Chapter 568

The first rays of sunlight in Marigoldia pierced through the glass floor of the water villa, casting the entire bedroom in a dreamy blue hue.

Zoey opened her eyes before the alarm went off. She gently turned her head to look at Henry, who was still sound asleep beside her.

His eyelashes cast tiny shadows in the morning light, and his breathing was steady and calm.

Carefully, Zoey lifted the blanket and stepped onto the cool wooden floor with her bare feet.

The sea beneath the water villa gently lapped against the pillars, creating a rhythmic sound, like nature's own background music for this special day.

"What time is it?" Henry's muffled voice came from behind.

Zoey turned back to see him propped up on one elbow, the collar of his black robe slightly open, revealing his firm chest.

"It's only five-thirty," she walked back to the bed and leaned down to plant a soft kiss on Henry's forehead. "You can sleep a bit longer. I'm going to check on Claire."

Henry wrapped his arm around Zoey's waist, pulling her closer. "The wedding starts at ten. Why so early?"

"Claire needs at least four hours to get ready," Zoey smiled, running her fingers through Henry's messy hair. "Besides, she's wearing the wedding dress I designed. I need to make sure every detail is perfect."

A faint noise came from the children's room next door, and they both held their breath.

After a moment, everything was quiet again. Gabriel and Travis were still asleep.

"Gabriel and Travis are wearing those white suits today," Zoey whispered to Henry. "With the blue bow ties. I put their socks on top of their luggage."

Henry squeezed her fingers. "I've got it all memorized. Your wedding dress is going to be the highlight of the day."

Zoey's eyes sparkled. "That dress took a hundred feet of silk and two hundred pearls. The veil alone has three layers."

She paused. "Claire always said she wanted to be the first to wear one of my designs. I didn't think she'd actually beat me to it."

"Our wedding is in two months," Henry's voice was husky from sleep. "The whole world will see the most beautiful bride in her own design."

Zoey felt a warm rush in her heart.

She kissed Henry again. "I have to go. Claire's probably so nervous she's got a stomachache."

Zoey pushed open the master bedroom door and walked barefoot across the wooden bridge connecting the water villa to the main island.

Marigoldia was stunningly beautiful in the early morning, the sea shifting from light green to deep blue like a spilled palette.

A few white seabirds skimmed the water, their calls crisp and clear.

Claire's water villa was on the other side of the island, the most luxurious suite in the resort.

Zoey knocked lightly on the ivory-colored door, and almost immediately heard hurried footsteps.

"Zoe!" Claire opened the door, already wearing the ivory wedding dress, her hair casually pinned up, her face showing clear signs of nervousness. "Thank goodness you're here. I barely slept all night."

Zoey stepped into the room, the wedding dress shimmering with a pearly glow in the morning light.

The dress featured a classic mermaid design, with intricate lace embroidery on the bodice and tiny pearls adorning the skirt, sparkling softly as Claire moved.

"Turn around, let me see," Zoey examined the dress with a designer's eye. "The waistline needs to be tighter. Wait, the pearls here are asymmetrical."

She quickly took out tools from her small bag and knelt to adjust the details of Claire's dress.

Claire looked down at Zoey, her fingers twisting together nervously. "Zoe, I suddenly feel like I can't breathe. I think I forgot how to walk."

Zoey looked up and saw tears glistening in Claire's eyes.

She stood up and took Claire's cold hands. "Deep breaths, honey. Every bride gets nervous. It's completely normal."

Zoey guided Claire to sit at the vanity. "Think about the journey you and Joseph have been on. Today is just a formal celebration of your love."

The makeup artist knocked and entered, carrying a box full of cosmetics. "Good morning. Is the bride ready?"

Claire nervously bit her lip, and Zoey squeezed her shoulder. "Claire is going to be the most beautiful bride, right?"

Throughout the three-hour professional makeup session, Zoey stood by, occasionally handing over tools or offering suggestions.

As Claire's makeup neared completion, the door suddenly burst open.

"Time for the bride's stress test!" A cheerful voice announced.

Zoey turned to see Celine stride in, holding a bottle of champagne and three crystal glasses.

Celine was wearing a pale gold dress today, which made her skin look even healthier.

"Celine!" Claire exclaimed, her expression instantly relaxing.

"I brought a calming agent," Celine shook the champagne bottle. "It's from Seraphim, works wonders."

Zoey took the champagne and poured a small amount into each glass. "Just a little alcohol. We don't want the bride giggling during the ceremony."

They clinked glasses lightly, and Claire took a small sip, finally smiling.

As they chatted happily, the door opened again.

This time, Wren walked in, Zoey's agent from abroad. Wren was wearing a lake-blue dress today, a departure from her usual professional attire.

Wren walked over and hugged Zoey, then turned to Claire. "Claire, you look stunning today."

Claire twirled lightly in front of the mirror, the dress flowing like water. "I feel like a princess."

"You are the princess today," Zoey adjusted Claire's veil. "But remember, after today, you'll be Joseph's queen."

The dressing room was filled with laughter. Celine shared funny stories from the past, while Wren talked about celebrity weddings abroad. Zoey noticed Claire's smile becoming more natural, her anxiety gradually replaced by anticipation.

A phone vibration interrupted their conversation.

Zoey glanced at her phone. It was a photo from Henry. Gabriel and Travis were already dressed in their white suits, making funny faces at the camera. Zoey's lips curled into a smile.

"Are the kids ready?" Claire noticed Zoey's expression.

Zoey nodded and showed Claire the photo. "Henry got them looking sharp."

"They're going to be the cutest little gentlemen today," Claire smiled.

Meanwhile, in the villa on the other side of the island, Henry was facing a daunting task: tying the bow ties for three-year-old Gabriel and Travis.

"Dad, does this look like a little bug?" Travis tugged at the blue bow tie around his neck.