Chapter 3

Grace's wedding dress was custom-made by a renowned Southlandia designer, and it reportedly cost the Jefferson family hundreds of thousands of dollars. The extravagance was a testament to the Gulliver family's prestige. Despite wearing such an expensive gown, Grace didn't feel particularly happy. She looked at her reflection in the mirror. With the red marks gone from her face, her charming appearance was revealed once again. With her fair, delicate features and slightly chubby cheeks, she possessed a doll-like quality that accentuated her youth. Despite this, her petite frame remained undeniable. As she entered the room, Jennifer dismissed the makeup artist with a wave of her hand. Now, only she and Grace remained. "Grace, you really shouldn't have agreed to this." Grace reassured Jennifer with a smile, "I suddenly think that getting married might be kind of fun." Jennifer's eyes were filled with self-reproach as she placed a hand on Grace's face. She gently stroked her face and asked, "Grace, what exactly did Mr. Jefferson say to you the other day?" Grace was taken aback as Peter's words flooded back to her. "Grace, do you have any idea what it means to offend the Jefferson family?" Grace had remained silent, so Peter had continued, "You know it deep down. Your eyes tell me that you don't fear the Jeffersons. "But have you thought about your family? What about your parents and your brother? Your selfishness will have consequences. I'm sure you've heard about the Westwood family." Grace's eyes had widened in disbelief as she stared at Peter. The Westwood Corporation was once a century-old enterprise in Zenith City, boasting a vast fortune and powerful backing. However, one day, it had all come crashing down. Some of the company's executives were imprisoned, and the rest had fled abroad and were afraid to return home. Back then, the Gullivers were no match for the Westwoods. The mere thought of Peter using this tactic against her family had sent shivers down Grace's spine. Grace's hands had clenched involuntarily. A long silence stretched between them before she had finally replied, "Mr. Jefferson, may I know why you chose me?" Peter had chuckled, and his eyes had sparkled as he said, "It's quite ridiculous, actually. I'll tell you when the time is right." Grace nodded. "I hope that time will be soon." "So, do you agree to marry Oliver?" "Only if you promise not to target my family. My parents have poured their hearts into building their business." Snapping back to reality, Grace looked at her mother's worried face and forced a cheerful smile. "Mom, it's nothing to worry about! The Jefferson family is great. They're wealthy and successful, so you and Dad don't have to worry!" In another room, Peter pulled out a stack of papers and a USB drive. "Here's everything you've been looking for," he said. Oliver reached for them, but Peter moved his hand away and said, "Wait until after the wedding." Oliver's throat felt as if it was being constricted under his father's grip. With a hard swallow, he donned the groom's attire and pushed open the door. Thus, the marriage ceremony began. There were many guests present at the wedding. There were no media and paparazzi inside the venue, as only those of a certain status had received invitations from the Jefferson family. Oliver's marriage to a woman from the Gulliver family had shattered the hopes of countless other families. The Gullivers themselves were instantly catapulted to the top of the social hierarchy. In the bride's dressing room, a knot of apprehension tightened in Grace's stomach as she contemplated her life ahead. The time had come. Holding her wedding gown, she walked unsteadily in her unfamiliar high heels toward her waiting father. Seeing his slightly red eyes, Grace forced down the emotions welling up in her heart. As the doors opened, all the lights in the venue fell on her and Brad. Grace linked arms with her father and moved to walk on the petal-strewn path. From across the room, she glanced at the man waiting for her. This was the first time Grace was seeing her husband, Oliver Jefferson.