*Flashback*
It was a perfect spring day, and Claire looked radiant in her white wedding dress. The fabric flowed around her, delicate lace detailing glistening softly in the sunlight. Her hair was pinned up elegantly, with a few loose curls framing her face. As she stood in front of the mirror, her excitement and nerves mingled, creating a palpable energy in the room.
“Claire, you look stunning” Joan, her mother-in-law, said, stepping into the room. “You’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.”
Claire blushed at the compliment, her cheeks turning a rosy hue. “Thank you, Joan,” she said softly. “That means a lot to me.”
Joan smiled warmly, stepping forward to adjust Claire’s veil. “Alex is a lucky man. You two are perfect for each other.”
Claire nodded, feeling a mixture of happiness and anxiety. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. “I hope everything goes smoothly,” she said.
“It will,” Joan assured her. “Today is your day. Enjoy every moment.”
Soon, it was time for Claire to walk down the aisle. She took a deep breath and glanced at herself one last time in the mirror. The reflection staring back at her was one of a woman ready to step into a new chapter of her life.
She walked to the entrance of the aisle, where Alex’s grandfather stood waiting for her. He was a distinguished old man, with kind eyes that twinkled with warmth. He offered her his arm, and she took it gratefully, holding her white bouquet of flowers tightly. “You look beautiful, Claire,” he whispered to her, sensing her nervousness. “Don’t be nervous. Everything will be alright.”
Claire smiled softly at him. “Thank you,” she whispered back. His comforting presence helped calm her nerves.
The classic strains of Pachelbel’s Canon began to play softly in the background as they started their walk down the aisle. Claire focused on each step, feeling the gentle pressure of Alex’s grandfather’s arm against hers. Guests turned to look at her, their faces lighting up with smiles and expressions of admiration.
As they reached the end of the aisle, Alex’s grandfather stopped and turned to Claire. He gently took her hand and placed it in Alex’s, looking at his grandson with a serious expression.
“Protect her and love her, Alex,” he said, his voice filled with emotion.
Alex nodded his head. His feature hardened as if he doesn’t want the wedding to continue alas he can’t say much in front of his grandfather.
Claire and Alex turned to face the priest, who began to read the wedding vows. The words washed over Claire, filling her with a sense of solemnity and joy. She glanced at Alex, seeing the same emotions reflected in his eyes
“Do you, Alex, take Claire to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?” the priest asked.
“I do,” Alex replied firmly, his gaze never leaving Claire’s.
“And do you, Claire, take Alex to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?” the priest continued. “I do,” Claire said, her voice clear and strong.
The priest smiled warmly. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
When the priest announced them as husband and wife, Alex and Claire shared a kiss. It was the first time they had ever kissed.
Back in the present, Claire sat at the table in the dimly lit restaurant, reflecting on that kiss. She realized it wasn’t as magical as she had once imagined it would be. Instead, the kiss had been plain and even a little bitter.
Claire understood why. Alex didn’t want to marry her. He had only agreed because it was his grandfather’s last request.
Lost in her thoughts, Claire barely noticed when Adrian stepped inside the restaurant. He scanned the place and spotted Claire sitting at the far end of the room, away from the windows and the prying eyes of the paparazzi. He walked over to her and greeted her with a warm smile.
“Claire,” Adrian said, his voice filled with genuine warmth.
Claire looked up and smiled, standing up to give him a half-hug. “Adrian, it’s good to see you.”
They both sat down, and Adrian took a moment to study Claire’s face. “How have you been?” he asked gently.
Claire shot him a small smile and said, “I’m managing.”
Claire then asked him, “How about you?”
Adrian shrugged, “I’m doing okay.”
Suddenly, an awkward silence enveloped their table. Adrian broke it first.
“I heard about the news with Alexander Harris,” he began. “Is it true that you’re married to him?”
Claire sighed and corrected him, “Was. Yes, I was once married to him.”
She quickly added, “But it’s not what you think it is.”
Adrian leaned in, curiosity evident on his face. “So, what is it?”
Claire drummed her fingers on her thigh, feeling the tension rise. “I don’t like telling people about this.”
Adrian frowned. “Tell about what?”
“I don’t like telling people about my life,” Claire said, avoiding his gaze.
Adrian’s frown deepened. “I’m not asking you to tell me your whole life story, Claire. I just want to know why you lied about your marriage to Alex.”
Claire clenched her fists, her face hardening. “I didn’t lie. I just prefer to keep things that didn’t work out in the past.”
Adrian stared at her for a while, then sighed. “kcan’t force you to talk it you don’t want to,” he said softly. He gave her a forced smile and added, “I still hope you can be honest with me”
Claire thought for a moment, then decided to tell him the story but the short version. She looked around, lowered her voice, and explained,” was in an accident and got amnesia. I didn’t remember anything, and that’s when I married Alex.”
Adrian’s eyes widened. “What? You had amnesia?”
Claire sighed as she leaned back to her chair. “Yes, I did. Let’s not make a big deal about it.” she said as she looked away.
Adrian nodded. “Ok. I won’t ask you any question you are not comfortable in answering.”
Claire turned to look at him and stared at Adrian. Claire understand how a lot of women developed a crush on him cause this is the type of men women brings to introduced to their parents. Adrian is a definition of a true gentleman.
Claire couldn’t help compared Alexander to Adrian. The difference in their behavior is like the sky and the ground. She thought to herself how come a gentleman like Adrian existed. “Thank you, Adrian. I really appreciated.”
Adrian placed his hand on top of Claire from across the table as he caress her skin. “Don’t hesitate to tell me anything, Claire. I’m here for you.”
Living as an independent woman for
years can be quiet tiring for Claire
but also exciting at the same time however it doesn’t changed the fact that Claire also like having someone she can trust.
“Thank you, Adrian. Truly.”
Search the FindNovel.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.
