Flashback on:
"I sincerely apologize for my mother's impulsive actions. Actually, I planned to have an engagement ceremony next week after I returned from my business in Japan.
"You saw Yuriko earlier, right?" Adaline nodded. "She's my business partner. She asked me to design a new layout for renovating an old warehouse she wants to turn into a shelter.
"We've been working together for quite some time, and I feel embarrassed to refuse her request. Considering the Hideo family has been collaborating with Coskun Company and Quirino Corp. But my mom just caused chaos," he said, exasperatedly, at the end of his sentence.
"And my plan was also to get married a week after Antony's wedding, so our families would still be here altogether. So they wouldn't have to bother coming and going. But once again, Mom ruined the plan I carefully made," he complained again.
"What about Sir Antony? Will he be angry?"
Altezza shook his head. The man chuckled instead, as if they were discussing something funny. "Antony won't be angry, neither will Aunt Brianna. They'll fully support our marriage even if it means surpassing their plans. But honestly, the one-week timeline my mom requested is very short.
"Although nothing is impossible, what about your friends? They might not be able to attend our wedding if it's made suddenly like this."
Adaline widened her eyes. She didn't expect Altezza to think about everything in such detail. Wasn't their marriage going to be temporary anyway? Why bother celebrating it and even inviting Adaline's friends?
"Why not? I mean, what kind of celebration do you want to have?"
"Well, certainly not as simple as the weddings in TV movies, Mrs. I'm the only child in my family, just like you. I don't want to just get married at the civil registry."
"But... but..." Adaline was confused because previously she thought her marriage would be as simple as possible. Considering the possibility that they would part ways someday.
"Even though there's a written agreement between us, I want everything to proceed as it should. I want everything to be legally and religiously official.
"To get married like ordinary couples, even if there's no love. Or maybe love hasn't happened yet. But it's not impossible that tomorrow or the day after I'll fall head over heels for you, isn't that right?" His teasing made Adaline's face blush instantly.
"Basically, I just don't want people to think this is a sham marriage. Especially Mom.
"And I assure you, Mrs. Adaline Quirino, that I'm doing all of this sincerely. So, don't worry about tomorrow. My people will take care of everything. You, Mom, and Auntie just need to sleep soundly and look beautiful tomorrow," he concluded.
Flashback off
And now, here Adaline was, waiting for her prospective husband and his family with a heart pounding so loud from nervousness.
Adaline walked back to her bedroom window. Peeking from behind the curtains and observing the procession arriving at her house just like the one during Claire's engagement. Except this time, Adaline could see Duncan among the stunning group of people. She could even see the expressions of the neighbors who were amazed when they saw the wealthy family with their handsome faces coming out of the car.
Adaline herself didn't know who had invited the local officials in her neighborhood. She didn't even know that some close neighbors were invited for a feast as well. She truly left all those matters to Altezza, as the man had promised.
And now, the two officials appeared neatly dressed alongside their wives, ready to welcome Altezza and his family. Adaline was surprised to hear the loudspeaker's voice welcoming Altezza and his family with enthusiasm-a large speaker that she didn't know where it was placed or when it was set up.
Once again, Adaline sighed deeply. When Altezza looked in her direction-somehow knowing where she was-and smiled at her, Adaline felt her chest tighten instantly. She chose to descend and hide in her mother's room before the guests entered.
The entourage entered her rather small house. The welcoming remarks from Altezza's family were represented by his uncle, Arthur Quirino, while Adaline's family was represented by the official as an honored guest.
Next, Altezza's family presented gifts to her family, which were received by her aunt and the official's wife. During this procession, Adaline sat alone in her mother's room, nervously biting her nails. Her view was obstructed by a decorative flower partition covering the back of the bridal chair.
After the exchange of gifts, they immediately declared the purpose of their visit: to propose to Adaline. When the host called her name to come out, the makeup artists who had previously helped her became her escorts, leading her out of the room, flanking her on the left and right.
Adaline sat beside her mother, bowing her head in embarrassment. She was truly ashamed. Her heart wouldn't stop pounding, and her hands were starting to sweat cold. She knew that everyone's attention was now focused on her, and because of that, she felt conflicted.
She glanced up momentarily when someone cleared their throat using the microphone. And at that moment, she saw Altezza smiling at her with a gaze that Adaline found difficult to interpret.
Altezza took a deep breath again. "Miss Adaline Scott. The beloved daughter of your parents. Today, I, Altezza Quirino, accompanied by my family as witnesses, have come here with the intention of proposing to you.
"Would you, Miss Adaline Scott, be willing to become my wife? To be the mother of my children. To be the grandmother of my grandchildren. And so forth, to be with me until death do us part?"
There was not a single word containing doubt. Altezza spoke each word with firmness and sincerity.
Although they knew how this started and didn't know how this story would end. But they had both promised themselves that they would do all of this with sincerity. At least that was the oath they pledged in their hearts, even though they didn't know each other's feelings.
Silence hung for a few seconds. A mic was now in front of Adaline, held by a makeup artist. Adaline sighed deeply again, trying to calm her racing heart that was making her chest tighten.
"Sir Altezza Quirino, I happily answer 'Yes'." Adaline replied earnestly, which was ultimately appreciated by the guests present.
And for Adaline, everything happened so quickly.
Altezza gave her a new set of diamond jewelry as an engagement gift. And people hugged each other as a sign of gratitude for the union of two souls before them. The man even kissed her forehead briefly after placing a necklace around her neck.
Next, they took turns taking photos. The euphoria made Adaline feel happy yet sad at the same time.
Happy to see her mother and aunt happy, and to have a new family. But she also felt sad because her father was no longer with her. And of course, she also felt sad about their uncertain future.
Yes, this marriage didn't stem from love. And she herself wasn't sure, like Altezza, if love would develop between them.
A loud voice from someone snapped Adaline out of her reverie. "Anne, I forgot something." And unavoidably, for the first time that day, Adaline laughed.
"You look beautiful," a whisper made Adaline turn to the handsome man with golden eyes beside her. "Very beautiful," he praised again. "Thank you, and sorry for everything," he said with a sad face. Adaline could only smile in response.
Unbeknownst to them, someone captured the moment of their gaze with their phone.