Chapter 456: I Wish You a Happy Wedding

Elvis’s tense nerves suddenly relaxed. He knew he had been deceived! His expression became even more distant and indifferent. “Miss Hart, is it really fun to play this kind of prank? You’re not welcome at my wedding. Leave immediately!” He turned to go, but a hand gently tugged his sleeve. Olive’s voice, soft yet clear, reached his ears. “Is it because of my body? Is that why you’re marrying Crystal?”

Elvis looked back. He couldn't hide anything from her; she'd already guessed the truth, seeing it in his eyes. “Elvis,” Olive said, “you don’t need to do this for me. There are other ways to solve this. I don’t want you to marry Crystal. It wouldn’t be a favor; it would be betrayal and abandonment.” She continued, “Marrying Crystal today ends our relationship. I’m not interested in being someone’s wife.” Finally, she offered, “Elvis, I’ll give you one last chance. Choose between Crystal and me. If you don’t want me anymore, I’ll leave and never look back.” Elvis saw her resolve in her eyes. His greatest fear—that the wedding would end their relationship—was also hers.

Crystal approached. “Our party is about to begin; let’s go.” She offered her hand. Elvis glared at her, then slowly released Olive’s grasp on his sleeve. Olive felt the fabric slip from her fingers. He had chosen Crystal; she had lost him.

Tears welled in Olive’s eyes. Elvis walked toward Crystal, but didn’t take her hand, leaving it awkwardly suspended in the air. Crystal, accustomed to such awkwardness, withdrew her hand. Chin held high, she declared to Olive, “Mrs. Hart, Elvis is my husband now. I hope you’ll keep your distance and avoid interfering with my marriage.”

Olive wiped away her tears. Her eyes were red and she looked vulnerable, yet she smiled coldly. “I hope you know we have a past. My advice: hold onto your husband. Knowing Elvis as I do, he's not easily kept.”

“How dare you!” Crystal hissed, seething with anger. She felt a fierce urge to attack Olive, but knew she was no match. She had never won against Olive. Olive’s gaze then fell upon Elvis's face.

“Mr. Elvis Augustine,” Olive began, “I gambled today. I hoped to bring you home, but you made me lose. I wish you a happy wedding. I didn’t have time for a gift, but I’ll give you what I’m wearing.”

Elvis understood instantly. Olive detached the OneLove necklace she wore. Everyone watched, captivated. Crystal rushed forward. “Olive, give that to me. It belongs to me now.”

Olive, holding the necklace and ring, challenged her. “If you want it, take it.” Crystal reached for them. Olive opened her hand, letting the jewelry fall to the carpet. Crystal froze, recognizing the deliberate humiliation.

“Crystal,” Olive said, “Have whatever I don’t want.” She turned and left. Crystal, furious, watched her go. She knew the necklace was hers, and reached for it. But Elvis’s hand was quicker, retrieving the jewelry.

Crystal was stunned. “Elvis,” she said, “This is our wedding. The necklace and ring should be mine.”

Elvis held the still-warm jewelry in his palm. “Even if she doesn’t want them, you don’t deserve them,” he said to Crystal.

Crystal was speechless, utterly shocked by Elvis’s rejection after Olive’s humiliation. The onlookers murmured sympathetically and contemptuously about Crystal.

Whispers filled the air: “Crystal seems quite miserable.” “So the necklace and ring were a lie?” “Mr. Augustine’s heart clearly belongs to Olive.” “He hates Crystal, and she'll be alone tonight.”

Crystal was bewildered. She couldn’t comprehend the shift in everyone’s affection, their sudden adoration of Olive.