Chapter 1002

Oliver held the freshly minted marriage certificate, his face lighting up with a genuine smile. He gently took the certificate from Josefina's hand. “Josie, let me keep this safe for you," he said, with a playful grin.

Josefina just sighed, a bit bewildered but amused. Hattie and Garrett couldn't help but chuckle too, finding Oliver more endearing with each passing moment.

Oliver tucked the certificate into the pocket of his black overcoat, looking as triumphant as if he'd just scored a major victory. "Dinner's on me tonight," he announced. “I've booked a private room so we can all celebrate together."

Garrett and Hattie, still wrapping their heads around the news, exchanged warm smiles. Oliver's brothers, seeing his proud demeanor, couldn't help but break into rare smiles themselves. Being guys, they got where Oliver was coming from.

Oliver continued, "Let's invite Uncle and the family over too. They're in Westwood, so it's convenient. Since Josie isn't in the mood for a big wedding just yet, let's keep it a cozy family dinner."

Hattie jumped in, "I'll get in touch with them, and we can all head over together.”

Garrett added, “Josie, if you ever decide you want that big wedding, just say the word. We'll make it a day to remember."

Oliver chimed in eagerly, "Dad, I'm ready whenever. The moment Josie gives the nod, we'll kick off the wedding plans."

The family hadn't expected Oliver to already have thought about the wedding, and Garrett and Hattie were more than pleased with such a thoughtful son-in-law. The brothers, though a bit grudgingly, nodded in acknowledgment of Oliver's thoroughness.

Meanwhile, Shay and Dominic were taken aback upon hearing about Josefina and Oliver's marriage. Shay's reaction was particularly intense.

"That scheming little brat, she really trapped him! How could she possibly be a match for Oliver? Who does she think she is, taking my place!" she ranted.

Desperate to leave, Shay tried to get past the officers, but they weren't Budging Frustrated, she yelled

tet

me out! It was all Dominic's doing, T had nothing to do with it!"

Her cries went unanswered, ignored by everyone around her. Just then, Shay saw Finley approaching slowly.

Reaching out, she pleaded, "Finley, help me."

Finley kept his distance, his gaze cold and assessing, as if he barely recognized

her. “Finley, why are you looking at me like I'm a stranger?" she asked.

Finley's

"I'm truce was icy as he replied,

"I'm trying to see if the Shay I knew is still there. Was blind to who you really are, or did you hide it so well that you fooled me too?" .net

Shay was at a loss for words, her eyes darting away. Finley pressed on, "Everything you did was to be with Oliver. What did your kindness towards me mean, then?"

Shay remained silent. Finley let out a bitter laugh, "I guess I was just blind. I'm here to ask you one thing—was Livia's miscarriage your doing?"

Shay lowered her head, refusing to speak. Finley demanded again, his voice rising, "Was it you?"

Slowly, Shay looked up, her face contorted with anger as she shouted, "Why doesn't anyone like me!"

In a rush of frustration, she blurted out everything. "Finley, ever since you met her, you've distanced yourself from me. You don't look at me the same way. She's just an orphan, how can she be good enough for you? It's better the child is gone; now you're not tied to her anymore!"

With that, Finley's patience snapped, and he slapped her across the face.