Happened 240

Chapter 240 

Chapter 240 

o 

The wild doves symbolized good fortune and unwavering fidelity between spouses. 

Typically, during the wedding procession, wild doves were carefully selected and caged before being released by the happy couple. However, the prolonged ordeal proved too much for the wild doves, and they died from being overstressed in the cage. 

The news hit Michael like a bolt from the blue. ‘Awful. Just awful. From the very moment I stepped out, nothing’s gone right, Michael thought, utterly 

drained. 

For a moment, Michael even considered sending Willow back. ‘With so many mishaps on our wedding day, how can our marriage possibly go smoothly?‘ 

Willow also broke out in a cold sweat at the news, a growing sense of dread gripping her. She clutched Michael’s arm tightly, sobbing. “Michael, this isn’t my fault! It’s not my fault, I swear!” 

In the past, seeing Willow cry would make Michael’s heart ache. However, her sobs at that moment felt like daggers stabbing into his skull. 

Surrounded by a gawking crowd, Michael closed his eyes briefly, forcing himself to swallow the bitter pill. “Willow, I know this has nothing to do with you,” he said through gritted teeth. 

“If I sent Willow back now, I’d be sending her to her death,‘ Michael thought, the weight of responsibility heavy on his mind. 

Michael’s words brought Willow some much–needed calm. He then helped her back into the bridal sedan, mounted his horse, and continued the procession. 

It wasn’t until late afternoon that the wedding procession finally stumbled back to Osborne Manor in complete disarray. The guests had been waiting for the better part of the day, their stomachs growling with hunger. But with the wedding procession still nowhere in sight, the party couldn’t begin. 

Coffee was plentiful, and they all drank so much they felt bloated from it. One after another, the guests kept scurrying to the restroom. 

Outwardly, everyone offered comforting words, but in private, they were all laughing their heads off at the Osborne family’s bad luck. “What an unprecedented farce–and of all families, it had to happen to the Osbornes!” 

One woman even whispered, “Marrying such a jinx into the family? What did the Osbornes do to deserve this? Haha…” 

Near the corner, Kelsey was on her way to the main hall to console the guests when she overheard two women gossiping. 

Kelsey was livid with rage. The Osborne family, a noble and powerful house, had become the laughingstock of the entire city that day. She was furious. 

The maids and servants beside Kelsey didn’t dare make a sound, the tension palpable, until the butler jogged forward and announced excitedly, “Madam, the wedding procession is back!” 

But hearing this, Kelsey didn’t look any happier. Kelsey thought bitterly, ‘They might as well not have come back at all.‘ 

P 

But with no other choice, Kelsey steeled herself and headed to the main hall. 

When Michael and Willow appeared together, Kelsey’s face turned as stiff as a rock. Michael was caked in mud from head to toe, looking like a complete mess. In stark contrast, Willow remained spotless and immaculate. 

Kelsey’s heart ached. ‘My son, a noble Marquis, reduced to such a deplorable state?‘ 

“Quick, go get Lord Osborne changed!” Kelsey commanded. 

Fortunately, they had prepared a spare set of wedding attire. Otherwise, having to go through the ceremony in filthy clothes would have been inauspicious. 

Fletcher’s face also looked displeased. But with so many guests watching, he had to maintain his composure. Not only did Fletcher have to grit his teeth and endure it, but he even had to force a smile on the guests. 

1/3 

Chapter 240 

The wedding ceremony only resumed once Michael had changed into fresh attire and returned. Although Willow had taken some aconite powder to dull the pain, her legs remained too weak to support her, so she had no choice but to lean on the servants for help. 

After changing a few pleasantries, Willow finally breathed a deep sigh of relief. ‘At last, I’ve married into the Osborne family, just as I’d always wished! 

But before she could even catch her breath, she heard a clamor erupt outside as a stern voice boomed, “Make way. The Justice Ministry is on official business. Everyone, clear out!” 

Horrified, the guests peered out into the courtyard, only to see dozens of Just 

Ministry officers marching in with their swords drawn. 

Michael fixed the intruders with a cold gaze and demanded in a low 

voice, “Mr. Cross, what is the meaning of this? 

