1. Ophelia always believed she would be with Finnian. At the age of eight, they became step-siblings and faced the hardest times of their lives together. Finnian once promised, "Ophelia, wait for me to succeed, and I will marry you." But on her birthday, he publicly announced his relationship with the famous actress, Eamon. 2. The man she had waited for all these years found someone new, while her family's business teetered on the edge of bankruptcy. Ophelia stood amidst the storm-not only were there those waiting to see her fail, but others with malicious intentions biding their time to strike. But what everyone expected didn't happen. Instead of succumbing to despair, Ophelia stunned everyone by organizing a grand wedding that shook Selista. The Radcliffe family, the most prestigious family in Dolasiats, hosted an extravagant wedding in Selista for their beloved daughter-in-law and sole heir, Logan. In an instant, Selista became the gathering spot for more than half of Dolasiats' elites. No one could figure out which lady from Selista had such incredible fortune. When Ophelia appeared in a pristine, dazzling white wedding gown that captivated every gaze, the entire audience was stunned. Finnian, attending the wedding, dropped the wine glass he was holding. It shattered to pieces on the ground. 3. Ophelia knew full well that this marriage was not stable; it was merely a transaction of benefits and could end with each going their separate ways. But Logan had given her so much. After registering their marriage, she gradually made concessions, fulfilling his every demand. From moving in under the same roof, to sharing the same bedroom, and then... Each night, he was possessive, indulgent. She could no longer endure it. Her eyes turned red, and she trembled as she protested, "Can you restrain yourself a little?" The man leaned down, kissed her damp hair, and in a husky voice coaxed her gently at her ear, "Be good and call me husband*."
Chapter 1 But you're marrying for love, darling
The central business district of Chuchoter city is filled with towering skyscrapers, standing solemn and majestic during the day. By night, they are illuminated by vibrant city lights, reflecting the district's prosperity and splendor. The tallest building, Espoir Era, soars into the deep blue sky, its presence imposing and grand.
Among the rows of street-front shops in the building, the most prominent is the Italian luxury fashion brand Freya. The store's exterior is adorned with shimmering platinum walls, with a finely crafted FLY logo at its center, drawing attention even from a hundred meters away.
Next to Freya is Jasmin Jewelry, a renowned domestic brand specializing in gold, silver, and gemstone pieces. Its overall design is understated and elegant, featuring a grayish-purple sign with the name Jasmin Whitaker written in a stylized font.
On the second floor of Jasmin, in the VIP lounge, a door behind the counter opened, and Ophelia Whitaker entered carrying two jewelry boxes. The woman seated on the sofa raised her eyebrows slightly, her face full of anticipation.
Ophelia approached the sofa beside the woman, her slender legs crossing gracefully as she set the jewelry boxes on the coffee table and opened them slowly. As the custom-designed high-end jewelry was displayed, a glimmer of excitement flashed in the woman's eyes.
Wearing gloves, Ophelia carefully picked up the necklace and moved behind the sofa to clasp it around the woman's fair neck. She followed with the bracelet, ring, and earrings, each piece meticulously placed.
The set, inspired by roses, featured pink sapphires shaped into layered rose petals paired with translucent emerald-green leaves. The combination created a vivid, elegant, and alluring appearance. When fully adorned, the woman resembled a galaxy that had descended into a rose garden, breathtakingly beautiful.
Stepping in front of the full-length mirror, the woman admired her reflection, growing more pleased with each glance. Smiling softly, she said, "Thank you, Manager Whitaker. I love it."
"Thank you, Ms. Harrington, for your trust," Ophelia replied in a clear, sweet voice.
After a while, Ophelia escorted the elegant client downstairs and watched her leave. She then turned back into the store, preparing to go upstairs to change. Her gaze swept across the first-floor counter, where she noticed a young woman with a fabric tote bag lingering hesitantly. The woman stopped to look at one of the items on display, raising her head to glance at the sales associate.
The sales associate gave the young woman a brief glance before indifferently shifting her attention toward another customer carrying a Freya bag. With a smile, she asked, "Which item would you like to see?"
Embarrassed, the young woman lowered her head, glanced briefly at the glittering items on the counter, and began to leave.
"Hello, were you interested in this bracelet?" a soft, sweet voice called out.
The young woman turned around to see a beautiful face with fair skin, delicate eyebrows, a straight nose, and gentle features that were striking but not sharp. She watched as the woman with gloves unlocked the display case.
The young woman hesitated, her face showing embarrassment. "Oh, no, it's fine. I was just looking."
