A proud smile spread across Chris's face as he approached the girls and offered his hand.
Lucy took it, shy yet coquettish, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear a small gesture that drew a few raised eyebrows around the room. Natalie gave her a quick scold, then stepped forward to shake Chris's hand with a shy smile of her own.
"Hi," Chris greeted Kayden, who nodded back with a polite, "Hi."
Vera and Joanna came down the stairs, Jayden trailing behind. They had been engrossed in catching up and only now noticed the man in the living room.
"Good evening, ma'am," Chris said with a small bow. Vera's face softened into a smile.
"Good evening, Mum," Bella replied, then hurried into the hug waiting for her aunt. "Aunt Ana, I missed you," she said, arms wrapped tightly around Joanna.
"I missed you too, my darling," Joanna returned, hugging Bella close.
"How's Bianca?" Vera asked, eyes worried. Bella let go of her aunt to answer.
"She's fine now," Bella said.
"And the baby?" Jayden asked anxiously.
"The baby is fine too. The doctor said Bianca bled from shock they've asked her to rest." Bella reassured them.
Vera stepped forward and took Chris's hand, smiling up at him; he towered over her by a good margin.
"You chose to announce to the whole world that my daughter is your girlfriend," Vera said, half-joking, half-serious. "If you ever break her heart, I swear I'll kill you myself." A fond, warning smirk softened the words.
Chris smiled and squeezed her hand. "You don't have to worry. I won't break her heart."
His phone buzzed in his pocket. He ignored it at first, but when it rang again Vera gestured for him to pick up. The caller ID read Claret; he answered immediately.
"Speak," he said, his tone cooling.
"Sir, Mr. and Mrs. Hampson are here; they arrived a few minutes ago," Claret reported.
"All right. I'll be there in thirty minutes." Chris hung up, apologised to Vera, gave a quick bow, waved to the twins and the cousins, then left. He planted a peck on Bella's lips on the doorstep before heading to his car.
At Romero
Twenty-eight minutes later, Chris stood before his parents in their living room. He kissed his mother's cheek.
"Oh my goodness, Chris, you've lost weight — you look thin. Is Claret starving you, or did that girl make you this way?" Cassandra fussed, using concern as her excuse to bring up Bella.
"Mom, she has a name," Chris replied. "And I haven't lost a pound, so stop being dramatic." He shrugged off his jacket.
"Why are you here so late?" he asked, glancing between them.
"Your mother wanted to make sure you were in your right senses when you announced it on national TV," Fred said, patient but concerned.
Chris gave a half-smile. "I would've said it eventually. Why not now?"
Cassandra's temper flared. "Do you know how you made me look to my friends? I can't allow you to marry that girl. She's a nobody you can date her, but she'll never be my daughter-in-law."
"Sweetheart, we discussed this," Fred tried, disappointed.
"Stay out of it," Cassandra snapped at her husband, voice cutting. "I'm talking to my son. So shut the—" Her outburst stunned both Fred and Chris; Chris had never heard his mother speak to his father that way.
"Mom, calm down," Chris said, pleading gently. "I love Bella. You can't change that. I've let you make lots of decisions for me, but not this one. I won't let you pick my partner."
"If you love her, I'll make her disappear. That much I promise." Cassandra stood, grabbed her bag, and stormed out of the apartment.
Chris watched her go anger and exhaustion shadowing his features but his resolve didn't waver. He had told the world the truth. Now he would protect it.
Chris and Fred stood frozen, mouths slightly agape after Cassandra's words.
She'd make Bella disappear? The thought slammed into Chris like a knife. He clenched his jaw, his chest tightening.
Fred saw the fear flicker in his son's eyes. Quietly, he stepped closer and rubbed Chris's arm, grounding him.
"I'll talk to her," Fred said gently.
Chris exhaled and nodded once. "Thanks, Dad."
Fred offered a reassuring smile. "Anything for you, son." Then he walked out, leaving Chris to his storm of thoughts.
At the Walter Residence
That morning was bright with expectation. It was Vera's wedding day. The house buzzed with family, friends, and bridesmaids arriving. Lillian, Alexia, Nadia, and Liam had already made it. Bianca arrived soon after with Austin, Tatiana, and her father, Ademide.
Upstairs, Vera sat in front of the mirror while her makeup artist finished the last touches. Her reflection almost startled her flawless foundation, soft eyeshadow, rosy cheeks. Her hair had been swept up into an elegant bridal bun, crowned with a delicate tiara that made her look like a queen. At forty-nine, Vera glowed with a beauty that could rival any thirty-year-old bride.
Her gown was simple yet breathtaking. The fitted bodice hugged her curves, the fabric sculpting her frame with grace, while the skirt flowed into a soft ball shape from the knee down. On her feet, a pair of elegant two-inch bridal heels peeked out when she moved.
Tatiana entered just as the stylist stepped away. The moment her eyes landed on her best friend in full bridal regalia, tears welled instantly.
"Vee," Tatiana gasped, half laughing, half crying. "You look... so beautiful."
Vera blinked rapidly, trying to hold her own tears back. She tilted her face up, sniffing to save her makeup. "Thank you," she whispered.
"Joe is so lucky," Tatiana added with a grin.
Vera smiled softly. "I'm lucky to have him too." Her expression faltered. "I just... wish Mum was here."
Tatiana squeezed her hand. "She'd be proud. And I know she's happy, wherever she is, seeing you happy."
Raquel burst into the room moments later, stopping dead in her tracks.
"Mom!" she squealed, eyes wide. "You look... oh my God, you look like a princess!" She ran into Vera's arms, hugging her tight.
"Thank you, baby. You look gorgeous too." Vera's voice trembled with joy.
Then Bella entered, radiant in her bridesmaid's dress the same cut as Raquel's and Tatiana's, though in a slightly different colour. Vera blinked, realising it wasn't coincidence.
"You're all wearing the same dress?" she asked with a smile.
"Mum, are you sure you're forty-nine and not thirty?" Bella teased, eyes shining. "You're too beautiful."
The twins arrived next, striding in proudly in matching tuxedos black suits with cream polos, maroon bow ties, and pocket squares. Their eyes widened when they saw their mother.
"O... M... G," Kayden muttered.
"You're too beautiful for forty-nine," Jayden said warmly.
"I told her the same," Bella chimed in, grinning.
Natalie, Luciana, and little Jeremy came in soon after. Bella had arranged matching outfits for them just yesterday dresses for the girls and a tuxedo for Jeremy, identical to the twins.
Vera finally pieced it together. Everyone was coordinated. Everyone matched. She didn't need anyone to explain who her maids of honour were. The sight overwhelmed her.
"Mum, we need to go. It's already ten," Bella reminded gently after checking her phone.
At the Venue
Joe and his family were already seated in the hall, anxiously waiting. Joe hadn't seen Vera in two days. His younger brother Richard noticed how restless he was and gave his shoulder a firm pat.
"Relax," Richard chuckled. "Your bride isn't going to run away."
Joe cracked a small smile.
The hall gleamed with cream and maroon decor. Flowers lined the aisle, chairs arranged neatly in rows, a perfect mix of class and warmth.
The officiating minister stepped up, voice steady and solemn.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to witness the wedding ceremony of Miss Vera Walter and Mr. Joe Anderson..."
The music swelled softly in the background as the doors opened for the bride.