New beginning: Billionaire love story (Claire and Alex) novel Chapter 174

*Flashback*

It was a perfect spring day, and Claire looked radiant in her white wedding dress. The fabric flowed around her, delicate lace detailing glistening softly in the sunlight. Her hair was pinned up elegantly, with a few loose curls framing her face.

As she stood in front of the mirror, her excitement and nerves mingled, creating a palpable energy in the room.

“Claire, you look stunning” Joan, her mother-in-law, said, stepping into the room. “You're the most beautiful bride I've ever seen.”

Claire blushed at the compliment, her cheeks turning a rosy hue. “Thank you, Joan,” she said softly. “That means a lot to me.”

Joan smiled warmly, stepping forward to adjust Claire's veil. “Alex is a lucky man. You two are perfect for each other.”

Claire nodded, feeling a mixture of happiness and anxiety. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. “I hope everything goes smoothly,” she said.

“It will,” Joan assured her. “Today is your day. Enjoy every moment.”

Soon, it was time for Claire to walk down the aisle. She took a deep breath and glanced at herself one last time in the mirror. The reflection staring back at her was one of a woman ready to step into a new chapter of her life.

She walked to the entrance of the aisle, where Alex's grandfather stood waiting for her. He was a distinguished old man, with kind eyes that twinkled with warmth. He offered her his arm, and she took it gratefully, holding her white bouquet of flowers tightly.

“You look beautiful, Claire,” he whispered to her, sensing her nervousness. “Don't be nervous. Everything will be alright.”

Claire smiled softly at him. “Thank you,” she whispered back. His comforting presence helped calm her nerves.

The classic strains of Pachelbel's Canon began to play softly in the background as they started their walk down the aisle. Claire focused on each step, feeling the gentle pressure of Alex's grandfather's arm against hers. Guests turned to look at her, their faces lighting up with smiles and expressions of admiration.

As they reached the end of the aisle, Alex's grandfather stopped and turned to Claire. He gently took her hand and placed it in Alex's, looking at his grandson with a serious expression.

“Protect her and love her, Alex,” he said, his voice filled with emotion.

Alex nodded his head. His feature hardened as if he doesn’t want the wedding to continue alas he can’t say much in front of his grandfather.

Claire and Alex turned to face the priest, who began to read the wedding vows. The words washed over Claire, filling her with a sense of solemnity and joy. She glanced at Alex, seeing the same emotions reflected in his eyes

“Do you, Alex, take Claire to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?” the priest asked.

“I do,” Alex replied firmly, his gaze never leaving Claire's.

“And do you, Claire, take Alex to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?” the priest continued.

“I do,” Claire said, her voice clear and strong.

The priest smiled warmly. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

When the priest announced them as husband and wife, Alex and Claire shared a kiss. It was the first time they had ever kissed.

Back in the present, Claire sat at the table in the dimly lit restaurant, reflecting on that kiss. She realized it wasn't as magical as she had once imagined it would be. Instead, the kiss had been plain and even a little bitter.

Claire understood why. Alex didn't want to marry her. He had only agreed because it was his grandfather's last request.

Lost in her thoughts, Claire barely noticed when Adrian stepped inside the restaurant. He scanned the place and spotted Claire sitting at the far end of the room, away from the windows and the prying eyes of the paparazzi. He walked over to her and greeted her with a warm smile.

“Claire,” Adrian said, his voice filled with genuine warmth.