Page 33 of Christmas with Billionaire's Runaway Bride

The memory of what was supposed to be the most beautiful day, our happiest moment, is etched in my mind like a haunting echo. Instead of joy and celebration, it unfolded as a series of inexplicable scenarios, leading to the irrevocable loss of the love of my life – the one to whom I had given my heart, yet also the one I had mistreated in the worst way possible.

The contrast between the anticipated joy of our wedding day and the stark reality of its unraveling remains a poignant reminder of the irreversible consequences of my actions. The echoes of that day serve as a haunting testament to the price paid for my selfishness and the profound impact it had on the person I once vowed to cherish and protect. The most beautiful day became a tragic turning point, marking the end of a love story that held both promise and betrayal in its fragile embrace.

On that fateful day, preparations were in full swing as the guests streamed in for the Mehndi celebration, a cherished pre-wedding ritual in Hindu culture. The air was thick with anticipation, and the vibrant festivities that should have symbolized the beginning of a new chapter in our lives were overshadowed by an unspoken tension.

As intricate henna designs adorned hands and laughter filled the air, the underlying turmoil cast a shadow over the joyous occasion. The clash between the outward celebration and the internal struggles mirrored the conflicting emotions that had woven their way into the fabric of our relationship. Little did we know that this auspicious ceremony would become a symbol of both hope and heartbreak, marking the precipice of a journey that was about to take an unexpected turn.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Mehndi

The tension between Claire and me had somewhat subsided, and she appeared to be in good spirits. However, the previous night, I had noticed her late into the night. As preparations for the Mehendi ceremony unfolded smoothly, an unexpected disruption occurred when my mother walked into my dressing room accompanied by a girl they desired me to marry. Adorned in traditional Hindu attire, she presented a mesmerizing sight.

Frustrated by my mother's attempt to interfere, I tolerated the presence of the prospective match for a few minutes before asking her to leave, requesting a moment alone with my mother. In the ensuing confrontation, my anger boiled over as I expressed my frustration at my mother's persistent attempts to sabotage the day. In the heat of the moment, I uttered words that should never have been said, drawing attention from those present.

Among the witnesses was Claire, who looked at me with pain in her eyes. She remained silent, retreating to her dressing room to prepare for the ceremony. As we headed to the event, the unthinkable occurred—Claire walked out without looking back. To this day, her absence remains an enduring mystery, and I have not laid eyes on her since that heart-wrenching moment.

The Mehendi ceremony, meant to be a joyous celebration, became a stage for a heart-wrenching departure. As we approached the venue, the absence of Claire weighed heavily, casting a somber shadow over the festivities. Her decision to walk away without a backward glance left me in a state of disbelief and regret.

The aftermath of that tumultuous day marked the beginning of a painful period of searching and longing. Despite my efforts to locate Claire and mend the rift, she seemed to have vanished, leaving no trace of her whereabouts. The once vibrant and promising journey toward our wedding day had unraveled into an enigma of loss and unanswered questions.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, yet Claire remained elusive. The echoes of that pivotal moment lingered, serving as a constant reminder of the irreversible consequences of my actions. The void left by her absence and the unspoken pain etched in her eyes haunted me, a testament to the fragility of love when tested by misunderstanding and hasty words.

In the absence of closure, I continued to grapple with the weight of what transpired on what should have been the happiest day of our lives. The search for Claire became not only a quest for reconciliation but also a journey of self-discovery, prompting me to confront the flaws within myself that contributed to the unraveling of a love that once held boundless promise.

As time marched forward, my initial quest for reconciliation transformed into a toxic blend of anger, pain, and a vengeful desire. In the wake of my success as a renowned doctor with wealth and fame, I harbored a misguided belief that Claire would yearn for my return and the mending of our fractured relationship. Simultaneously, a darker motivation fueled by bitterness led me down a path of seeking retribution, hoping to inflict suffering upon her.

What I hadn't anticipated was the extent of Claire's resilience and newfound success. As a wealthy and accomplished individual with thriving businesses and renowned companies, I assumed my influence would easily sway her. However, to my surprise, Claire had blossomed into a mesmerizing, confident figure who seemed to attract admiration from all corners. She had become a metaphorical flower in full bloom, captivating attention and thriving in a way that defied the expectations I had constructed in my quest for revenge.

The realization that Claire had flourished without me fueled a complex mix of emotions—envy, regret, and a recognition of the irreversibility of the past. In my pursuit of vengeance, I failed to grasp the depth of her resilience and the possibility that the flourishing flower I once knew had grown beyond the reach of my influence.

******

The following day, fueled by a renewed determination, I rise early and meticulously prepare myself for a visit to the Michael Corporation. The intention is clear – I want to see Claire up close, to make my presence known in her newfound domain. As expected, it doesn't take long for me to be ushered into a private conference room that Michael and a select few use.

As the door swings open, Michael strides in first, exuding an air of authority. Moments later, Claire enters, radiating confidence and grace. The sight of her momentarily seizes my breath, a surge of conflicting emotions wrestling within me. Yet, I swiftly collect myself, redirecting my focus to the revenge plan that had taken root in my mind.

In that conference room, amidst the polished ambiance, the atmosphere crackles with an unspoken tension, a silent battlefield where my desire for retribution clashes with the reality of Claire's newfound success. The stakes are high, and as the meeting unfolds, the complexities of emotions and motives play out in the silent dance between us.

As I step into the Michael Corporation, I catch sight of Claire, and she freezes upon seeing me. It secretly pleases me that my unexpected presence has taken her aback. Michael, who's typically attentive, seems to be in a sour mood today and pays little attention to Claire.

Unexpectedly, Claire composes herself swiftly and calls out my name, greeting me as if we've been in constant communication. It's as if our complicated history is erased in that moment. She waits for my response, and after a beat, I manage to murmur a greeting.

She follows suit with a cheerful tone, saying, "Dev," with a happy expression that seems a bit forced.

I resist the urge to respond in kind and instead choose to observe the unfolding scene. Colleagues acknowledge Claire's presence, greeting her with familiar inquiries.

I decide to play along, answering, "It has been long too far. I am glad that you and your boss will be handling business with me..." Claire, seemingly unfazed, continues the charade, inquiring about my preferences as if our shared history carries no weight.

A mix of hurt and anger simmers within me. How can she behave like everything is normal? I question myself, realizing I had no clear expectations of how she should act. To maintain composure, I request a simple glass of cold water, and she nods, bowing her head before leaving the conference room.

As business discussions commence, Claire remains conspicuously absent. Michael, expecting her presence, keeps looking around for her. The unspoken tension lingers, leaving me to navigate this unexpected reunion in the professional realm.

Presenting my proposal directly to Michael proves to be a swift process. Despite my attempts to prolong the meeting, it becomes evident that Michael is occupied and likely heading to another engagement. The anticipation of encountering Claire again fades as I realize she won't make a reappearance.

Satisfied with the successful accomplishment of the day's mission, I decide to take my leave. The lingering tension from our brief interaction leaves me reflecting on the complexity of emotions surrounding this unexpected reunion within the professional realm.

Chapter Thirty-Three

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