The Rolls-Royce's engine hushed into silence as it came to a stop in front of the towering stone church. The late afternoon sun bathed the sleek black vehicle, its glossy surface reflecting rippling light onto the cobblestone driveway. The murmurs of the gathered guests amplified, shifting from casual gossip to fervent whispers of curiosity and disbelief.

Inside the car, Elsa sat poised, though her fingers lightly trembled over the folds of her emerald gown. The dress fit her perfectly, its soft silk hugging her figure before cascading into a dramatic, shimmering train. The deep green shade contrasted strikingly with her ivory skin and braided platinum hair, making her look like a queen stepping straight out of a legend.

Next to her, Jack exuded cool, effortless power. His dark-tailored suit was cut to perfection, with the subtle gold embroidery along the cuffs adding an understated elegance. The precision of his ensemble—the way it complemented Elsa's gown with intention rather than chance—was a testament to his meticulous nature. His crisp scent, an intoxicating blend of cedar and bergamot, created an aura of quiet dominance.

"You're breathtaking," he said, his voice low, almost reverent.

She tried to find her usual restraint, but a small, almost shy smile escaped her control. Their eyes locked, and for a moment, the pretense of their love felt entirely too real.

Sebastian pulled open the car door with his usual precision, revealing Jack first. His polished shoes hit the cobblestone with authority, drawing every eye in the courtyard. Guests froze mid-conversation, their murmurs now thinly disguised attempts at audible admiration.

When Jack turned, extending his hand to Elsa, a ripple of gasps spread through the crowd. A hushed murmur seemed to weave through the air like an electric current. Slowly, Elsa placed her hand in his, the sensation of his firm grip sending a grounded warmth through her, as though his touch could anchor her against the weight of the world closing in.

With practiced grace, she stepped out of the car. The late afternoon sun caught the diamonds around her neck, scattering tiny prisms of light that danced around her every movement, glinting like an ethereal halo that both illuminated and intensified the eyes now fixed upon her.

"Is that...Elsa?" came a soft, disbelieving whisper from the crowd, the words trembling in the air.

"She's married to him? Jackson Overland?"

"Do you know what his net worth is?" another voice hissed, clearly envious.

"And so handsome," someone else added, her tone laced with awe and curiosity.

"Could he be the hidden owner of Frost Company?" a sharp, calculating voice murmured with intrigue like a fishing hook baited with suspicion.

As soon as the last words reached Elsa's ears, her grip on Jack's hand tightened. Her heart pounded as she pulled him quickly behind the car, away from the prying eyes, her breath ragged and unsteady. "How do they know you're the CEO of Frost Company?" she demanded, her voice low but shaking with barely contained fury.

Jack gave her a strained, pained smile, one that didn't quite reach his eyes, and his shoulders seemed to bear the weight of an invisible storm. "Must've leaked, Elsa," he said, his voice hushed but laced with an emotion she couldn't quite read.

She closed her eyes, grinding her teeth as frustration surged inside her. "Bullshit! Why did you do it?" she spat her pulse quickening, the familiar, simmering ache in her chest growing louder. "People would come to me now." It really hurt Jack how much she didn't believe him.

"Elsa why would I do something that could hurt you." Jack reached out, his touch warm against her cheek as he gently cupped her face. His thumb brushed softly over her skin, a subtle comfort amidst the storm. "I told you, Elsa. It must've leaked. I'll handle it." He chuckled darkly, but there was no humor in it. His other hand, steady and calm, gently rested on her shoulder. "And hey, remember, we'll be strangers soon. It's not something you should worry about."

Her throat tightened, but before she could say anything more, Jack called over Sebastian, his tone still oddly detached, like he had already moved past the chaos unfolding. "Sebastian," he said in a low voice, his words clipped with authority, "Handle this. Turn down this rumour. Get the PR team to clean up this mess."

Sebastian approached quickly, his face taut with professional resolve. "Got it, Mr. Overland. But, Jack," he began hesitantly, glancing between them, "Are you both okay?"

