Chapter 7 Marrying His Uncle

• The following day.
• Dressed to the nines, Celeste and Hadrian arrived at the Lloyd residence.
• Before they even stepped through the door, two rows of lush flowers decorated the entrance could be seen, filling the view with an atmosphere of joy and luxury.
• It seemed that they all took Hadrian's 'fiancée' quite seriously and, therefore, handled the matter with great caution.
• While Celeste was lost in her thoughts, Hadrian took her hand and gently tucked it into the crook of his arm.
• The man's hands were broad and warm, providing Celeste with boundless strength.
• Surprised, Celeste paused and looked up at Hadrian, who, at the same time, was lowering his gaze to meet hers.
• Hadrian's lips barely parted as he soothingly said, “Don't be nervous. I'm here.”
• “All right. I'm not nervous.”
• Celeste took a deep breath, bolstering her own courage.
• After everything that Hadrian had done for her was all for this day, she had to play her part perfectly in this performance.
• Subsequently, the man took a large stride, leading her into the main house.
• The courtyard was filled with people, each one dressed to the nines for the occasion.
• Her appearance with Hadrian quickly ignited the atmosphere of the banquet.
• Endless praises filled her ears, all about how well she and Hadrian complemented each other.
• Celeste subtly narrowed her eyes, closely following Hadrian to the heart of the courtyard. Seated in the place of honor was an elderly lady with snow-white hair, her body frail and thin.
• Eleanor's complexion was somewhat pale, with a hint of teardrops glistening in her eyes.
• Hadrian reached out, wrapping his arm around Celeste's waist, and approached the elderly woman.
• “Grandma, I've brought the granddaughter-in-law you wanted.”
• “Oh, wonderful! I finally have a granddaughter-in-law. Kaff! Kaff... She's truly beautiful!”
• In her excitement, Eleanor grasped Celeste's hand, scrutinizing her from head to toe. This young woman had such fair and delicate skin; her large eyes sparkled brightly, and they were simply captivating. With her slender waist and curvy figure, it was clear she was well-nourished.
• Eleanor grew more and more pleased as she observed the young lady.
• All of the Lloyd family's relatives were gathered, offering blessings and expressing admiration. They remarked that the couple was a perfect match, handsome and beautiful as if the heavens had made them for each other.
• Celeste simply responded with a soft smile, portraying an image of docile charm.
• Subsequently, Hadrian introduced Celeste to his three older brothers.
• The eldest brother, Ethan, was composed, simply nodding at Celeste; the second brother, Heston, was restrained yet gentle, offering Celeste a smile. When it was Zachary's turn, he stepped forward excitedly. “Celeste, we met a while back when you were hit by a car. I was the one who tended to your wounds.”
• Celeste felt somewhat awkward. At the time, she had been unconscious and hadn't seen Zachary. All she could do now was to smile and express her gratitude to him.
• Following that, Eleanor introduced Celeste to a host of relatives. When a certain name was called, Celeste paused momentarily.
• “Shaun, come over here and get to know your aunt!”
• Celeste glanced sideways, her gaze icy as it landed on Shaun, who was in the corner, his complexion ashen.
• Shaun opened his mouth, but somehow, he couldn't utter a word.
• Not long ago, Celeste was still his girlfriend. How, in the blink of an eye, had she become his uncle's fiancée?
• Hadrian, his ruthless and decisive uncle, was a figure that Shaun greatly feared. Almost anywhere Hadrian was present, Shaun dared not show up.
• Yet today happened to be Hadrian's engagement party, an event he had no choice but to attend with his mother.
• Before he arrived, he was still curious about his young uncle, who was usually indifferent to women, suddenly announcing his engagement. He wondered who the lucky lady was that had captured his heart.
• Never in a million years did he expect that woman was Celeste...
• The moment Celeste appeared, he was in a complete state of disarray.
