New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 174 Remembering the past

*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.

the wedding to continue alas he can't say much in front of his

and Alex turned to face the priest, who began to read the wedding vows. The words washed over Claire, filling her with

forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until

do," Alex replied firmly, his gaze never

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

me, I now pronounce you husband and

and Claire shared a kiss. It was the

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

her. He had only agreed because it was his grandfather's

when Adrian stepped inside the restaurant. He scanned the place and spotted Claire sitting at the far end of

voice filled

up to give him a half-hug. "Adrian, it's good to see

moment to

small

then asked him, "How

shrugged, "I'm doing

their table. Adrian

with Alexander Harris," he began. "Is

corrected him, "Was. Yes, I was once married to

quickly added, "But it's not what

in, curiosity evident on his face.

fingers on her thigh, feeling the tension rise. "I don't

frowned. "Tell

people about my life," Claire said,

your whole life story, Claire. I just want to