Jack smiled, though it barely touched his eyes. "No idea." he quipped, his voice biting, as though dismissing it all with a simple flick of his wrist. His eyes were still on Elsa, dark, intense, brimming with something indistinct.

Sebastian nodded, still catching up with Jack's ever-shifting demeanour. "Don't worry too much Jack." He coughed and added "I'll get in contact with the PR team. And everywhere necessary, just in case it's spread there, too." His hands were already reaching for his phone, his face switching into crisis mode.

Jack nodded without hesitation, his eyes finally leaving Elsa long enough to address Sebastion. "Thanks, Sebastian. I know I can count on you."

Jack touched Elsa's shoulder and she flinched, too lost in her thoughts "Let's go."

Jack kept his hand firmly on Elsa's back as they ascended the stone steps, each deliberate step heavy with the collective weight of dozens of eyes. Leaning closer, his warm breath brushed her ear as he whispered, "Let them stare, Elsa. It's time they see the woman they'll never deserve."

Her lips twitched at his words, a pang of longing piercing through her. A part of her still believed it was Jack who leaked the rumour.

They walked toward the entrance, and the massive double doors of the church creaked open, revealing a hushed congregation. Every pew was filled, faces turning like sunflowers chasing light as Jack and Elsa entered. Murmurings from outside spilled inward, swirling through the room in amplified waves.

Jack's commanding presence struck immediately. Grins froze on lips; postures stiffened. His reputation had preceded him, travelling faster than the icy wind of a harsh winter. Among this crowd of old-money elites and their carefully curated facades, power demanded reverence, and Jack embodied it effortlessly.

From the corner of her eye, Elsa caught sight of Anthony and Smith, seated like wilted shadows at the back. The cousins who had once sneered at her now sat hunched and subdued. Remnants of their last encounter with Jack were plain: Smith's arm in a sling, Anthony's jaw still painted in mottled yellows and greens. Both avoided Jack's gaze entirely, their eyes fixed on their laps like chastened schoolboys.

Elizabeth Liam, whispered something sharp to her husband, James. Their son, George, a broad-shouldered man with a constantly smug expression, leaned back in his seat with a bored look.

"Well, isn't this unexpected," George murmured loud enough for those nearby to hear.

"Unexpected?" muttered Mark Arandelle.

His wife, Carmen, pursed her lips so tightly they turned white. Their daughters, Olivia and Belle, both gawked at Jack like he'd stepped out of a magazine, while Smith tried to make himself invisible beside them.

"Embarrassing, is what it is," muttered Poppy Arandelle, Noah's wife, to her husband. But neither of them seemed to notice that their youngest son, Jacob, had already been staring, open-mouthed, since the doors opened.

It was Nana Sofia who first shattered the tension, rising like a beam of light amidst the quiet judgment. Her effervescent smile lit up the room as she approached them, arms outstretched. "Elsa, my love, you look exquisite," she said warmly, pulling Elsa into a genuine embrace. The softness in her voice and the sincerity of her hold brought a lump to Elsa's throat. She clung to her grandmother more tightly than she'd intended. It was a way she apologized for her words last time.

Then Nana turned to Jack, her smile growing impossibly wider. "And Jack, my dear boy, so handsome."

"Thank you, Nana," Jack replied with a charm so smooth it almost concealed the sharpness in his gaze as he scanned the room. He took her hand, pressing a kiss to its back. "You look stunning, as always."

Nana chuckled. "What a charmer."

Across the room, Nona Ella's icy voice cut through like frost on a windowpane. "Elsa," she began flatly, her hawkish eyes narrowing on her granddaughter. "That dress…it's a little too much, isn't it?" Her words dripped with passive disdain, her implication clear: Elsa's attire was stealing attention.

