The Heiress With Seven Secret Identies (Stella Shaw) novel Chapter 421

He signaled to the butler, who brought over a custom-tailored black suit.

"Today is the engagement of your two oldest friends," Nathaniel reminded him. "A once-in-a-lifetime event. Are you really planning to miss it?"

"The more you push, the less likely I am to ever leave her," Jaron snapped. He grabbed the suit and turned on his heel.

Nathaniel's expression darkened. He closed his eyes, lost in cold reflection.

Jaron finished changing and swept through the living room, walking right past his father without a word.

Noah, Nathaniel's assistant, opened his mouth to speak, but Jaron was already gone. "Sir, Jaron just... he drove off."

A faint, knowing smirk touched Nathaniel's lips as he smoothed his suit. "To the Shaws'."

"But what about Jaron?" Noah asked.

"He's just acting out to spite me," Nathaniel said dismissively. "That woman doesn't mean as much to him as he claims. It's Jasper and Nicole's engagement—he won't miss it."

"Understood."

"Step up the pressure," Nathaniel added. "Make sure the Collins family understands that the Wellingtons are out of their league."

"I'll see to it."

Nathaniel stepped into his black Rolls-Royce and set off for the Shaw estate.

*****

The Shaw estate was a hive of activity, with luxury cars lining the drive. Above the rolling green lawns, the sky was a brilliant blue, dotted with clouds that looked like tufts of cotton candy. White roses, pristine and flawless, swayed in the breeze, filling the air with a delicate fragrance. Inside, the guests were dressed to the nines, enjoying fine wine and conversation.

"All finished, Ms. Shaw."

Nicole looked up. Her lightly made-up face was so exquisite that she caught her own breath, staring at her reflection in a daze. Her dark hair was swept up in an elegant style, every strand perfectly in place and accented by a lace headpiece studded with lustrous white pearls.

She wore a custom-made, vintage-inspired white gown with a structured bodice that emphasized her slender waist. The romantic design featured airy puff sleeves adorned with lace and pearls, falling into a voluminous, tiered skirt that flowed like a wedding cake.

She picked up the heavy hem and spun around, a radiant smile lighting up her face.

"Oh my god! Are you a princess straight out of a fairy tale?" Amelia asked, her eyes wide with wonder as she started snapping photos from every angle.

"Does it look okay, Amelia?" Nicole asked.

"Well, you look incredibly handsome yourself," she teased back.

Sharing a private smile, they led their families out into the garden. As they emerged, the guests fell silent, their attention shifting entirely to the couple of the hour. Even those holding glasses of wine made sure to join in the applause.

"I loved the pearl and lace headband you made for me, Jasper," Nicole whispered.

"You figured it out, then?"

"I could smell your scent on it."

Jasper's gaze softened, a gentle smile tugging at his lips. Nicole looked up at him, her eyes bright with unfiltered adoration.

"Thank you all for joining us to celebrate the engagement of my daughter, Nicole, and Jasper," Vincent announced. He stepped forward and pulled them both into a warm, fatherly embrace. "And now, I'll let the couple share their vows."

Nicole and Jasper turned to face each other, their hands clasped tightly. In that moment, the rest of the world faded away; they saw only each other.

"Jasper," Nicole began, her voice steady and her eyes locked onto his, "with this promise, I bind my heart to yours."

Jasper's eyes shimmered with tears of joy, his voice thick with emotion. "Nicole, let this day be our witness. My signature is my bond, and my heart is your home."