CHAPTER 47: Happily Ever After

DARREN’s P.O.V.

I didn’t saw her walking down the isle. I didn’t saw her wearing an elegant gown or whatsoever. We didn’t have a grand engagement party, nor a nice venue or a huge crowd for visitors. We didn’t have the wedding everyone’s been dreaming of. But we got married. A simple, yet full of love marriage.

Holding her hand, in front of our few witnesses while we vowed our promises to each other, it is the most amazing feeling I’ve ever had in my whole life. It’s not about how grand the wedding is. It’s about the person whom you’re going to share that moment and the rest of your life with. And if it’s Claire, money doesn’t have a value for she is the most precious treasure that I have.

“You are now officially husband and wife,” the judge announced, after we signed our marriage contract. “You may now kiss your bride, Mr. Herrera.”

I dreamed of seeing ourselves in front of millions of people while I slowly lift the veil in front of her face. But that didn’t happen. Because things turns out to be more amazing than I ever expected. Seeing my wife wearing a simple white dress wasn’t just enough... It was more than that. The feeling is unexplainable. I mouthed I love you before I cupped her face.

“I love you too, Darren,” I heard her whispered.

I slowly lifted her chin, before gently pressing my lips towards her. Her family clap their hands harmoniously as we deepened our kiss, letting them witness how deep our love is towards each other.

“I finally got you. I love you so much, Claire. I wouldn’t let you go again... Not anymore.” I hug her tightly.

“And I’m not going to leave you, so you don’t have to worry, Mr. Herrera.”

“Sure. I trust you, Mrs. Herrera.”

I heard her chuckled before we walk towards her family, who are patiently waiting for us to finish our conversation. Mr. Braganza and I shook hands, same as to Claire’s grandma. Alexa hugged me, and I hugged her back.

“Thank you so much for marrying my sister, Darren! You are now officially my brother!” she beamed, and I chuckled.

“You’re a good kid. Thank you for never loosing your faith on me.”

“Of course!” she proudly stated. “I always knew that Claire and you would be together again someday!”

We all laughed at her sure statements. It was as if she knew that this marriage is going to happen ever since before. I took Cloey from their grandma’s arms before kissing her forehead. I can’t help but to whisper something into her ears even though I knew that she wouldn’t understand it yet.

“You’re going to be an official part of the Herrera legacy. You are my child. And I’m so proud of that. I couldn’t wait to show you to the world and your mother as well. I’m going to love you until my very last breath, Cloey. Daddy is here now. I would never, ever, leave you again... Never.”

I saw Claire pouted as she heard those words. She secretly wiped her tears away as I smiled to her. She looked as beautiful as ever. The white dress suites her so much that I could see the real epitome of the word beauty in her.

“So, what are we waiting for? Let’s celebrate!” Their Dad exclaimed and we happily went outside to head to their grandma’s house.

Dad didn’t know about this marriage. Neither did Elijah, but I haven’t had any regrets for I know that someday we will get married again. And I also promised to my Dad that I will never come back home without my wife. So I decided to marry her first.

“Hey... What are you thinking?” Claire curiously asked.

We are now currently driving on the way to their house. Claire sat on the passenger seat beside me, while Cloey is asleep on her arm. Her Dad, Alexa, and their grandma is in the backseat so I think that they couldn’t heard us that clear.

“Nothing... I was just thinking about Dad and Elijah... I’m pretty sure that they will be surprised when they found out that we are officially married.” She smiled.

“I can’t wait to know their reactions too. Anyways, how is Elijah doing?”

I sighed, before opening the sensitive topic about my best friend. I haven’t told Claire yet that Elijah and Kate has something to do with each other. I don’t want her to be shocked, but I guess she has the right to know about the truth.

“Have I told you before the story about Elijah and Kate?”

“What story? The only thing that I can remember is when you told me that Kate was finally making her own name in terms of fashion industry abroad...”

“Did I told you why? It’s not just because I ran away from our wedding day... It was also because of Elijah.”

“What?! But what does Elijah have to do with Kate leaving? Are you saying that...”

“Elijah like her... I mean, whatever. I’m not that sure. I don’t know the whole story between the two of them.”

“I think they’ve known each since high school. But I’m not sure either. I have no idea that Elijah likes Kate...”

“Well, expect the unexpected. Now I fully understand why he looked terribly wrong on my supposed to be wedding day with Kate. I’m glad I ran away. I know I’ll regret soon and feel guilty if I did that marriage, ruining my friendship with Elijah. And of course, if I did that, I wouldn’t be able to find you... And I wouldn’t know that I already have this cute little angel.”

I gently pinched Cloey’s cheeks.

“Thank you for finding us, Darren. God knows how I wanted to hug you that time when we first met here in New York.” Claire smiled at me.

“The feeling is mutual. I’m so blessed to have you two in my life. The two years of searching was all worth it. I’m so lucky to have you.”

I kissed the back of her hand before focusing my eyes on the road again.

“Elijah should go and talk to Kate as well... You know, just like what you did.” I chuckled.

“Elijah knows where Kate is. The only problem was, he wanted to give her some space. Kate promised that she would be back soon, and Elijah vowed to wait for her.”

“That’s great... Their story deserves to have a happy ending.”

“Yeah.”

When we finally arrived at our destination, we celebrated like there’s no tomorrow. We ate, drank, and everything. Until the night came by. I just found myself laying on the bed with Claire by my side. We are both naked, her head resting on my chest.

“Darren...”

“Hmm?”

“I love you.” I chuckled, as I remember this scenario that happened a long time ago.

“What?” she asked curiously before looking at me.

“Nothing. I just remembered something. The first time we slept together. I wasn’t been able to answer your confession because I’m saving it for something special...”

“Yeah. I thought you didn’t love me that time,” she whispered before scooting her body closer towards mine.

“But I do... Until now, Claire. I still love you. And I will never stop loving you until my very last breathe.”

She looked up, before giving me a quick kiss on my lips.

“Can I ask you something?” I seriously stare deep into her eyes.

“You can ask me anything...”

I smiled to her, before saying another word.

“Would you come home with me, Mrs. Herrera?”

She blinked several times, trying to process the words I just stated. She then smiled, before pulling me closer for another kiss.

“Of course I will! I love you!” I chuckled at her response, before pulling her for a tight embrace. Now I can say that we are finally living in our story’s happily ever after.