The Flower That Grew from Ashes novel Chapter 94

Over in Clarissa's exclusive bridal suite, the atmosphere was practically vibrating with triumphant joy.

She was wearing a custom-tailored, empire-waist white gown. The sweeping train was heavily hand-beaded with crushed South African diamonds that caught the light with blinding brilliance.

Her hair was swept up into a flawless, Hepburn-esque chignon, and resting against her collarbone was the eight-figure imperial green emerald necklace Lizzie had won at a charity auction the previous year.

She looked regal, untouchable—like a queen mere moments away from her coronation.

Just as she was scrutinizing her immaculate makeup in the oversized floor mirror, the suite door gently pushed open.

Annelise walked in, carrying a custom bridal bouquet bound tightly with white daisies and calla lilies.

Nestled right in the very center of the pristine white arrangement was a single, intensely dark red poppy.

When Clarissa saw that red poppy, her perfectly manicured brows immediately twitched in annoyance.

But today was her day of absolute victory; she wasn't going to let anything ruin her mood.

She took the bouquet and flashed Annelise the magnanimous, forgiving smile of a conqueror.

"Thank you, Annelise. The flowers are lovely."

"As long as you like them, Clarissa."

Annelise smiled back, looking nothing but gentle and completely harmless.

She stepped forward, her eyes scanning the gown with what appeared to be genuine admiration.

"Clarissa, you look truly beautiful today."

Then, dropping her voice so low that only the two of them could hear it, she softly added:

"Elias is watching from above. I'm sure he's absolutely thrilled."

The smile on Clarissa's face completely paralyzed for a fraction of a second.

She couldn't shake the feeling that every single word Annelise spoke today was a poisonous sting wrapped in honey.

At 11:00 AM, the ceremony was about to commence.

The guests had all taken their seats.

Lizzie, draped in a custom-made purple velvet gown, was seated at the very center of the grand head table.

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