The Perfect Wife's Perfect Revenge novel Chapter 578

City Hall was quiet that morning, with only a handful of people milling about. Hawthorne stayed close to her side, moving protectively, his care almost palpable. As they stepped inside, one of the clerks caught sight of their affectionate closeness and smiled, offering a warm congratulations.

Gwyneth wore a white dress with a bold red sash, while Hawthorne had traded his black suit jacket for a crisp white shirt that matched hers. Their heads leaned naturally together, and Gwyneth caught the faint scent of sandalwood on him—soothing, grounding, a fragrance she never wanted to leave behind.

“Newlyweds, look this way—”

The photographer snapped a few quick shots, capturing their faces in a flurry of clicks. When they stepped back outside, Gwyneth held the deep red marriage certificate in her hands, feeling dizzy, almost giddy.

Was that it? Were they really married now?

In the photo, Hawthorne’s smile was soft and subtle, while Gwyneth’s features shone with a clear, effortless beauty. They looked so perfect together, more than one bystander might have guessed they were models shooting an ad for romance.

Gwyneth stared at the only photo they had together so far, unable to stop a small, bemused smile from curving her lips.

“Miss Langford, you’re back?”

On the way to pick up the car, Gwyneth ran into someone familiar.

The woman’s surprise was obvious, her eyes lingering on Hawthorne with open curiosity, as if trying to place him.

“Yes, I got in yesterday,” Gwyneth replied, though she couldn’t remember this woman’s name. She knew plenty of people who recognized her, but she herself kept close company with only a handful within the social circles of the upper class.

Still, politeness demanded a response.

“Oh? We should get lunch sometime—it’s been ages since I’ve seen you.”

People in these circles always had a sharp eye for details. Gwyneth offered a polite smile and declined, “Maybe another time, but thank you.”

The woman’s gaze dropped to the marriage certificate in their hands.

Gwyneth stared at the diamond, her eyes prickling with sudden emotion.

“No need. This one is perfect.”

It was large enough, and she’d never been one for material things anyway. Truth be told, the Langford estate was so vast that even a fraction would see her through several lifetimes.

But she liked what Hawthorne gave her. This ring, with its simple elegance, fit her heart perfectly. She didn’t want another.

Hawthorne watched her profile, sunlight washing over her soft skin, surrounding her in a gentle glow that made it impossible to look away.

“As long as you like it,” he murmured.

He’d never courted anyone before; apart from buying gifts for his sister-in-law Leonie, he’d never even picked something out for a woman. The moment he saw this diamond ring, though, he just knew it was meant for her. He’d bought it in a hurry, but if she ever wanted another, he’d gladly get her one she truly loved.