Before Elsa could respond, Jack interjected, his voice calm but pointed. "Too much? I think it's not nearly enough. If it were up to me, Elsa's dress would be woven with gold. She's not just my wife; she's the city's top finance director. The one the mayor personally calls on for every critical decision." He turned and gestured slightly toward the room. "Some people might underestimate her, but those who know her value understand she's unmatched."

Elsa blushed, caught between embarrassment and the overwhelming attention Jack's words brought. All eyes snapped to her, stunned murmurs spreading like wildfire.

"Finance director?" Carmen's sharp voice rose above the whispers, her disbelief clear. "My, Elsa, you've really…evolved."

"When life treats you horribly. You have to," Elsa said, her tone steady but edged with steel. Even with all her growth, the weight of her family's judgment still pressed heavily on her chest, silencing her more honest thoughts.

"And with me in her corner," Jack added casually, his arm tightening around her waist, as he kissed her cheek, "Elsa can focus on being exceptional without distractions from…any problems."

The remark sent a visible ripple of astonishment through the room. Anthony coughed nervously in the back, and Jack's head turned sharply toward him. The weight of his gaze sent a hush cascading over the congregation. Anthony immediately stilled, shrinking further into his seat as Smith mumbled something inaudible.

"Quite the statement," George said, leaning back, his arms crossed. "Bold, but not untrue," he added as if weighing Jack's worth like one would a market deal.

Jacob Arandelle rose, his frail frame still carrying an authority forged over decades. "Elsa," he started, but Jack's gaze shifted to him, cold and calculating. The patriarch faltered under the scrutiny.

"Mr. Arandelle," Jack said, each word deliberate. "It's a pleasure to finally meet Elsa's family. Although I'll admit, some members have left rather…unique impressions."

Anthony and Smith visibly flinched, and Elsa suppressed the urge to laugh as Jack continued.

"And for those who disrespect my wife," Jack's tone sharpened, lingering in the heavy silence. "they do not get second chances."

Jacob clenched his jaw, but his response shocked everyone. "Elsa truly is the gem of this family," he said, his words eliciting audible gasps. For years, Jacob had downplayed Elsa's worth, and yet now he delivered this acknowledgment as though it were an eternal truth.

Elsa blinked, stunned, managing only a little nod of thanks.

Jack let out a low laugh, gazing upward. "At last, someone speaking sense."

"No wonder, Jackson Overland is here," Belle muttered to Olivia, her eyes wide as her fingers adjusted a gleaming necklace.

"Is he really that powerful?" Olivia whispered.

"Powerful?" Mark scoffed, though his voice wavered. "I hear he owns Frost Industries outright."

Jack smiled coolly. "That's a rumour. But it does tend to open doors, doesn't it?"

"And pockets," Poppy added, her tone saccharine.

Noah took the bait and launched into a pitch for his sons' business ventures. "If you're interested in Iceland, Allan and Jacob have excellent connections-"

Jack raised a hand. "Kind offer," he said flatly. "But I have no interest in expanding here."

Noah flushed, retreating awkwardly as Jack's gaze lingered, unblinking.

By now, Carmen's composure had cracked entirely. "You never brought someone home before, Elsa," she said with false sweetness. "And now, out of nowhere, you're married to Jackson Overland? It's…abrupt, don't you think?"

"It isn't as sudden as you might think," Jack replied smoothly, tracing circles against Elsa's lower back. "When you know, you know."

Carmen's forced smile tightened as she tilted her head, feigning innocence. "Oh, of course. It's just hard to reconcile the girl who always sat quietly in the corner with someone so…accomplished now. Finance director for the mayor's office? I didn't even know you liked numbers, Elsa."

Elsa felt a surge of heat rise to her face, but she didn't shy away this time. Instead, she straightened her shoulders, meeting Carmen's gaze head-on.

"Well," she said with measured calm, her voice steady, "it seems there's a lot you didn't bother to know about me. I've always liked numbers, always liked solving problems. It just took someone recognizing that in me to bring it to the surface. And now, I run budgets, forecasts, and investments for an entire city. So yes, I like numbers. I just didn't need to announce it to everyone to prove my worth."

