The church buzzed with chatter as the crowd began to disperse, their faces glowing with joy and excitement. Jaxton, tall and commanding, guided Aneira down the altar, his hand resting protectively at the small of her back. She felt the warmth of his touch, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her. Her heart raced as she took in the faces of friends and family, but one face caught her attention more than others. It was Aiden Grigoras.
She has heard about her brother, but had never seen him, not even his pictures. Seeing him at her wedding, she felt so warm and happy. She wanted to go to him, but Haisley and Henry approached, their expressions a mix of pride and apprehension. Sophia followed reluctantly, a frown marring her otherwise polished features.
"Congratulations, my love!" Haisley exclaimed, her arms opening wide as she enveloped Aneira in a heartfelt hug. Tears welled in her eyes, threatening to spill over. For the past twenty-three years, she had been denied the chance to love her daughter as she had always dreamed, unable to carry her or breastfeed her. Now, seeing Aneira standing before her, all grown up and married, filled her with overwhelming sadness and guilt. "I'm so sorry. You had to suffer this way because of us."
Aneira's heart twisted at the sight of her mother's tears. She felt conflicted, torn between anger and understanding. A part of her had believed that Haisley had hated her for being forced into this marriage with Jaxton, but in this moment, she realised that they all wanted the best for her.
Before she could respond, Aiden, her elder brother stepped forward, his presence commanding attention. He approached with a mixture of excitement and determination. He had seen Aneira in pictures but had been eagerly anticipating their meeting. "Aneira," he said, his voice warm and welcoming. "This is my first time seeing you in person. I'm sorry for not making it here on time. Congratulations"
Aneira's heart swelled at the sight of her brother, and despite the fact that this was their first meeting, she felt an instant connection. "Aiden," she breathed, a smile breaking through her earlier tension. "Thank you. I'm so glad you are here. I've heard so much about you."
As they shared a brief but meaningful embrace, Aneira caught a glimpse of Sophia nearby, her expression twisted in frustration. Trying to gain attention, she sidled closer to Aiden, leaning in with feigned familiarity. "Aiden," she said with a saccharine tone, "isn't this just lovely? This is your first time meeting Aneira. We should celebrate together."
But Aiden barely acknowledged her, his focus solely on Aneira. "I'm so happy for you, baby sis," he said, his eyes shining with sincerity.
Seeing Aiden's indifference toward her, Sophia's jaw tightened. She could feel the jealousy bubbling beneath the surface. "I'm the one who should be in the spotlight today," she muttered under her breath, trying to mask her irritation.
Jaxton, standing beside them, cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. He didn't feel comfortable with Aneira in Aiden's arms. He pulled his wife closer as he wrapped his arms around her waist protectively. "I promise to take good care of Aneira," he said, his voice firm and reassuring. "She's in good hands."
Haisley nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and worry. But before anyone could respond, Sophia stepped forward, trying to assert herself. "I'm Sophia Grigoras, the daughter of the Grigoras family, too," she announced, attempting to garner Jaxton's attention.
Jaxton turned slightly, his expression unfazed. "I only know Aneira as the Grigoras' only daughter," he replied smoothly, a hint of a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "That's why I chose her."
Sophia's face flushed with embarrassment, her anger flaring beneath the surface. She fought to maintain her composure, but the sting of rejection was evident. Henry, sensing the tension, tried to diffuse the situation. "Sophia is also our daughter, Jaxton," he said, attempting to smooth the air. "We're a family."
Jaxton nodded, but his gaze remained fixed on Aneira, leaving Sophia feeling small and insignificant. The moment felt heavy with unsaid words, the tension palpable.
As they stepped outside into the crisp air, Jaxton's hand remained at the small of Aneira's back, guiding her toward the awaiting cars. But as they approached, Aneira heard Sophia's voice rise above the rest.
"Aiden! Wait for me! I want to leave with you!" she called out, her tone too eager, too forced.
But Aiden stopped, his expression firm. "No, Sophia. You should go with your own car," he replied, the finality in his voice unmistakable.
Aneira caught a glimpse of the frustration on Sophia's face, the way her hands clenched into fists. As Jaxton led her away, Aneira glanced back at the scene unfolding behind her, wondering if Aiden and Sophia were truly as close as she had assumed.
"Ready to go?" Jaxton asked, turning to her, his blue eyes warm and inviting.
With a nod, she took a deep breath, feeling a flicker of hope amidst the uncertainty.
As they stepped into the car, Aneira settled in beside Jaxton, her mind racing. The day had been overwhelming, but the reality of her new life began to sink in. Aneira looked down at her hands, now adorned with the delicate diamond ring that marked her as Jaxton Haydra's wife. It felt surreal, like a dream she had stumbled into without warning. Just a while ago, she had walked down the aisle as a bride, surrounded by her family, yet now everything felt different.
As she settled into the plush seat of the car, the weight of her new title settled over her like a warm blanket. Mrs. Haydra. The words echoed in her mind, a mixture of excitement and confusion. She was now part of a world she had never truly understood, bound to a man whose very name commanded respect and admiration.
Her heart fluttered at the thought of Jaxton. He had promised to take care of her, to cherish her, but there was still a part of her that was wary. Would she fit into this new role? Would she find her place beside him?
She was no longer just Aneira Patal… No Aneira Grigoras; she was now Aneira Haydra, the wife of Jaxton Haydra