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Six Months Later
The morning sun poured softly through the large stained-glass windows of the Andrew estate, casting warm golden patterns on the marble floors. Celine descended the staircase with quiet grace, her white flats tapping gently against the steps. Much had changed in the last half-year.
After a bitter legal and emotional battle with Mr. Kester's elder brother—who had attempted to usurp Kester's fortune following his tragic passing—Celine had found sanctuary in the Andrew household. Fortunately, Mrs. Kester had left behind a clear will, entrusting Mr. Andrew with the role of Celine's legal guardian. The Andrews had taken her in without hesitation, treating her not as a burden, but as family.
Now, preparations were underway for her wedding to Ernest—Mr. Andrew's only son. A union carefully discussed and planned by Mr. Kester and Mr. Andrew long before fate pulled its cruel strings.
As she stepped out of the sitting room and walked toward the car park, the sound of quick footsteps echoed behind her. Felicia, radiant in a morning robe and house slippers, hurried after her.
"Celine, hold on!" she called.
Celine paused and turned with a smile. "Yes, Aunt Felicia?"
"Are you going out this early?"
"Yes, I was planning to visit Aunt Loveth," she replied, "I thought you were still asleep, so I didn't want to wake you."
Felicia waved her hand dismissively. "Nonsense. You never disturb me. But before you go, I meant to ask—when are we going to try on the wedding dress? The seamstress said it's ready."
Celine's eyes lit up. "It is? Oh! Can we go now instead? I can visit Aunt Loveth later."
Felicia smiled warmly. "Of course, dear. Let's not keep the seamstress waiting."
The two women headed off together, chatting excitedly as they drove into the city. The morning passed quickly in a flurry of lace, silk, pins, and mirrors. The seamstress had outdone herself—each gown, whether the ceremonial dress or the traditional attire, fit Celine like a dream. Felicia watched with pride in her eyes, already picturing her as a bride walking down the aisle.
They spent hours at the boutique, laughing and sharing stories between fittings and adjustments. By the time they returned to the estate, the sun was past its peak, glowing orange against the approaching afternoon sky.
"I'll head to Aunt Loveth's now," Celine said as they pulled into the driveway, gently folding the wedding dress bag onto her lap.
As they stood near the car, a soft breeze rustling the leaves around them, Mrs. Felicia gently took Celine's hands in hers. Her eyes, warm and maternal, searched Celine's face with quiet sincerity.
"Celine," she said softly, "I know this marriage was arranged by both your father and Ernest's. And while I truly, truly want you to be my daughter-in-law… I need you to know, your happiness matters more. If at any point you're unsure, if your heart says no, it's never too late to step away. I will always see you as family. You can still be my daughter, okay?"
Celine blinked, then let out a small, playful sigh. "Auntie," she said, smiling coyly, "I don't want to be your daughter."
Felicia looked startled. "You don't?"
"No," Celine said, her voice tender but filled with conviction. "I want to be your daughter-in-law. If I'm your daughter, I will get married someday and move far away. But being your daughter-in-law means I'll always be with you… and with Uncle,then I won't have to fight for your attention or love with some other lady"she chuckled mischievously "You've both given me a home when I had none. The only big change I'm ready for now is a change that keeps me here—with you."
Felicia's lips parted, touched by her words, but Celine wasn't done.
"Besides," Celine added with a playful pout, "I'd be terribly jealous if you had another daughter-in-law someday and became more intimate with her than me."
Felicia let out a warm laugh and pulled Celine into a hug. "Nonsense," she said with fondness. "You're the only one I'll ever be that close to."
Celine smiled, hugging her back. "Then I'm relieved. I'll head to Aunt Loveth's now. "Celine said handing the wedding dress to Felicia.
Felicia gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Alright, love. But don't stay too late. You know I get moody when you're gone too long."
Celine chuckled, shaking her head. "okay Aunt."
As she drove off, Felicia stood with the dress in her hand, watching from the entrance, her heart quietly full. Despite the shadows of the past, brighter days were clearly unfolding—for all of them. It was a good thing Celine was gradually letting go and living on and she had so quickly matured beyond her imagination.
Having such a daughter in law was a big. manna from heaven