Part 93

The event concluded swiftly. After the ring exchange, the remaining activities were filled with small talk until all the guests departed for their respective homes. Only the immediate families of Claire and Antony remained, and soon, they, too, returned to their own residences.

Now, Antony and Claire's two older brothers were engaged in a serious business discussion. Gladwin had already returned to his apartment to rest, as he had to work later that night. Meanwhile, Julie Hampton was sulking, hiding in her own room.

Claire didn't want to be seen as a disobedient daughter, allowing her mother to remain angry indefinitely. She needed time to gather her thoughts and find the right words to ask for her mother's forgiveness, hoping Julie would eventually accept the reality that it was time to let Claire make her own choices.

When Antony decided to leave, Claire chose to accompany him. She didn't want to stay home, anticipating the discomfort of facing her mother, especially with her brothers and sisters-in-law present.

As they arrived at Antony's home, Claire's car followed behind Altezza's vehicle. They both stepped out simultaneously, noticing that Altezza and her family had just returned from shopping, the trunk filled with various items.

"Hey, newlyweds!" Altezza called out cheerfully upon spotting Claire and Antony.

Claire approached the parents of her fiancé, embracing them one after the other. She listened as Altezza's mother whispered a prayer for her, gently stroking her hair before kissing her forehead.

"Your wedding is going to be beautiful," the woman said warmly. "I can't wait to help with the preparations."

Claire felt a wave of warmth wash over her, grateful for the support and kindness from Antony's family. It was a stark contrast to the tension she faced at home.

Antony smiled, his arm resting comfortably around Claire's shoulders. "Thanks, Mom. We'll definitely need all the help we can get."

As they entered the house, Claire glanced at Antony, a mixture of excitement and apprehension swirling in her stomach. She knew there were many discussions ahead, both about the wedding and the relationship dynamics between their families.

"Are you okay?" Antony asked, sensing her unease.

"I will be," Claire replied softly. "I just hope my mom can come around."

Antony nodded, understanding the weight of her worries. "We'll handle it together. Just remember, I'm here for you."

His words reassured her, and for the first time that day, Claire felt a sense of calm settle within her.

"I hope you both will always be happy until death separates you." She said sincerely, which inevitably made Claire's heart race with emotion and her eyes suddenly warm.

"Amen," Claire replied softly. Mrs. Delia Quirino showed her maternal smile. The woman grabbed Claire's shoulder and led her into Antony's residence through the back door. Their embrace was broken when Gian—Antony's youngest cousin—shouted loudly that he wanted the future wife of Alteza handed over to him. A playful uproar ensued, and Claire could only watch.

Exciting conversations followed the equally lively commotion in the backyard.

Gian resumed his role as the cheerleader, continuously teasing Alteza and her fiancé. Meanwhile, Claire's niece, Abigail, consistently opposed Gian, making the atmosphere even more lively.

As for Antony, since the moment he left his study with his two cousins, he had never left Claire's side. He was always next to her, never stopping his gentle touches—whether it was wrapping his arm around her shoulder, hugging her waist, or stroking her hair.

When everyone had gone to their respective rooms—except for Alteza, who took Adaline to her apartment—Claire decided to go home. Not to where her mother was, but to her own place. A house she bought with her own money.

"Do you want something to drink?" she offered Antony.

Antony shook his head. He chose to sit on the long sofa and patted the side beside him.

"Come here," the man whispered softly. Claire simply nodded and sat beside him, and in an instant, Antony wrapped his arms around her. Claire rested her head on his chest, which felt surprisingly comforting. "Aren't you happy?" he asked gently, his hand stroking Claire's hair.

"Why?" Claire replied with a question. Why was Antony asking her about this?

"You've seemed sad all night," Antony said, kissing Claire's forehead tenderly. "I know I've disappointed your mother, and even though I know you're happy, you must also feel let down because I've made the woman who gave you life feel this way."

Claire tensed. She lifted her head from Antony's chest and looked at him seriously.

"I'm not disappointed. At least, not about you," she said earnestly. "And I'm not even disappointed because you disappointed my mother. I'm actually disappointed in my mother herself," she said softly.

Claire lowered her head, twisting her delicate fingers.

"Every night I pray that God softens her heart. That He opens her mind and helps her realize that everything she's done to us has been a form of selfishness, not true love. But maybe God hasn't answered my prayers yet, so my mother continues to act this way. And that's what disappoints me," Claire said sincerely.

Antony reached for Claire's shoulders again and kissed her forehead gently.

"I'm sorry," he said. "If only I could have been more patient, maybe we could have won your mother's blessing another way."

Claire chuckled and shook her head against the broad chest of the man. "Not necessarily. Unless you're willing to wait maybe ten or twenty years from now." Claire teased, causing Antony to tense up immediately.

"For God's sake, it's as if you don't even know how old I'll be by then," he said, which only earned a laugh from Claire.