Chapter 5 The Most Miserable Bride In The World

Anthony bolted from his own wedding, and then there were photos of him and Delilah sharing a close embrace.

Overnight, Claudia became a laughingstock, mocked by everyone in town.

"I was under the impression they had a solid bond. They've known each other for about twelve years. It's surprising to find out that Anthony's affection for Claudia was nothing more than a sham and her own delusion."

"Talk about the world's most unfortunate bride, eh? The groom ditches his own wedding and when she pursued him, she ended up in a car crash. She's currently confined in a hospital! That's a massive setback for her, both emotionally and physically!"

"Their marriage was simply for convenience. I question whether Anthony ever harbored feelings for Claudia. They've known each other for an eternity. If Anthony had any sentiments for her, he wouldn't have fled the wedding! I'm starting to think Anthony might be getting back at Claudia intentionally!"

It was evident that whenever Aurora went online, the whole Internet was abuzz with talks about Claudia's miserable fate.

Concerned that Claudia might be deeply affected, Aurora decided to hide her phone and iPad for the day.

Claudia, aware of Aurora's intentions, didn't ask for her phone. Instead, she requested Aurora to relay to her the negative, harsh comments.

Aurora, upon hearing Claudia's request, thought she had lost her mind. "Have you lost it, Cece? They're nothing more than senseless chatter! You don't need to expose yourself to such negativity."

But Claudia maintained her composure. She gazed at Aurora, responding, "How else will I learn from this agonizing experience if I don't confront it?"

It took twelve long years before she finally gathered the courage to move forward. She feared that she would soon forget her pain if she didn't harshly remind herself now.

Aurora felt a pang of sorrow and a wave of melancholy swept over her. "Cece, actually..."

Claudia maintained her tranquil demeanor. "It's alright. Life isn't perfect. Everyone goes through their own struggles."

Acknowledging that she couldn't sway Claudia's decision, Aurora handed her the phone.

She just couldn't bear to read those unkind comments.

Claudia took the phone and opened Twitter.

True enough, the news about her groom running away from their wedding was splattered across the platform.

The comments were vicious. Initially, Claudia felt a pinch, but as she continued reading, it was as if she was peering into a stranger's life. The more she read, the more detached she felt.

In the car crash, Claudia sustained five broken ribs, a fractured left calf, and various contusions on her arms and back. It would take over a month before she could be discharged from the hospital.

Surprisingly, Bennett came to fetch her on her discharge day.

Since the day she came to and made the bold request, Claudia hadn't seen Bennett.

As time passed, she realized her words from that day were absurd.

Upon seeing Bennett again, Claudia felt a pang of embarrassment and guilt.

Bennett, the one responsible for the accident, didn't surprise Jace when he appeared.

Aurora didn't read too much into it either. She saw Bennett as a decent and accountable man to pick Claudia up. After all, Claudia indeed held partial responsibility for the accident.

Jace went to finalize Claudia's hospital discharge after saying hello to Bennett.

Aurora went to compile all of Claudia's medical records, leaving Bennett and Claudia alone in the room.

Claudia's leg fracture hadn't completely healed, and she was seated in a wheelchair.

Looking up to the tall man, she began, "Mr. Dreskin, about the compensation I mentioned before..."

"I've given it some thought."

Bennett interrupted as he squatted down to pick up the blanket she'd dropped. "I've decided to accept your proposal."

Claudia looked at him, stunned. "Mr. Dreskin, I was just..."

His phone suddenly rang, interrupting their conversation. "I'll send someone to collect you tomorrow. We'll head to the City Hall together. I have an emergency at the company, so I must leave." And with that, he left the room abruptly without waiting for her response.