Chapter 48

Clara’s mind was spinning like a rollercoaster as the elevator smoothly ascended to the very top floor of the Grand Pavilion. The higher they went, the more her nerves tingled.

She took a deep breath, smoothing the fabric of her dress as her heart pounded. The doors finally slid open with a soft chime, revealing an entirely new world before her eyes.

Right outside the elevator, a cheerful waiter stood waiting for them. With a deep bow and a bright, practiced smile, he greeted them warmly.

“Ms. Johnson, on behalf of our Grand Pavilion, we extend our warmest congratulations to you and Mr. Blackwood on your wedding anniversary tonight.”

Clara blinked in surprise, her lips parting slightly. Wedding anniversary? This… this was what Andrew had planned?

Before she could respond, Andrew casually waved his hand, dismissing the staff. “Alright, you may go now.”

The waiter gave another respectful bow before swiftly disappearing, leaving only Andrew and Clara standing in the breathtaking Grand SKY.

The moment she stepped in, Clara felt like she had wandered into a dream.

The whole place was designed to perfection. A massive chandelier hung from the ceiling, its golden crystals shimmering like a thousand tiny stars. The soft melodies of a live piano filled the air, the gentle tune weaving into her heart and instantly melting away any lingering tension.

She inhaled deeply. The air carried the delicate scent of imported flowers, each petal carefully arranged to create an atmosphere of absolute luxury.

Her gaze traveled across the room. Every single detail had been carefully curated—from the plush velvet seats to the sparkling glass walls that offered a breathtaking, panoramic view of the city below.

Then suddenly, the music changed.

A familiar tune filled the space—Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Clara’s breath hitched.

She turned around, only to find that Andrew had disappeared for a brief moment. When he reappeared, he was no longer in the casual clothes he had arrived in.

Instead, he now wore a sharply tailored suit, every detail perfectly fitted to his tall frame.

And in his hands, a bouquet of fresh flowers.

Clara’s heart skipped a beat.

As he walked towards her, something magical happened.

With each step he took, glowing red hearts floated up from the glass floor beneath them, rising gently into the air as if they were part of some whimsical love story.

Outside the Grand SKY, curious guests had gathered, stretching their necks to get a glimpse of what was happening inside.

The problem?

The special glass had a blurring effect.

All they could make out was the outline of an elegantly decorated room, a man holding a bouquet, and the mesmerizing floating hearts that danced in the air.

It was enough to make their imaginations run wild.

The crowd gasped in admiration.

“This is the most romantic thing I’ve ever seen!” a woman sighed dreamily, pressing her hands to her chest.

“If that were me, I think I’d faint from happiness,” another chimed in, her voice filled with longing.

A man furrowed his brows. “Wait… could that be the mysterious billionaire everyone’s been talking about online?”

“I can’t see his face!” someone groaned. “This is torture!”

And just like that, the onlookers found themselves completely spellbound.

Many women couldn’t help but shed tears, overwhelmed with envy.

Even though they couldn’t see the bride’s face, they could tell—without a doubt—she was the happiest woman in Beverly Hills tonight.

Inside the Grand SKY, Andrew finally reached Clara.

He stopped in front of her, looking deep into her eyes before pointing towards the breathtaking night view outside.

Then, in a voice so soft yet so full of love, he said, “Clara, I love you. I’m sorry I couldn’t give you a real wedding back then. But tonight, this is just for us.”

Clara snapped back to reality, her heart swelling with emotions so intense, she could barely breathe.

Her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

She couldn’t hold it in anymore.

Throwing herself into Andrew’s arms, her voice trembled as she choked out, “I love it! I love it so much! Thank you, Andrew! Thank you!”

Tears streamed down her face.

At this moment, every hardship they had faced in the past three years—the struggles, the pain, the sacrifices—all of it felt worth it.

Right now, she wasn’t just happy.

She was the happiest woman alive.

Outside, the city continued to watch, completely enthralled by this enchanting, mysterious celebration unfolding through the blurred crystal glass.

People whispered among themselves.

Who were they?

Why was such an extravagant wedding happening in complete secrecy?

No guests.

No family.

No witnesses.

Just the two of them, wrapped in their own little world.

On the beautifully lit stage, Andrew took Clara’s hand and slowly pulled out a delicate jade necklace he had been saving for this very night.

“Clara, this is my gift to you. I hope you like it.”

The moment her eyes landed on the necklace, they widened in shock.

Wait…

Wasn’t this the legendary treasure from Blake Court?

She whipped her head up to look at him, her heart hammering in her chest.

“Andrew… how did you even get this?!”

A crazy thought crossed her mind.

Could Andrew actually be… the mysterious billionaire from that viral video?

No.

Impossible!

She knew Andrew inside and out. He wasn’t rich.

If anything, wealth was the last word anyone would associate with him.

Andrew could see the questions swirling in her eyes.

For a brief moment, a part of him wanted to tell her everything.

To reveal his real identity.

To confess that he was not just Andrew Blackwood from Beverly Hills—but an heir to a fortune, a man with a past deeply tied to Westcliff.

But then, a chilling thought struck him.

He had no idea what was happening within the Blackwood family right now.

As a child, he had met his uncles, which meant that his father wasn’t the sole heir.

If that were the case, then his cousins would see him as a direct threat.

If he revealed the truth too soon—before he had the power to protect himself and Clara—he would be putting her in unimaginable danger.

Family wealth always came with deadly power struggles.

And he refused to drag Clara into that mess.

So, he quickly composed himself and came up with an excuse.

“This necklace looks like the one from Blake Court, but it’s actually just a really good replica. I had it custom-made for you. It’s made of quality jade, but it’s nowhere near as valuable as the real one.”

He looked at her nervously.

“Do you still like it even though it’s not the real thing?”

Clara let out a deep breath.

Ah.

That made sense.

A huge smile spread across her face.

She playfully nudged him, rolling her eyes. “Silly, of course, I love it! You did all of this just for me—I’m beyond touched!”

Andrew let out a breath of relief, his lips curving into a smile.

He gently fastened the necklace around her neck, his fingers lingering against her skin for a brief moment.

His voice was low but filled with unwavering determination.

“Clara, we’ve been married for three years, and all I’ve given you is hardship. I’m so sorry. But from now on, I swear, no one will ever mistreat you again.”

Clara nodded, warmth blooming in her chest.

For the first time, she truly believed that Andrew was going to stand tall and take control of his life.

After the wedding, they slipped away through a private exit, disappearing into the night.

The crowd outside was left stunned.

Wait…

They just… left?

Just like that?

After putting on such a dazzling display, they were simply… gone?

The guests stared at the empty Grand SKY, their minds racing with a million questions.

Who were they?