"It's no trouble at all," Ophelia said with a warm smile, taking out an intricately crafted gold bracelet and placing it on the counter. "Come here and try it on."
Faced with the kind invitation, the young woman hesitated but insisted, "No, it's okay. I couldn't afford it anyway."
"That's alright. Think of it as trying it on to see if it suits you," Ophelia replied, picking up the bracelet. Her gentle and sweet tone was irresistible, and the young woman extended her hand.
After fastening the bracelet around her wrist, Ophelia praised her. "It's beautiful. This bracelet suits someone as lovely and refined as you."
The young woman's eyes lit up, her shyness giving way to a bright smile. "Thank you. When I've saved enough money, I'll come back to buy it."
"Of course," Ophelia said with a smile.
After the young woman left, Ophelia called the store manager to the second floor. "Focus on improving staff training," she said. "Don't act like Freya next door-arrogant and dismissive of customers. We must provide warm and attentive service to everyone who steps into Jasmin."
The manager nodded in agreement.
After finishing her work, Ophelia glanced at her watch; it was time to leave. She went to the staff lounge and changed into the evening gown she had brought. She let down her neatly tied-up hair, allowing it to cascade in its natural, voluminous waves, the ends softly curled for an effortlessly chic look. She accessorized with jewelry matching her gown, featuring emerald-green highlights that complemented its design.
Once ready, Ophelia picked up her bag, exited through the back door, and drove to Tendresse Manor.
Tendresse Manor was perched on the slopes of Mount Envol. By the time Ophelia arrived, the night had fallen, and the estate glimmered with resplendent lights, appearing even more magnificent under the evening sky.
Walking along the red carpet laid out by the organizers, Ophelia reached the grand entrance, presented her invitation, and stepped into the event.
Inside the hall, bright lights illuminated the space, which bustled with elegantly dressed attendees. A symphony orchestra performed in the background while white-gloved servers moved gracefully among the crowd, offering drinks to distinguished guests from all over.
Ophelia scanned the room, searching for her friend Kylie Verzosa.
Kylie had invited her to this charity gala, primarily to help her network and to admire the jewelry pieces up for auction.
Though she didn't see Kylie, she caught sight of Finnian. He was dressed impeccably in a dark, tailored suit with a jeweled lapel pin. Standing beside him was a woman in a light-colored evening gown. The two stood near a window, speaking in hushed tones.
Ophelia's gaze lingered, and she realized the woman was none other than the famous actress Mariem Claret. Finnian reached up to tuck a loose strand of Mariem's hair behind her ear, his gesture natural and intimate. Their exchanged smiles created a subtle but unmistakable atmosphere of closeness.
Ophelia froze mid-step, feeling as though a lump of cotton had lodged in her throat, leaving her deeply uncomfortable.
"Oh, look, there's your dear brother," Kylie suddenly appeared beside her, teasing. "Aren't you going to say hello?"
Ophelia turned away and walked in the opposite direction. "No, he's busy entertaining guests. Let's not disturb him."
Walking alongside her, Kylie remarked, "He's certainly busy these days. As a rising director with a box-office success of three billion yuan, he's the new star of the film industry."
Ophelia approached the refreshment table and picked up a piece of matcha cake for herself.
Kylie took a glass of wine from a passing server and sipped it. "So, how are things going between you two?"
Ophelia quietly nibbled on her cake.
"Now that he has money and fame, shouldn't your relationship also be progressing?"
After finishing her cake, Ophelia set the plate down and carefully wiped her mouth with a napkin. She then said calmly, "It's almost there, I suppose."
Kylie nodded, looking pleased. "Seeing you two together makes me believe in love again. People used to laugh at you for choosing the wrong guy. Once you marry this famous director, everyone will have to praise your good taste."
Ophelia chuckled softly. "Not quite. The people they marry all come from powerful families. Finnian doesn't compare to that."
Ophelia and Kylie had been classmates in middle school. The "they" Kylie referred to were their peers from the prestigious international school they had attended. The school catered to the city's elite, and none of its students came from ordinary families. Now, all of them had become influential figures in Chuchoter.
"But you're marrying for love, darling," Kylie said with a jealous smile. "I'd better start thinking about your wedding gift."
Chapter 1 But you're marrying for love, darling
22/11/2024
Chapter 2 She paused momentarily, surprised.
22/11/2024
Chapter 3 With that, he walked past her and ascended the stairs.
22/11/2024
Chapter 4 Ophelia shook her hand. Likewise.
22/11/2024
Chapter 5 I feel dizzy from the wine.
22/11/2024
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