Chapter 293 Movie-like
Six months later.
"Are you ready?" Aria asked, her smile practically glowing with excitement. She was so happy for Adam, finally marrying the woman he loved-and who clearly loved him even more.
Claire smiled back, her nerves melting a little under her best friend's infectious energy. Turning to the mirror, she stared at her reflection-a beautiful bride in a stunning gown. For a moment, she barely recognized herself. Was that really her? The happiest version of herself?
Yes, it was. It was her wedding day, and she was about to marry the man who loved her unconditionally. This time, for real.
Her thoughts drifted back to the day Adam proposed. It had been utterly unexpected and completely over the top-so movie-like. She had just delivered their son, exhausted yet elated, when Adam dropped to one knee right there in the labor room with a diamond ring glinting in his hand as he popped the question.
She remembered laughing through her tears, still in disbelief that the hospital had allowed him to pull off such a stunt. But then again, Adam had his ways. He was the superstar. His friends and family had streamed into the room moments later, balloons in hand and gifts galore, serenading them with a cheesy rendition of some love song. It had felt straight out of one of his romantic movies, which made sense-it was Adam Whitmore, after all.
Claire had made him sweat, of course. She didn't say yes immediately, savoring the way he begged with those puppy-dog eyes. But in the end, how could she resist? She said yes, sealing the moment with laughter and tears while holding their newborn son in her arms. Now, as she stood there in her wedding dress, a giggle bubbled up. Life with Adam was bound to be an adventure. He was an incredible actor, a hopeless romantic, and, as she'd learned, a man full of delightful drama. And she couldn't wait to spend forever with him. Aria led Claire to the entrance of the wedding hall, where she stopped abruptly, spotting Carter standing there. Claire blinked, surprised to see him.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity. Shouldn't he be inside with his family?
Carter offered her a polite smile. "I'm here to walk you down the aisle," he said simply.
Claire's chest tightened at his words. Adam's family had embraced her wholeheartedly after the misunderstandings Daniel had caused were cleared up. They wanted to make it up to her and show her that she was truly part of their family now. Knowing she had no family of her own, Carter had stepped up without hesitation, offering to walk her down the aisle as a gesture of love and support. He treated her like a sister and Claire was grateful for that.
"Thank you," Claire whispered, her voice trembling as her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
Carter shook his head with a soft chuckle. "Ah, none of that now," he teased gently. "You'll mess up your makeup, Claire."
She laughed quietly, dabbing the corners of her eyes with her fingers. Carter reached out and gave her a brotherly side hug, comforting her silently.
Claire took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the beautifully decorated hall. She had picked out every detail herself-Adam had insisted everything be her choice. The white orchids were arranged flawlessly, their elegance matching the serene atmosphere she had envisioned. A red carpet stretched along the aisle, leading all the way to the altar. Even the cake and the menu were decisions she had meticulously made, wanting everything to be
perfect.
But despite the beauty of it all, Claire felt a knot of nerves in her stomach. She couldn't shake the lingering fear that something might go wrong. Her luck hadn't always been kind, and she silently prayed that, for once, everything would go as planned.
However, this was the second time
Adam and Claire were tying the knot, but everything about it was completely different from their first wedding. This time, she was
surrounded by people who truel.neContent provided by Nôdaisynovel.com.
cared for her, and she felt an overwhelming sense of happiness as a bride-to-be. She was in love with her groom, and that made all the difference.
This time, her groom was waiting eagerly at the end of the aisle, not frowning with impatience or treating the moment as a mere formality. She could picture Adam's face in her mind-his broad, infectious grin and eyes brimming with love, completely focused on her. Aria, sensing Claire's nervousness, stepped closer with a reassuring smile.
"Everything is going to be perfect, okay?" Aria said softly.
Claire nodded, her lips curving into a small, grateful smile. Aria handed her the flower bouquet, carefully fixing the veil around her face.
"You've got this," Aria said warmly, stepping back and gesturing towards the hall entrance.
Claire took a deep breath, and Carter appeared by her side, offering his arm with a gentle smile. "Shall we?" he asked.
With a thankful nod, Claire looped her arm through his, feeling her nerves slowly dissipate.
The grand doors were pushed open, and her heart raced. It's happening, she thought, steadying herself as the music began. A renowned LA band was playing, setting an enchanting atmosphere for Adam Whitmore's wedding.
Carter began walking Claire down the aisle, her every step measured yet tinged with excitement. As she glanced around, she caught sight of familiar faces that filled her with warmth.
To her left, Emily and Matteo stood
with their four-month-old
triplets-two boys and a girl-each baby dressed adorably for the occasion. Just a few steps ahead, Alessandro held his six-month-old daughter while their six-year-old twins, Gia and Maximo, stood close, grinning as they watched Claire
walk.
Near the stage, her mother-in-law cradled her three-month-old grandson. Catching Claire's eye, she waved cheerfully and then looked down at the baby in her arms. "Look at your mommy," she cooed. "Doesn't she look so pretty?" Claire's heart swelled with joy and warmth. She smiled back, her earlier nerves fading as happiness and love filled her every step.
Then, Claire spotted him-before anything else in the room.