Chapter 5 - Celeste’s Perfect Wedding
Celeste Arden had spent her life being prepared for beautiful photographs.
She knew how to stand beside powerful men, how to smile through uncomfortable conversations, and how to answer reporters without revealing anything personal.
Her wedding was designed to become the social event of the year.
Two hundred white roses lined the aisle. A string quartet played beneath crystal chandeliers. Guests arrived in chauffeured cars and spoke excitedly about the merger that would follow the marriage.
Yet during the ceremony, Celeste noticed Dominic repeatedly checking his phone.
He seemed distracted when she approached the altar.
When the officiant asked him to repeat his vows, Dominic paused as if he had forgotten where he was.
After the ceremony, he disappeared before the first dance.
Celeste found him in a private study speaking angrily into his phone.
“She cannot give birth today,” he said.
Celeste stopped outside the partially open door.
Dominic continued.
“Take the papers to the hospital. No, do not send anyone else. I will handle her myself.”
He ended the call and turned.
Celeste stepped into the room.
“Who is in the hospital?”
“No one you know.”
“You said someone was giving birth.”
Dominic’s face changed with remarkable speed. Panic disappeared, replaced by calm concern.
“A former employee is threatening the company.”
“During our wedding?”
“She planned this deliberately.”
Celeste stared at him.
“What did she plan?”
Dominic walked closer.
“There is a woman who claims I fathered her child. It is false, but she may create a public scene.”
Celeste’s hands grew cold.
“Why have I never heard about her?”
“Because I protected you.”
Within minutes, Dominic was heading toward the hospital.
Celeste followed him.
She told herself she needed proof that the accusation was false.
But as she sat beside him in the car, she noticed something inside the folder on his lap.
May you like
A paternity acknowledgment form.
Dominic had already signed it.
