Chapitre 39: ["Maid of honour"]
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The morning sun poured through the curtains as Claire reluctantly stepped into the living room. Madame Lana was already waiting, her clipboard in hand and an air of authority around her.
"We need to finalize your wedding dress today," she declared, glancing at Claire's tired expression. "And no excuses."
Claire nodded silently, her mind too preoccupied to argue. Her heart wasn't in the shopping, but she knew better than to fight Madame Lana on something she'd deemed important. As they were about to leave, Maria appeared at the foot of the staircase, her expression eager yet cautious.
"Claire," Maria said, her voice gentle, "I'd like to come along. I want to help."
Claire froze for a moment, glancing at Madame Lana, whose raised brow mirrored her own hesitation. There was no reason to refuse, yet something about Maria's insistence felt unnerving. Finally, Claire sighed. "Fine," she muttered.
The car ride to the mall was quiet, with only Madame Lana occasionally filling the silence with comments about their itinerary. Maria sat beside Claire, her hands nervously fiddling with the hem of her dress. Claire avoided looking at her, focusing instead on the blur of the city outside.
The mall was bustling with activity, its bright lights and lively chatter a stark contrast to Claire's muted mood. They moved from one store to another, examining racks of gowns, accessories, and shoes. Claire felt drained within minutes, but Maria seemed determined to make herself useful. She darted between aisles, bringing options for Claire to try, carrying every bag, and ensuring Claire had water whenever she paused to rest.
"This one is beautiful," Maria said at one point, holding up a gown adorned with intricate lace. "I think it would suit you perfectly."
Claire glanced at it briefly and nodded, her lack of enthusiasm clear. Maria's determination didn't waver. She added the dress to their growing pile and followed Claire to the fitting room, standing outside with an anxious energy.
As Claire sat down to catch her breath, Maria disappeared for a moment, only to return with a neatly wrapped gift. "Here," Maria said softly, extending the package. "It's for you."
Claire hesitated before opening it, revealing a delicate bracelet with a charm shaped like a heart. "I thought it might be a nice keepsake," Maria added, her tone almost pleading.
Claire's fingers brushed over the charm, but her expression remained unreadable. "Thank you," she said, her voice devoid of emotion. She set the bracelet aside and stood, signaling that they should continue. Maria's hopeful expression faltered, but she quickly followed.
By the time they returned home, the sun had dipped below the horizon, and Claire felt the weight of exhaustion pressing down on her. Cain was waiting for them, seated casually in the living room with a newspaper in hand. His sharp eyes softened when they landed on Claire, but his expression hardened slightly when Maria trailed in behind her.
"How was the shopping?" Cain asked, his tone directed at Claire but his gaze briefly flickering to Maria.
"Tiring," Claire admitted, sinking into the nearest chair. Cain moved to stand behind her, his hands gently resting on her shoulders, a small gesture of comfort that didn't go unnoticed by Maria.
Dinner was a quiet affair, the tension palpable despite everyone's attempts at civility. Maria, eager to prove herself, poured water for Claire, offered dishes, and even cleared plates when they were done. Madame Lana's disapproving glares didn't deter her. If anything, they seemed to fuel her determination.
Later that night, Claire was already in bed, her body heavy with fatigue, when a soft knock echoed from the door. Before she could respond, the door creaked open, and Maria stepped inside.
"Claire," Maria said softly, lingering near the doorway. "I know it's late, but I wanted to talk."
Claire propped herself up on one elbow, her expression guarded. "What is it?"
Maria hesitated before moving closer, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. "I just wanted to say I'm sorry. Again. For everything. I know I've caused you pain, but I swear I've changed. I want to be a part of your wedding in a good way. Please… give me a chance to prove I'm not that person anymore."
Claire's eyes remained fixed on Maria, her silence louder than any words. Finally, she lay back down, her voice cold and distant. "Goodnight, Maria."
Maria lingered for a moment before retreating, her shoulders slumping as she closed the door behind her.
The week that followed was a blur of preparations and Maria's persistent efforts to gain Claire's trust. She prepared meals, ran errands, and offered small gestures of kindness at every turn. But Claire's walls remained firmly in place, her heart unwilling to soften.
One crisp morning, the peace of the mansion was disrupted by a loud knock at the door. Claire opened it to find Beth, her best friend, standing on the doorstep with a bright smile.
"Claire!" Beth exclaimed, pulling her into a tight hug. "I missed you so much!"
Claire's face lit up with genuine warmth. "I missed you too. Come in!"
Beth entered, her laughter filling the house, but the moment her eyes landed on Maria, her expression darkened.
"What is she doing here?" Beth demanded, her voice sharp.
Maria took a step back, her face pale. "Beth, I—"
"You don't get to speak," Beth interrupted, her anger boiling over. "Do you have any idea what you've done to Claire? How dare you show your face here?"
Maria's hands trembled, but she remained silent, her head bowed as Beth's accusations grew louder. "You ruined her life! And now you're pretending to care? Do you think we're stupid?"
When Maria didn't respond, Beth's frustration reached its peak, and she slapped Maria hard across the face. The sound echoed through the room, leaving everyone stunned.
"Enough," Madame Lana said firmly, stepping between them. "This isn't the time or place. The wedding is near, and we can't afford more chaos."
Beth's glare didn't waver, but she reluctantly stepped back. "I don't trust her," she said, her voice low but filled with conviction.
Claire placed a calming hand on Beth's shoulder. "I know," she said softly, her voice steady.
That evening, as the tension began to fade, Claire and Beth sat on the balcony, sipping coffee and watching the sun dip below the horizon.
"Beth," Claire began hesitantly, "would you be my Maid of honour?"
Beth's face lit up with joy. "Of course! I'd be honored."
They shared a laugh, the warmth of their friendship momentarily easing the weight of the day.
Later that night, Cain entered Claire's room, his usual confidence replaced by a softer demeanor. He leaned against the doorframe, his gaze warm.
"Busy?" he asked, his voice light.
Claire looked up from her notes. "Not really. What's on your mind?"
Cain moved closer, his presence filling the room. "I wanted to talk about the wedding. Are you happy with everything? The arrangements, the guest list… us?"
Claire's cheeks flushed at the last word. "I am," she admitted quietly.
Cain reached out, his fingers brushing her cheek. "I want it to be perfect for you."
Their eyes met, and the world around them seemed to fade. Cain leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that spoke of love and promises unspoken.
The next morning, the tranquility was shattered by a phone call. Cain's father's voice boomed through the speaker.
"Cain," he said, his tone firm, "I have a request. Let Maria be the Maid of honour."
The room fell into a heavy silence. Cain's jaw tightened, his gaze flickering to Claire, whose face was unreadable. The weight of the request hung between them, leaving an unspoken tension that neither could ignore.
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L’AVIS DES CRÉATEURS 
Mu_saiya
Mu_saiya Hi I am sorry again! I really want to upload chapters on time-- But, Anyways that's my personal issue-- I'm trying my best to write and publish. your motivation and support is much needed. pls drop your feedbacks related to the story and support my work! thanks. y'all especially my fav and loyal reader 'Mich34' you've been a great source of encouragement in my low days. thanks
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