The room fell eerily quiet, save for the subtle, sharp intake of breath from several family members. Carmen's nails dug deeper into her purse, her lips parting as though to speak, but Jack stepped in, his timing flawless.

"That's because few bothered to ask what Elsa liked," Jack said, his voice smooth and unhurried. "She's always been brilliant, but brilliance can get overlooked when the room's too busy admiring its own dull reflection."

The subtle jab landed with precision, the tension in the room thickening. Elsa felt a flicker of gratitude for Jack's effortless support, but she wasn't finished yet.

"You're right, Jack," Elsa said, turning her gaze back to Carmen. "But here's the thing. It doesn't matter anymore who noticed or didn't notice what I liked back then. Because I found my passion anyway, and I made it happen on my own terms."

The confidence Elsa gained out of nowhere, was truly surprising.

Mark coughed, breaking the silence as he forced a diversion. "Well, regardless of how much she's changed, this is a family event. Let's keep the focus on togetherness, yes?" He shifted toward Jack, a strained smile tugging at his lips. "And you, Jack-"

"Jackson Overland," Jack corrected without missing a beat, his voice polite but unyielding.

"Of course," Mark said, the slip betraying his growing frustration. "You've certainly made an impression. Though I admit, I'm curious what drew someone like you to Elsa. Was it her…connections in the mayor's office?"

The implication sent a ripple of heat through Elsa's chest, not of humiliation, but anger. Before Jack could respond, Elsa held up a hand, stepping forward to answer for herself.

"No, Uncle Mark," she said firmly. "It wasn't my 'connections,' because I didn't have any. I met Jack through my best friend's boyfriend."

Jack's eyes flicked to her, pride shining in their depths, but he stayed quiet, letting her command the moment.

"My position as finance director came from years of dedication," Elsa continued. "Not because of connections or favours, but because I spent sleepless nights crunching numbers, strategizing plans, and making bold decisions that got results. And while some here might still think of me as the quiet girl in the corner," she smiled faintly. "I think my actions speak loud enough now."

The weight of her words seemed to settle heavily over the room. Olivia exchanged a glance with Belle, both visibly startled by Elsa's boldness. Nona Ella opened her mouth, likely to retort, but Jacob beat her to it with an awkward laugh.

"Well said, Elsa. You've certainly surpassed expectations," Jacob remarked, his tone veering between reluctant pride and caution.

Jack stepped forward now, his arm sliding protectively on Elsa's cheek. "Elsa didn't just surpass expectations. She shattered them," he said, his tone rich with conviction. "The city wouldn't function without her, and if anyone here hasn't realized how extraordinary she is, then frankly, they haven't been paying attention."

The silence was sharp. Carmen's face turned a shade too close to crimson, while Elizabeth raised her glass, looking distinctly impressed.

Noah cleared his throat, attempting to shift the tone. "Still, Elsa, with all that talent, surely you wouldn't mind mentoring Allan. He's shown interest in finance, and with your expertise-"

Elsa met Noah's eyes directly, her smile pleasant but firm. "Thank you for saying that. But I have to be honest, mentoring Allan isn't on my agenda right now. My focus is on my current project, and I owe it to myself and my team to give it my all. It wouldn't be fair to take on anything half-heartedly."

Jack leaned in slightly, a quiet smile tugging at his lips. "And trust me, that project is going to transform lives. Just like Elsa does wherever she sets foot."

The room buzzed with quiet, awed murmurs, the depth of Jack's words sinking in.

"Quite a turnaround, isn't it?" Nana Sofia said, her voice cutting warmly through the tension. Her eyes sparkled as she squeezed Elsa's hand. "You've done well, my dear. And I, for one, couldn't be prouder of you."

"I couldn't have done it without the people who stood by me," Elsa replied, her voice soft but purposeful. Her gaze flickered to Nana Sofia and then, briefly, to Jack. "The ones who believed in me when I didn't yet believe in myself."

