Chapter 14

Three days later. The Larsons had reserved the top floor of a five-star hotel in Yannburgh. Most couples would've plastered wedding photos and signs all over the entrance, but the Larsons went a totally different route-super low-key. It wasn't until the elevator doors slid open and they stepped into the banquet area that the festive vibe slowly kicked in. Celeste followed the Shaws out of the elevator, with a servant quietly pushing Ethan's wheelchair right behind them. She glanced toward the reception entrance. From the corner of her eye, that figure in a tailored tux slowly came into focus-tall, poised, and irritatingly familiar. "Grandpa, Mrs. Shaw, I've been waiting for you." The moment she heard Oliver's voice up close, Celeste froze for a second. It was the first time she stood as an outsider looking at the man she'd once loved for three years. That custom black tux hugging his frame perfectly, with lilies pinned at the chest and a "Groom" tag-it hit her. That was the exact suit she had designed and ordered for him when they'd gotten engaged in Luminara. The thought made her want to laugh. His fiancée hadn't even been gone that long, and here he was, rushing to marry someone new. She used to think he was this devoted guy, but he couldn't even be bothered to get a new suit. Reusing the old one? Really? Ridiculous. After greeting everyone from the Shaw family, Oliver's gaze finally landed on her, puzzled. "And this is...?" Honestly, it wasn't shocking he didn't recognize her. After all, aside from a brief meeting at the wedding when she married into the Shaws three years ago, she'd pretty much vanished-thanks to jail time. Grace let out a sharp laugh, eyes dripping with disdain. She looked like she was just waiting for Celeste to embarrass herself. But Oliver's brows were already pulling together. Judging by the hesitation in the Shaw family's expressions, he'd probably pieced it together. Now he was clearly regretting opening his mouth. A total social misfire.The Shaw family had managed to stand strong in Yannburgh for decades by keeping a tight lid on their public image. Everyone knew they were always cautious and proper-except for that one scandal three years ago. Ever since Celeste went to prison for murder, no matter how hard the Shaws tried to bury the whispers, people still gossiped behind their backs. Her name basically became something no one dared to mention out loud. Celeste caught on quickly to all the unspoken tension and side-eyes in the room. A brief, cold smile tugged at her lips before she stepped forward and offered her hand to Oliver with calm confidence. "Nice to see you again. We met at my wedding to Ethan. You haven't changed much, still looking sharp. Big day today, huh? You look quite the part." Her gaze was steady, clear, not a hint of discomfort in sight. She even tipped her chin slightly, giving off a prideful aura that made people instinctively take her seriously. People were stunned-not just outsiders, but even the Shaw family. Everyone knew the eldest daughter-in-law had always been timid and easily rattled. Back then she could barely say hello without stammering. Now? It was like she'd walked out of prison a completely different person. Oliver was caught off guard too. Something about her eyes felt oddly familiar, but he didn't have time to dwell on it. He quickly smiled and played along. "My bad. Must be my poor memory. I'll owe you a toast later to make up for that." Their casual back-and-forth smoothed over the awkward moment seamlessly. Just as Mr. Shaw walked in, he gave Celeste a slight nod, his eyes full of approval. Celeste responded with a faint smile and a quick nod. As her gaze flickered back to Oliver for a split second, a trace of sorrow swept across her face. Ethan sat off to the side in his wheelchair, watching her every move. He caught that look-captured every shift in her expression. His eyes darkened just a little. The ceremony itself was minimal. No speeches, no live music-just the emcee quietly announcing the ring exchange. Amidst the silent audience, Celeste stood her ground, phone raised, recording the moment. On her screen, Oliver and April Anniston stood at the altar, slipping rings onto each other's fingers.