Chapter 8
She seemed subdued but kept trying to corner me. Sarah blocked her path. “What are you doing here? Be grateful we haven’t thrown you out. Don’t push your luck.”
When she couldn’t get near me, Emma shouted across the room, “Claire! You’re about to marry Marcus, so why do you keep leading Blake on? Aren’t you afraid Marcus will dump you for being a two–timer?”
Marcus, standing behind me, fastened a stunning meteorite necklace around my neck. He glanced at her with contempt. “Has she completely lost it?”
Emma shoved past Sarah and charged forward. “Marcus, don’t let her fool you! She acts like a victim, but she’s still trying to get back with Blake. Watch out, or she’ll make you a laughingstock.”
After securing the necklace, Marcus smiled appreciatively. “Perfect,” he murmured, admiring how it looked on me. Then he turned to Emma. “Take your drama somewhere else. Unlike that fool Blake, I don’t fall for crocodile tears.”
Tears welled in her eyes as she glared at me. “You must be so pleased with yourself. You’ve won. Blake won’t even look at me anymore. Happy now?”
I smiled brightly. “If he’s been bothering you, that’s his problem. Who else would want damaged goods like him? If you want him, he’s all yours.”
Her hysteria escalating, Blake burst in. The staff tried to stop him, but he was desperate, his eyes fixed on me. “Claire, don’t listen to her lies! I’ve got nothing to do with her anymore. The baby she’s carrying isn’t mine!”
The room fell silent. No one had known Emma was pregnant.
Emma grabbed his shirt frantically. “How can you say that? This is your child! Are you going to let our baby be born.
without a father?”
Blake ignored her, turning to me with wild eyes. “Claire, I’m serious about you. I’ve booked the venue and got the dress. Just show up, and you’ll be the happiest bride. I even got back that sapphire necklace. It’s yours, always has
been.”
I frowned at him coldly. “Blake, I’m getting married soon. Stop interfering in my life. Marcus and I are happy together. That wedding you’re planning? It’s your wedding, not mine. It has nothing to do with me.”
“As for that sapphire necklace – why would I want something another woman has worn? Marcus has already given me something more precious than anything you could offer.”
The meteorite necklace around my neck was unique, crafted into tiny stars that captured the light perfectly.
“We’re getting married next month, and you’re not invited. In fact, I never want to see you again.” I met his gaze steadily. “Blake, the things you lose don’t wait around for you to come back.”
Blake was escorted out, his face ashen. The next day; news of Emma’s pregnancy spread like wildfire.
Chapter 8
The Delaney family stormed Blake’s family estate, demanding he take responsibility. His parents refused to give in easily: “Before we acknowledge anything, we want a paternity test. If it’s Blake’s, they’ll marry. If not, stop trying to trap our son.”
The test confirmed Blake was the father. His family had no choice but to accept the situation.
There were no engagement gifts, no ceremony, no announcements, Blake and Emma simply went to the courthouse to register their marriage.
The day they got their marriage license, Marcus and I were also at the courthouse. I wore a simple white dress with a delicate veil that Marcus had carefully arranged. Other couples smiled at us, caught up in our happiness.
“My bride is the most beautiful and happiest in the world,” Marcus whispered, his eyes full of love.
Through my veil, I caught a glimpse of Blake’s reddened eyes and Emma’s hitter expression. But none of it mattered
anymore.
Our wedding was everything I’d dreamed of. The city’s elite turned out in full force, making it the event of the
season.
While getting my makeup touched up with Sarah, we overheard gossip from passing guests.
“Did you
hear? Blake and Emma are divorcing. She got caught sleeping with an orchestra conductor to land a solo. His wife caught them and there was a huge scene. Emma lost the baby in the aftermath.”
“Blake didn’t even show up to sign the divorce papers. Just sent his lawyer.”
“They got exactly what they deserved.”
Their voices faded as they walked away. Sarah and I shared a knowing smile.
A cousin rushed in excitedly. “It’s time! The bride needs to head out. Today is your perfect day. May your happiness
last forever!”
I picked up my bouquet, lowered my veil, and walked toward the
wide, I stepped forward confidently, knowing that true happined doors of the cathedral. As they opened
awaited me on the other side.
