CHAPTER 35: CHAPTER 35: MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE EXPOSED—SO SATISFYING

The sound of fire truck sirens shrilled from afar, piercing and harsh.

Aiden Fordham’s car had just entered through the gates of The Sovereign Estate when he saw the sky-high flames.

Half the sky was dyed a deep crimson.

His heart sank heavily, a foreboding feeling enveloping him.

The car raced to a stop in front of the main building.

He pushed open the car door and quickly dashed towards the sea of fire.

When he saw that it was the Lily Garden he’d carefully cultivated for her that was burning, Aiden Fordham’s steps faltered.

Those pure white flowers were now twisting, struggling, turning to ash in the flames.

It was just a small token of his affection, yet she had personally destroyed it all.

Destroyed so thoroughly, so decisively.

The air was thick with the smell of char, mixed with the dying fragrance of lilies, forming a bizarre and nauseating scent.

Fury instantly shattered Aiden Fordham’s rationality.

Did she hate him that much?

Hate to the extent of destroying his gifts to her this way?

"Sir!" the butler hurried over.

"What happened?"

"It seems a servant made a mistake, and Madam took her away, presumably to the police station. Coregarde is also Madam’s..."

Aiden Fordham merely said coldly, "I’ll transfer this villa to her name. Whatever she likes to do, let her."

The butler asked again, "Could it be that the servant did something to make Madam so angry? Do you need to investigate? Perhaps help Madam?"

"No need!"

With that, Aiden Fordham decisively turned and left!

He couldn’t care less about her matters anymore.

Whether punishing servants or burning the Lily Garden, it was all none of his concern.

If she was so determined, then let it be.

They could never go back!

...

As night deepened, Stella Grant finally left the police station, where the lights were so glaringly bright they made her uncomfortable.

Melody Jewel had been temporarily detained.

If she was willing to confess sincerely, it would be key to bring down Helen Warren.

This time, Helen Warren couldn’t escape.

Returning to the empty home, exhaustion swept over her like a tide, engulfing her instantly.

She curled up on the sofa in the living room, not willing to even move a fingertip.

The crescent moon hung outside the window on the dark blue sky, casting its cold glow on the floor.

A thin layer of mist gathered on her eyelashes.

She felt a chill seeping out from her bones.

Her body felt uncomfortable, her heart even more so.

Grandma Prescott’s kind face floated into her mind and quickly dissipated.

She had promised Grandma to manage her marriage well, to live well.

That unborn child was a wound in her heart that could never heal.

Twelve years of determination had ultimately turned into a fire that devoured everything.

The heat of the flames seemed to penetrate time, once again licking her skin.

Tears fell suddenly, rolling down her cheeks and dripping onto the soft fabric of the sofa.

She cried, for the departed loved ones, for the lost child, for... the man who was no longer worth it!

She didn’t know how long she cried.

Sleep came over her in weariness!

The next day, at Stellario Hotel.

The largest banquet hall was booked out by Corinne Kensington, holding a fan appreciation event for a thousand people.

Officially, it was to thank the fans for their support, but in truth it was to promote and gather votes for her new drama.

Nearly all the city’s media were present.

The future richest wife, Best Actress Kensington, the name carried enough weight for no one to dare slack off.

The entrance to the banquet hall was bustling with people, the atmosphere lively.

Her fans waved glow sticks, holding gifts or clutching autograph books.

"Eliana, I love you!"

"Eliana, always supporting you!"

The shouts rose and fell, the enthusiasm almost overwhelming like at a concert.

Security and staff dared not relax for a moment, meticulously checking each fan entering, wary of any mishaps.

Inside the makeup room, isolated from the outside noise.

Corinne Kensington sat in front of the mirror, having the finishing touches applied by her makeup artist.

Her makeup was exquisite, eyeshadow vibrant, lashes curled, radiating a carefully crafted beauty.

An assistant walked in, carrying a half-human-sized plush bear and some handmade gifts, excitedly saying,

"Ms. Kensington, the banquet hall is packed, over a thousand people, a mass of fans, we should have booked a stadium."

"Ms. Kensington, these were sent by fans, should I leave them here?"

Corinne Kensington glanced over, her face instantly full of disdain.

"Throw such clutter out immediately."

Her voice sharp, having lost its sweetness before the cameras.

"Don’t let them be an eyesore here."

The assistant didn’t dare speak more, hurriedly leaving with the plush bear.

Corinne Kensington adjusted her dress and walked towards the door to the side of the stage.

The lights converged, music started.

She stepped onto the stage center, her face immediately displaying a perfect smile.

The audience erupted in more fervent screams.

"Hello everyone, I’m Corinne. Thank you all for coming today."

Her voice was gentle enough to drip with sweetness, carrying just the right amount of joy.

"Seeing so many familiar faces, I’m truly very, very happy. Thank you for your continuous support and staying by my side. "This appreciation event today is for you. Without you, there wouldn’t be me today."

"So, I love you! Thank you all!"

Corinne Kensington fully unleashed her charisma, then bowed.

Those words of love incited another wave of screams, pushing the atmosphere to its height.

Immediately, she had the staff display the voting screen. The current online data showed Sasha Marshall at 53%, and her at 47%, just a bit behind.

"Who wants to see me personally play the role of Summer Blossom in your hearts?"

Summer Blossom was the name of the female protagonist in the novel, and the main female lead.

"We do!"

The enthusiastic answer came!

"Then can I ask for a small favor today? Can you share this, and get friends and family to cheer for Eliana?"

Corinne Kensington bowed again.

"We can!"

Corinne Kensington smiled and had the staff bring out a phone tower packed with 500 of the latest phones.

"Here’s a data screen, once my support surpasses Sasha Marshall’s, we’ll conduct a lucky draw on-site, 500 phones to be given out, don’t miss out."

"Wow!" The atmosphere was pushed to new highs.

The campaign progressed fiercely, and in just ten minutes, Corinne Kensington’s support had risen to 51%, surpassing Sasha Marshall.

The power of the internet was indeed formidable!

The host immediately began the draw, one question, one phone, fans were immersed in celebration.

A giant LED screen at the back of the stage flickered a few times.

With a buzzing sound, the screen went completely black.

The music stopped abruptly.

The noise from the audience quieted down, everyone puzzledly looking towards the stage.

"It’s okay, it’s okay, perhaps a slight system issue, please wait a moment," the host quickly called out to the control backstage.

A few seconds later, the screen lit up again.

But what appeared was not Corinne Kensington’s sweet promotional photos and voting images.

But a bright red "Marriage Certificate".

Close-up shots clearly displayed the photos and names on the certificate.

[Aiden Fordham]

[Stella Grant]

The registration date was clearly visible! September 3rd, three years ago.

The entire banquet hall plunged into a deathly silence!