The Perfect Wife's Perfect Revenge

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.

remember this woman's name. She knew plenty of people who recognized her, but she herself

demanded

sometime—it's been ages

a sharp eye for details.

declined, "Maybe

gaze dropped to the marriage certificate in

you're back

way his lips pressed together. No one had ever heard of the Langford heiress dating anyone, and now she was suddenly married. And to a man who, for all his good looks, was a complete stranger

Gwyneth said, exchanging a few more pleasantries

took her hand and guided her

no idea when he'd bought it, but as she gazed at the ring and realized she was truly

meant a home, a family-someone who legally, genuinely belonged to

she'd assumed she would be single forever. Now, here she was, married to

When we're back in Greenvale, I'll help you pick out one you really like," Hawthorne

to make it

was hardly any

ceremony. The engagement