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021: To New Beginnings (VII)
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2024-10-29 19:42:56[Half an hour later.]
Ayla made her way down a not-so-narrow corridor as a maid guide the way. She didn't know that Claude's room was literally located in another wing. If she had an idea prior, she would have rather had the maid call him to her.
But given the circumstances, she didn't want to bother him much. Especially after how he helped her with her outfits and everything else. It wouldn't be wrong if she was to say that he was acting like the ideal husband one could ask for. The only problem was that she wasn't someone who'd thought about it—ever.
"There you go, Young Mistress." The maid stepped to the side and bowed her head ever so slightly.
Ayla thanked her with a small nod before her eyes shifted to the wide oak door staring back at her.
'Do I go inside or not?' She began to contemplate over it once the maid left.
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The couple walked down the staircase, Ayla's hand resting in the crook of Claude's elbow. It wasn't long before they entered the hall where the guests were gathered. Since Sylvia had arranged it to be a big event, the doors of an adjoining hall were also pushed open to ensure that the place would not end up being too crowded. In addition, the buffet was supposedly arranged outside in the garden, ensuring an open atmosphere for those who wanted to enjoy the outdoors. "Your mother outdid herself it seems." Ayla could only remark at the arrangements. The place itself lacked nothing, but the dull white fabric of the sheer curtains only added to the charm of it. Especially combined with floral arrangements which added color to the atmosphere. "She does not take this lightly." Claude shook his head, reminiscing about all the past events that were arranged by her. "But this i
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"First of all, I would like to thank you for taking time from your routine. It's an honour for me to have you all here with me as I share my happiness with the world."Claude continued speaking into the microphone as soon as he managed to get everyone's attention. His arm has slid down the curve of Ayla's back, making sure to not let go of her."Please, give me the honor of introducing this beautiful lady." He gently nudged Ayla forward before pressing his lips to the side of her head."Most of you must have already recognized her as Ayla Lawrence. But today, I am here to introduce her as someone else. Ayla Atkinson." His words washed over the whispers going around in the room, their eyes going wide in shock."You heard me right." Claude continued, confirming their suspicions. "This gorgeous woman is now my wife. We tied the knot last weekend." He finished off before turning h
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The last words that left the lady's mouth were all that took for Ayla to lose her calm. She clenched her palms into fists as she took a step closer to the counter. "Rachel, is it?" Ayla snuck a glance at the lady's name badge. "Why don't you do as I am asking? Pick up that damn phone and tell your boss that his 'wife' is here to see him." She had no plan of rubbing it into anyone's face, but she would rather do it than get humiliated by some random woman who thought too highly of herself. To her dismay, her words seemed to have no effect on Rachel. She just laughed it off before exchanging a look with her colleague. "If you are our boss's wife, then I am a celebrity." Rachel burst into a fit of giggles, getting the attention of the people passing by. "But both of us know that it's nothing but crap. So, I suggest you leave right now and find some other place where you can actually pull this off." She added haughtily while looking down on Ayla
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"Are you crazy?" It was Ayla who broke the silence."What do you think you are doing here?" She couldn't help but detest the lady. If she was there to talk, could she not do it in a civilized manner?"Who do you think you are to question me?" Nova scoffed. "You are a good for nothing girl who got lucky. Landing such a big fish as Claude isn't easy. I have to say I admire your courage." She eyes Ayla up and down before rolling her eyes."Nova! Behave." Claude interrupted before Ayla could reply. "Whatever you have to say, say it to me. Keep Ayla out of it." For the last ten minutes he had been doing nothing but tolerating her, both her and her uncouth mouth. But there was no way he was going to watch her humiliate Ayla.His words only acted as a catalyst for her anger. "Aww… aren't you being a darling husband here?" It was clearly sarcasm which laced her words. "But can she be a wife to a man like you? I mean look at how she'
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"Because it looks like I interrupted something important."Her frown was the only thing which Claude could see but the helplessness which filled her eyes was enough of a giveaway for him. She was feeling guilty for interrupting their meeting. Well, it was more of a tour now. The actual meeting had already been wrapped up a while ago. It was what had Claude believing that her interruption was not going to have any repercussions. Even if there were any, he didn't care."It's fine. Don't worry." Claude rubbed his hand up and down her back to calm her down. Turning his attention to the group, he began. "Apologies for the interruption everyone, but let me introduce you all to my girlfriend." He was smart enough to not announce her name to the team. Though he wondered where Ayla was going with the secrecy."I am sure she must have a name." It was Mr. D'Souza who spoke up. There was a small smile playing acros
