell silent. Faced with Julian’s teasing, scrutinizing look, she had absolutely no idea how to respond. He was being completely wicked. Just like earlier, he was clearly asking a question he already knew the answer to!
"Um... it’s nothing." Vivian’s heart fluttered under his intense gaze. She shook her head and stammered, "She was just talking nonsense! What wedding photos! We were actually..."
Before Vivian could even finish her sentence, Julian gently took her hand.
"I’m sorry." A flash of genuine apology crossed Julian’s face. He looked at her earnestly. "The wedding photos were my oversight. But... Vivian, give me just a little more time.
"This autumn, I promise to make it up to you with a perfect wedding. Okay?"
Julian’s eyes overflowed with sincerity. As he looked at her with such earnest devotion, the warmth and intensity of his gaze practically enveloped her. Vivian’s heart skipped a beat.
A wedding.
It wasn’t that she hadn’t thought about it, but at the end of the day, it was always better for the man to be the one to bring it up first.
Now that Julian had finally said it, Vivian nodded. "Okay, I’ll wait."
A soft smile curved the corners of her lips as she gazed back at him. "I’ll wait for that day to come."
"I will," Julian promised seriously. "I’ll make sure everything is prepared perfectly. I will make up for everything—including our wedding photos."