Despite what Jack and Elsa were going through this was the truth. And Jack was painfully touched by these words.

Carmen's forced smile faltered completely as Jack chimed in again, his voice laced with confidence. "And now she stands as a reminder, to everyone here, that underestimating her wasn't just a mistake. It was their loss."

Elsa's heart swelled with pride, both in herself and the unwavering belief Jack exuded in her. This was her moment, and for the first time, she realized she didn't need permission to own it.

The room fell into a tense, reflective silence as Jack's words hung in the air, echoing with finality. Several of Elsa's relatives exchanged glances, some unsure whether to challenge the display of unity between Elsa and Jack, others taken aback by the blunt reminder of their past behaviour. Elsa's confidence had shifted the atmosphere, what had been a hesitant gathering just moments ago now felt electric, charged with the weight of her quiet defiance.

Elizabeth, clutching her dress with both hands, gave a small, barely audible sigh and cleared her throat, perhaps realizing that Elsa's trajectory had shifted beyond the confines of their family's expectations. She shifted her attention toward Jack, trying to mask the discomfort with a smile, her voice a little too sweet. "So, Jackson, I've heard a lot about the philanthropic work you've been doing lately. How's that all going? Surely your skills can do wonders beyond just business endeavours."

Jack maintained his calm demeanour, though a slight edge sharpened his voice. "Everything I do is about creating impact. Whether it's through Overland or the projects I invest in, it's about building something sustainable. That's always been the goal." His response was simple, and measured, but left no room for further insinuation. He wasn't here to entertain questions veiled with ulterior motives.

Elizabeth's smile tightened, and she shot a glance at Carmen, then at Noah, signalling a move to regain some control.

"So, Jackson," Noah tried again, his voice oozing with the carefulness of someone juggling pride and suspicion, "what's next for you both? Now that Elsa has transformed her career-"

"You'll forgive us for being busy, Uncle Noah," Jack interrupted his tone a cool balm that silenced the room once again. "Elsa's focus is on making the city better. My focus, like hers, is on elevating what matters. Which means we're not looking for distractions." He paused, allowing his gaze to sweep over the room, meeting each of their eyes briefly. "So if anyone here is hoping for favours, you're going to have to look elsewhere."

The pointed remark struck a nerve, and for a moment, the only sound was the soft clink of cutlery or glasses. But just as quickly, it became clear that most had opted to step carefully around the obvious tension Jack had just created. It was easier to pretend the cracks in their superiority didn't exist, and even easier to cower under the reality of the powerful couple standing before them.

"Oh, of course," Carmen muttered, her tone implying she really hated this embarrassment.

"Let's not waste any more of your family's time," Jack said, his voice filled with finality. "We're here for Anna."

The moment the words left his lips, the family hesitated but then quickly turned their attention elsewhere. The storm had passed and those who had doubted Elsa were left to reassess their positions. Especially with Jack by her side.

Jack leaned down, brushing his lips near Elsa's ear. "I'm proud of you," he whispered softly. "You did amazing."

She smiled a rare, genuine smile that reached her eyes, something she hadn't in hours. "I'm starting to believe it, Jack. I'm starting to believe it."

It was time for the wedding to start.


Characters:

Elsa's Mom's side

Grandmother: Nana Sofia Owen

Aunt and her husband: Elizabeth Liam & James Liam

Elizabeth's kid: George Liam (28)

Elsa's Dad's side

Grandmother: Nona Ella Arandelle

Grandfather: Grampa Jacob Arandelle

First Uncle and his wife: Mark Arandelle & Carmen Arandelle.

Mark's kids: Olivia Arandelle (26), Smith Arandelle (25) and Belle Arandelle (24)

Second Uncle and his wife: Noah Arandelle & Poppy Arandelle

Noah's kids: Anthony Arandelle (22), Allan Arandelle (22) and Jacob Arandelle (18)