Marriage (2)

Greg's unbearable aura instantly evaporated into thin air and the stoic look on his face cracked into a smile.

Greg's eyes landed on Valerie's dress. It was a beautiful, simple yet elegant white knee-length lace gown. The delicate lace fabric hugged her figure, accentuating her curves in a subtle yet flattering way.

The dress had a classic round neckline and short sleeves, adding to its understated charm. The lace pattern was intricate, with tiny florals and scallops that added texture and visual interest to the overall design.

The dress fell just above her knees, showcasing her straight, long legs, complementing her overall silhouette. The simplicity of the dress showcased Valerie's natural beauty, making her look radiant, stylish, sophisticated, and exquisite.

"Uncle Greg!" Ruby's voice pulled him out of his stupor and he beamed at her.

Ruby was a tiny vision in white, her white dress a miniature version of elegance, with a full skirt that twirled around her knees as she moved.

The dress was adorned with tiny, delicate flowers and a subtle sheen that caught the light. But it was Ruby's face that truly stole the show - her bright, sparkling eyes shone like diamonds, and her deep dimples winked in and out as she smiled, giving her an irresistibly cute and mischievous look.

Her curly hair bounced with each step, framing her face with a soft, golden halo. Overall, Ruby looked like a tiny, cherubic angel, full of joy and life.

Greg closed the distance and scooped up Ruby, who planted a soft kiss on his cheek and beamed.

"Good morning! Did you wait long? Don't blame Mommy, it was my fault, I took too long to pick out beautiful dresses for Mommy and me. How do we look?"

Greg quickly replied, "You look cute and your mommy looks…" Greg's eyes shifted to Valerie and his heart skipped a beat, his voice trailed off. Valerie was glaring at him.

Valerie stood there, glaring daggers at Greg and Ruby, lost for words.

Yesterday, when Greg made them wait for over thirty minutes under the sun, the same Ruby had told her off for worrying about time. However, now, she was pleading and explaining when they weren't even late!

How could her own daughter treat her so unfairly?

"Wow, Ruby, I didn't realize you had double-standards."

"Mommy, don't be jealous, Uncle Greg is very handsome. Do you want other women to take him away? He probably had many Aunties staring at him as he stood here. Be more protective of my friend, Mommy."

Valerie's jaw dropped. Was her daughter calling her ugly? In her daughter's eyes, was she still considered her bestfriend and everything? She was already going against her now because she found a daddy?

"Hah, Ruby, Ruby, you've left me speechless. You've opened my eyes."

Ruby grinned and ignored her mother, then held Greg's face and kissed his forehead. "Don't take Mommy seriously, she's very cute when she's being petty."

Greg suppressed a laugh, cleared his throat and greeted, "Good morning, Miss Valerie. I trust you had a splendid night?"

"Don't gloat, you aren't all that good looking," she rolled her eyes, pretending to be upset. Of course, he looked outrageously good-looking!

Greg chuckled, "You look beautiful."

Valerie's cheeks flushed as she replied, "You don't look bad yourself."

Greg looked dashing in his sleek black suit and crisp white undershirt. His hair was perfectly styled, framing his handsome face and accentuating his forehead.

The scent of his cologne smelled rich and manly, urging her to get closer and closer to him; a total seduction.

He must have burnt a good amount of cash just for this marriage, she thought.

Valerie nodded to herself. She was pleased that he placed importance on their marriage and didn't disappoint her with his outfit.

His suit looked tailored and fit perfectly, bringing out the overbearing aura he had tried to suppress the other day.

Had she not known him, she would have mistaken him for a bigshot.

She suddenly felt a butterfly feeling in her stomach and swallowed, pulling herself out of her reverie, only to catch Greg also staring at her, his eyes hazy.

She cleared her throat and asked, rudely pulling him back from daydreaming. "What do you think about the contract terms?"

Greg blinked and handed her the file he was holding, "I've signed it; I agree with all your terms."

Ruby smiled broadly and threw her hands in the air, "Yaay! Let's go and get married!"

Valerie and Greg couldn't hold back their laughter as they headed inside the building.

About half an hour later, the two had signed the marriage document and were officially married! Ready to leave, Ruby kicked against it.

"Everybody, please move away, my parents want to take some pictures!" The child's cute voice cut through the air as she pulled her parents to a photographer.

The few couples they met couldn't help but be amazed and charmed by the child that they let her and her parents cut through the line.

"Aww, such a cute child."

"She's so excited about her parents getting married."

"Her parents look good together."

Ruby was overjoyed when she heard the praises. Her eyes glowed, "Yes, they are a match made in heaven!"

With Ruby in the middle, the family of three took some heartwarming pictures that left even the photographer smiling from ear to ear.

Every other picture he took after that left him feeling gloomy, because he couldn't achieve the chemistry and joy in the ones he took of Valerie, Ruby, and Greg.

The couple were deeply in love, he thought.

…

Standing by the roadside, waiting for a cab, Greg broke the silence.

"Congratulations to us, Mrs. Sinclair. I may not have much but I promise to scrap the earth with my fingers until they tear, if necessary, to make sure your lifestyle doesn't decrease, but increase.

"I'll try my best to make you the best among your peers. Love and cherish you and our daughter until my last breath."

Ruby's smile widened as she listened to her father proclaim his vows by the roadside, where strangers even had to give them attention.

Valerie was a bit embarrassed but her heart was filled with warmth. She nodded faintly, not standing on ceremony.

"I'll take your words for it. However, you don't have to push yourself beyond limits. I don't want to be a widow at such an early age, nor would Ruby want to be fatherless again."

Ruby quickly nodded, "That's right, daddy, I hate being fatherless."

Greg felt a dull ache in his heart. It was his fault that she didn't grow up with him by her side. He also didn't want to stay away from them anymore.

"Daddy, don't worry about working very hard. Mommy is hardworking and can make a lot of money to take care of us." Ruby added and hugged his legs.

Valerie clicked her tongue. What a betrayer. Didn't they conclude to stay low-key?

As if Greg wasn't aware.

He smiled and said nothing before stopping a taxi to take them to the address James sent to him.

If only he knew the surprise James had in wait for him. He would have allowed James to quit when he proposed it.