Chapter 218
Chapter 218
Clara: POV
I stared at my reflection in the mirror, barely recognizing the woman who looked back at me.
The white lace dress hugged my curves perfectly, the delicate beadwork catching the light with every small movement.
My hair was styled in loose waves, adorned with tiny white flowers, and a sheer veil hung down my back.
"Ready?" Maya asked, appearing behind me with a bright smile.
My stomach twisted with nerves, but I couldn't help smiling back.
Maya's energy was infectious, and her presence calmed me.
I took a deep breath and nodded.
"As ready as I'll ever be," I replied, smoothing down the front of my dress for what felt like the hundredth time.
This was my second time wearing a wedding dress, but everything felt different now.
This time, I wasn't marrying for a contract or convenience.
This time, I was marrying a man who loved me unconditionally.
My mind drifted back to one month ago, in that hospital room.
---
I'd been sitting on the examination table, still in shock from what the doctor had just told me. Pregnant. I was pregnant with Andrei's baby.
The room had felt too small, and I couldn't seem to catch my breath.
Then suddenly, the door had burst open and Andrei rushed in, his face flushed and hair disheveled like he'd run the entire way.
"Is it true?" he'd asked, his voice hoarse with emotion.
I could only nod, too overwhelmed to speak.
What I hadn't expected was that he suddenly dropped to one knee right there on the hospital floor, pulling out a small velvet box from his pocket.
"Clara," he'd said, voice trembling slightly, his eyes never leaving mine. "Marry me. For real this time."
I'd laughed through my tears, hardly believing this was happening. "I can't believe they let you pull this stunt in a hospital."
"Andrei Wilson always finds a way," he'd replied with that dazzling smile. "I'm the superstar, remember?"
Before I could answer, the door had opened again and people poured in – friends, family, even some of the hospital staff.
They carried balloons and gifts, and someone started playing a love song on their phone. It felt like I was in one of Andrei's romantic movies.
I hadn't said yes immediately.
I wanted to tease him a little, enjoying the way his puppy-dog eyes pleaded with me.
But eventually, I'd nodded through tears and laughter, and the room had erupted in cheers.
Life with Andrei Wilson would be an adventure – a brilliant producer, a hopeless romantic, and a man who brought delightful drama wherever he went.
---
Maya's voice pulled me back to the present. "It's time," she said, gently adjusting my veil one last time.
She led me through the corridor to the entrance of the wedding hall.
My heart pounded against my ribs as we approached, and I tried to calm my breathing.
When we reached the entrance, I froze.
Carter stood there in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo, waiting.
"What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
"I'm here to walk you down the aisle," he replied simply.
My chest tightened.
After everything with Daniel and the misunderstanding he'd caused, Andrei's family had embraced me completely.
And now Carter, who had once been so wary of me, was offering to walk me down the aisle like I was his sister.
"Thank you," I said softly, my eyes filling with tears.
"Hey, don't do that now," Carter said gently, teasing. "You'll ruin your makeup, Clara."
He gave me a brotherly side-hug, and I took a deep breath to compose myself.
Maya slipped away to take her place inside, and I found myself staring at the ornate doors leading into the wedding hall.
It was beautiful. The white lilies, the red carpet, the decorations – everything I'd chosen myself.
But despite its beauty, I felt nervous, that lingering fear that something might go wrong. I said a silent prayer that everything would be perfect.
I thought about my first wedding. How different it had been.
This time, I was surrounded by people who genuinely cared about me, who wanted me to be happy.
This time, I was a radiant bride who loved the groom.
And at the end of that aisle, Andrei was eagerly waiting for her.
I could almost see Andrei's broad, infectious smile and his loving eyes, completely focused on me.
"Ready?" Carter asked, offering his arm.
I nodded, taking it gratefully.
As the doors opened and the music began, my nervousness started to fade.
"You can do this," Maya whispered warmly as she moved ahead of us, giving me one last reassuring smile.
Carter gently squeezed my arm, and we began our walk.
The room was filled with familiar faces.
On the left, I spotted Elena and Mikhail with their four-month-old daughter.
Elena had struggled with fertility for so long, and her miracle baby was absolutely perfect.
A few steps ahead, Viktor held his six-month-old daughter, with six-year-old twins Lina and Maxim standing proudly beside him. We had sent them gifts when their daughter was born.
I unconsciously touched my growing belly, hoping we might have a beautiful daughter of our own.
But all other thoughts vanished when I saw him. Andrei.
Standing at the altar, he looked like a Greek god in his black three-piece suit.
Everything else faded away. My heart skipped a beat as I focused entirely on him.
Andrei Wilson. The superstar. My groom.
His eyes locked with mine, filled with desire, eagerness, and love.
The way he looked at me made my knees weak. ‘Calm down, girl’, I told myself.
Just a little longer, and he would be hers forever.
As we reached the altar, Carter gently released my hand.
Andrei stepped forward to help me up the steps.
"Careful, my queen," he said, pressing a soft kiss to my cheek as I joined him.
"You look absolutely stunning, honey," he whispered, his eyes gleaming with pride, his love and satisfaction radiating through his gaze.
I smiled shyly, feeling my cheeks flush.
The officiant began the ceremony, but I barely heard the words.
Andrei held my hand, and my heart skipped another beat.
I glanced at the front row where my grandmother smiled warmly at me.
Andrei had arranged for her to move from the small township of Guadalajara to the heart of the city.
I felt a rush of gratitude and love for this man who would never leave me. I had finally found my happily ever after.
"Do you, Clara Simon, take Andrei Wilson to be your lawfully wedded husband?" the officiant asked.
"I do," I answered, my voice clear and certain.
"And do you, Andrei Wilson, take Clara Simon to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do," Andrei replied, his eyes sincere as they gazed into mine. Warmth flooded through me at his certainty.
We exchanged rings, and I felt my hands trembling slightly as I slid the band onto his finger.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Andrei pulled me close, wrapping an arm around my waist while his other hand gently cradled the back of my neck.
He kissed me slowly, tenderly, yet with passion.
The crowd erupted in applause and cheers.
I wrapped my arms around his neck, my fingers tangling in his hair as the kiss deepened.
When we finally broke apart, both breathless, Andrei looked at me with undisguised pride and love.
"I love you, Mrs. Wilson," he said.
"I love you too, Andrei," I replied, smiling and biting my lip teasingly.
He pulled me closer. "You're mine, wife," he whispered in my ear, like a promise.
"Forever yours," I breathed, moaning softly as he tightened his arm around my waist and drew me against him.