chapter1323

For a heartbeat, the entire ballroom fell silent. Every eye was fixed on Connor, down on one knee, as if time itself had stopped. The Jefferson family was powerful enough to shake the whole city with just a word. Connor, their enigmatic and unapproachable heir, had always been cold to every socialite who tried to win his favor. Yet here he was, in front of everyone, proposing to the blind heiress of the Norwood family. Yes, the two families had an old engagement, but with Connor's status, breaking it would have been the easiest thing in the world.

"I can't believe Connor Jefferson is actually going to marry a blind girl."

"It has to be real love. Why else would he do this?"

"I heard Lydia's pretty incredible herself. They're honestly a perfect match."

"For real? How come nobody told us that?

That's because you're clueless, Juna jumped into the conversation, not bothering to hide her irritation. Let me tell you, Connor should count himself lucky for marrying Lydia."

Seriously, these people had no idea. If they knew how amazing Lydia was, they'd be shocked. How could anyone even doubt her? Absolutely ridiculous!

Lydia's lashes trembled. She had grown used to the darkness after losing her sight, but she could still feel all those eyes on her, every single stare. Connor's warm hand wrapped around hers, and somehow, that simple touch was enough to anchor her heart.

"I do." Her voice was soft, barely louder than a whisper, but it carried through the room and settled over everyone.

The look on Connor's face was pure, unfiltered joy, so overwhelming it seemed to light up the whole place. Carefully, he slipped the ring onto her finger, stood, and pulled her into his embrace.

Cheers exploded all at once,

applause crashing around them, and camera flashes flickered

everywhere, trying to capture this unbelievable moment. Kylie was already crying, Cameron wiped at his eyes too, and Mr. Norwood leaning on his cane, was trembling with emotion but grinning wider than anyone else in the room.

Suddenly, the ballroom doors on both sides swung open. Four men strode in, each one making a statement just by walking.

Blake was in a sharp designer suit, his face unreadable. Arthur wore a neat military uniform, epaulets catching the light. Garrett's glasses flashed as he stared, all intensity. Elliot strolled in wearing a black hoodie, but there was no hiding the wild streak in his eyes.

"Wait." Blake raised a hand and the chatter in the room stopped instantly. "If you want to marry our sister, you're going to have to get past us first."

Arthur stepped up, eyes locked on Connor. "If you ever make Lydia cry, I'll show you what real consequences look like even if it means losing this uniform.

Garrett didn't break eye contact either. "Connor, Lydia is our most beloved sister. If you hurt her, you'll never see her again. Not ever."

Elliot shoved his hands into his pockets and let out a low whistle. "If you ever make

her upset, I'm gonna show up at your door with backup."

The four of them stood shoulder to shoulder, their presence so intense that everyone else in the room instinctively stepped back.

Connor didn't even flinch. He squeezed Lydia's hand, looked straight at her brothers, and spoke with absolute certainty. "I, Connor Jefferson, swear to protect her for as long as live. ever break this promise, the Jefferson family shall lose everything, and I shall fall beyond redemption."

His words rang out, strong and clear, shaking the Norwood family to the core and leaving every guest speechless. It was obvious now. Connor was hopelessly, completely in love.

Flashbulbs went off in a frenzy. The crowd erupted in cheers that felt like a tidal wave. Connor wrapped Lydia in his arms, lowered his head, and kissed her gently. It was a kiss filled with years of devotion and avow that nothing and no one could ever break For one perfect moment the whole world seemed to pause and watch them breathe.