‘This is my wedding day. Yet he and his men dare to barge into my ma 

swords drawn. Are they here to pick a fight? 

But then again, the Justice Ministry had no grudge against the Osborne family. They had no reason to be stupid enough to stir up trouble. 

‘Could this case be connected to Willow?‘ Michael wondered, a chill runnin 

down his spine. 

Radnor looked deeply troubled, his brows knitted tightly. He stepped up to Michael and said in a hushed voice, “Lord Osborne, please forgive our intrusion. We’re investigating a homicide case and require Miss Monson’s assistance.” 

“How dare you!” Michael’s expression turned icy as he yelled, “My wife has just married into this family. How could she possibly be involved in a homicide case? Leave at once, or you’ll regret it!” 

‘Today has been hell enough already, and now these tactless Justice Ministry officials show up!‘ Michael thought in frustration, fuming with rage. 

He was on the verge of losing his composure. His brows knitted in fury, and his face was cold. A menacing presence radiated from him, his fury barely 

contained. 

‘On my wedding day, of all times, could things get any worse?‘ Michael thought. 

“Lord Osborne, please forgive our intrusion. We mean no disrespect, but this is a matter of a grave criminal investigation.” 

Radnor took two steps forward, lowered his voice, and said to Michael, “Just now, someone brought a corpse to the Justice Ministry. We found Lady Osborne’s purse on the body. We’re not making this up.” 

Michael’s brow twitched violently, his eyes snapping wide. “That’s impossible. Lady Osborne is the epitome of kindness. She would never be involved in 

could commit a murder. a homicide case!” He knew Willow. She wouldn’t even hurt a fly. Hence, there was no 

way sh 

“So, how do you explain Willow’s purse being found on the body?” Michael demanded, his voice full of disbelief. 

Willow took in every word of their conversation, and her heart began pounding. At that moment, her blood ran cold, and her body trembled slightly. Willow thought in horror, ‘How could this be? How could this be? 

Someone must have found Daniel’s body and delivered it to the Federal Bureau! 

‘But who could be so vicious as to frame me like this?‘ Willow thought in terror. 

Willow was terrified and panicked. She feared Michael wouldn’t believe her, and dreaded being taken away by the Justice Ministry for interrogation. Her greatest fear was that the incident would turn her into the laughingstock of the entire city. 

Overcome by panic, Willow crumpled to the ground. Her wedding veil slipped off. Michael looked down in alarm and saw Willow’s tear–streaked face. She looked beautiful and delicate, but her face was filled with sorrow. 

“Michael,” Willow sobbed desperately, “You must believe me. I’ve never harmed anyone. I’m innocent. Someone is framing me!” 

Willow sobbed so hard she could barely catch her breath, looking as pitiful as could be, enough to make anyone’s heart ache for her. Anyone who saw her like this would feel their heart ache. 

13:51 Tue, 15 Jul 

Chapter 240 

Kelsey was beside herself with worry, ‘How on earth had this joyous occasion become entangled in a murder case?‘ 

The more Kelsey looked at Willow, the more her patience wore thin. Kelsey thought, ‘Can this get any worse?” 

What infuriated Kelsey even more was how the Justice Ministry officers brazenly stormed into the Osborne family manor and, right in front of all the guests, publicly accused the new bride of being involved in a murder. This could be terrible for the Osborne family’s reputation. 

Meanwhile, Radnor felt utterly powerless and frustrated. After all, even someone of his rank was just a pawn in the grand scheme of things. 

His initial intention was to do the Osbornes a favor and quietly go through the motions. 

He planned to keep things under control. Whether Willow was involved in the case or not, Willow would walk away unscathed. 

But just then, Athena struck the petition drum. She demanded justice for her adoptive father’s death. The moment the petition drum was hit, the case had to continue. 

Given Athena’s noble status as the County Princess, the Justice Ministry had no choice but to come to the Osborne residence to make the arrest. 

Michael had no idea that Athena was the one who filed the petition. With his brows knitted in fury, he demanded, “Who would be so audacious as to frame my wife?” 

His past with Athena was an open secret among the capital’s elite. Hence, Radnor stammered with an awkward expression, “It… it was Viscountess Athena.” 

– 

AD