• Celeste was stunningly dressed that day. Her red gown accentuated her figure beautifully, highlighting her slender waist and voluptuous curves. Her slightly curled hair also exuded an air of enchantment.
• He knew Celeste had always been beautiful. Before, he hadn't appreciated her enough. Now, when he saw her radiantly standing next to Hadrian, his heart ached as if it had been hollowed out.
• “What are you standing there for? Go on and greet them!” Eleanor urged from the side.
• Heat rushed to Shaun's face, his cheeks burning. With a deep breath and a clench of his teeth, he blurted out, “Aunt Celeste.”
• “Hello there,” with a gentle smile, Celeste responded.
• The satisfaction in her eyes painfully stung Shaun, causing him to uncomfortably turn his back.
• Once, Patricia, who had considered Celeste as her daughter-in-law, awkwardly moved to the side. Such a good daughter-in-law now belonged to another family!
• Seeing the disgruntled expression on Shaun's face, Celeste couldn't be happier.
• The feeling of getting back at that scumbag and slapping him in the face was absolutely exhilarating.
• “Since you're all here, I have another announcement to make.” Eleanor suddenly began to speak, causing everyone to quiet down in anticipation of what was to follow.
• The elderly lady pulled out a white box. When she opened it, to everyone's surprise, it contained two brand new marriage certificates.
• “I had heard quite some time ago that there was a woman by Hadrian's side. Today, upon meeting her, I'm quite taken with her. So, I took it upon myself to get them a marriage certificate. From now on, Celeste is a member of the Lloyd family, and none of you are allowed to mistreat her. Also, I have transferred thirty percent of Lloyd Corporation's shares to Celeste as a wedding gift!”
• The seemingly indifferent remarks made by Eleanor sparked quite an uproar.
• Lloyd Corporation's thirty percent share was an astronomical fortune, making Celeste the second largest shareholder under Hadrian.
• Below the stage, a glint of murderous intent flashed through the eyes of Jeremiah Lloyd, who had always kept a low profile. As an illegitimate child, he didn't even have the chance to stay in the Lloyd residence. In the Lloyd family, he had no inheritance rights or shares and was stuck doing menial jobs. However, now, any woman who casually appeared by Hadrian's side could obtain thirty percent of the shares. How could he not seethe with resentment?
• Jeremiah clenched his fists in resentment while his mother, standing next to him, gently pressed on his severely injured hands, shaking her head at him, urging him to stay calm.
• As the person involved, Celeste felt as if she'd been hit over the head.
• What?
• My fake engagement with Hadrian has turned into a real marriage?
• Am I truly not dreaming?
• Celeste anxiously looked at Hadrian, hoping for him to unveil the truth.
• Hadrian was slightly taken aback but quickly recovered and wrapped his arm around Celeste's waist. He took the marriage certificate and share documents from Eleanor's hand, thanking her in a gentle tone.
• “Good, such obedient children. Keep going. I'm eagerly waiting to hold my great-grandchild.”
• To maintain the ambiance, Celeste had no choice but to put on a forced smile.
• At the banquet, everyone raised their glasses in celebration.
• Celeste, unable to handle her liquor, found herself feeling dizzy after only a few sips. Thus, she sought refuge in the pavilion in the backyard to rest.
• At the dining table in the front hall, Zachary continuously poured wine for Hadrian.
• “I knew there was something special about your feelings for Ms. Xenos. It's only been a few days, and you've already got her name on your household registration.”
• When Hadrian saw the marriage certificate on the table, a peculiar feeling swept through his heart.
• Though his grandmother had secretly arranged a marriage certificate for him and Celeste, which was quite sudden, he found himself not at all opposed to it.
• In the backyard, after a sufficient rest, Celeste decided it was time to head back.
• Little did she know that upon turning around, she saw Shaun storming toward her, filled with anger.
• “Celly! Are you with my uncle to get back at me for my infidelity? You still have feelings for me, don't you?”