Chapter 98: Chapter 98

Clara doesn't care how many things she does alone. Even a simple reply from the guy never arrives. Continuously, she tries various ways to get that stiff guy to respond to her messages, but it feels futile. There's never a response. She even threatened to bring reporters to cover her visit to her future husband's office, but Vino... seriously, if there's one guy that woman hates the most, Vino's name is at the very top.

He's the one who shields her boss from all disturbances; her prospective husband.

Canceling the wedding event when all the preparations have reached about 85% is something she never could have imagined. But there's one worst-case scenario among all the preparations she's working on. Sebastian never showed up at the reception where they were supposed to be king and queen for a day. Enjoying the grand party that Clara desired.

Luxurious and glamorous. Just like her taste.

Including the riskiest move, she's made: meeting Larasati and asking for her help. Even though Clara already knows what she'll get, she's not giving up.

"You should be ashamed to meet me again, Clara." Laras places her teacup down with an incredibly slow movement. Her eyes pierce sharply at Clara, who looks uneasy in front of her. Laras actually didn't want to have Clara's visit here, but this beautiful model has been pestering her four times now.

Laras is lucky she has a heart. She hasn't blocked so many of Clara's opportunities in the Indonesian modeling scene.

"But... I need your help, Aunt," Clara says, her voice slightly trembling. Her face bows even more because Laras doesn't lessen the intensity of her gaze.

"What other help do you need? Haven't I supported you enough all this time?"

The beautiful woman falls silent.

"I support all your activities because you... still have a chance to soar high. But you've misunderstood my help, Clara."

There's a brief pause before Laras speaks again. "I'm disappointed."

It feels like Clara was hit by a full-force bomb, which shatters all the remaining strength she had.

"I... I just want to be with Sebastian, Aunt," her voice chokes on each word she speaks. She lacks the courage to lift her gaze and look at her conversational partner.

"If you want to be with Sebastian, did I ever stop you? It's not my right to stop you. Your relationship is none of my business," Laras sips her tea again. Feeling how the sweetness caresses the tip of her tongue once more. "Have I not given you a warning? Obsession and love are different, Clara. Reflect on your feelings for a moment. Because love always knows where it's headed." Laras promptly closes the conversation with an annoying creaking sound. From the way the woman moves her chair and then strides into the big house.

Leaving Clara silent. Trying to absorb Laras's final words, which she herself is about to find an answer to. "I love Sebastian, Aunt. Why is it always called obsession?"

Remembering her failed plea for help from Laras, Clara lets out a quiet sigh once more. Today is her wedding day. Failure is clearly in front of her eyes. All the invitations have been sent out according to her orders. The grand reception venue is ready to be used as the wedding stage. But... everything is just waiting for the moment when Clara will be showered with extraordinary embarrassment because Sebastian still hasn't shown up.

"Is this how you repay everything I've done for you, Sebastian?" One by one, tears roll down. Sitting at the dressing table where she's wearing a white kebaya adorned with luxurious sequins and a graceful wrap-around fabric that hugs her body. Her makeup has been done for ten minutes now.

The murmurs about the groom's absence are clearly audible. There's no way this event can proceed, adding... her luck couldn't be worse. Her parents aren't present either. Everything about Clara's parents is a mystery. And she herself doesn't want many people to know.

Luckily, Laras hasn't decided to revoke her help regarding who Clara's real parents are. If not, Clara is certain that she would be dragged home without any protest. And to get out from behind the high walls of protection again, Clara is sure it would be hard to breach.

Glancing at the Michael Kors watch on her left wrist, in two hours the wedding ceremony will take place. She has to make a decision. Cancel the entire event and quickly settle the payments for this canceled party.

However... what she wants is just for Sebastian to be her husband. Her partner. Then... after a year of being married, she'll leave. Shed the famous name. Sitting politely, serving her chosen husband. Not her parents' choice.

Until...

"Still want to cry?"

She turned without hesitation. Thinking about wiping away her tears, she's not ready for that yet. She gazes at the source of the voice with a blurry vision due to the tears. A navy-blue handkerchief is extended towards her.

"Brides should smile. Your beauty will fade if you keep crying."

Clara snorted in displeasure. "Where's your boss?"

The man, Vino, shrugged. "Maybe... with Fathia."

"Don't mention that damn girl's name here!!!" Clara stood up, ready to pounce on the man who actually chuckled at her anger. What crossed her mind was throwing various objects at that insolent man. And the closest object to Clara right now is a bottle of hairspray. Swiftly, she grabs the bottle and immediately hurls it right at the man.

Fortunately, Vino is quick on his feet. Instead, he restrains Clara, making her shudder in fear. The hand that was holding the bottle is now trapped in Vino's grip. A hand that is tightly held and pinned behind the woman's back.

The scent of Vino's cologne is fully inhaled by Clara. The aura he's emitting is very different from the usual encounters they have at Sebastian's office. No more casualness, no more mischievous grins, and no more playful glances on Vino's face. Everything has been replaced with seriousness and a strong dominance. Corralling Clara without mercy.

"Wipe your tears, Clara. We're getting married."

Clearly, words similar to a whisper act as a trigger for Clara's tense body. Her lips part widely, her eyes wide with disbelief. And when they are face to face, there's no doubt in Vino's gaze at all.

"I'll immediately ask the makeup artist to touch up your makeup." Vino gently strokes Clara's face, which is swollen from crying. "Don't embarrass yourself and Prime Minister Ludwig because you can't put on your best smile."

Prime Minister? Her father? Is he really at this party? That means...

"You...,"

A cunning grin is visible on Vino's not-so-distant face. Especially when he brazenly closes the distance even more. And... Clara feels a brief kiss right on her lips.

"No matter how far you run, I told you, right? I'll definitely catch you." With a dramatic gesture, Vino wipes Clara's lips that are open in astonishment. "Don't tempt me now, Clara. Wait until I say our wedding vows." Then he steps away.

Leaving Clara still in disbelief over what just happened. Also, Vino's words when he's right at the door.

"Ah... I don't need a thank you, as long as you remember, I'm going to be your husband in the future. Not Sebastian."