Chapter 207: "Pampering Her, Loving Her"

**Bridal Photography Studio**

"Mrs. Zeller, do you prefer a Western-style gown with a trailing hem or a traditional, elegant Chinese-style wedding dress?" The owner of the photography studio personally helped Claire Grace select her wedding dress for the photoshoot.

"Claire, I think you'd look stunning in either style. Why not go for both? That way, you can capture all the memories," suggested Lauren Wells, who accompanied Claire.

"But that's so much hassle," Claire murmured with a slight frown. 

Last night, Lucas had suddenly announced the wedding photoshoot without prior notice. This morning, he even canceled her ad shoot on short notice, leaving her feeling guilty toward the crew.

"You're worried about hassle? If my slightly rounded belly weren't ruining the look, I'd love to retake my photos!" Lauren said, patting her stomach. "I think Lucas rushed you into this because he's worried you won't want to take pictures once your belly starts to show. He feels the wedding wouldn't be complete without them."

"But the wedding is only happening once Mom and Dad are back, so there's no rush," Claire replied.

"Claire, you're barely a week past confirming your pregnancy, and it's been less than 40 days since your last cycle. Trust me, once you hit three months like me and your appetite grows, your belly will pop out fast." Lauren spoke with the authority of experience. "You should find time for Lucas to take you to the doctor for a proper check-up. Make sure everything's fine with the baby."

"Okay." Claire nodded, glancing at the white gown in the owner's hands. "I'll try this one first."

"Claire, you try that on. I'll call Lucas to see if he's on his way," Lauren said.

"Sure." Claire took the gown and headed toward the VIP fitting room.

---

"Sorry, I'm late!" Lucas Zeller's voice resonated through the room, his dark eyes immediately finding Claire's familiar figure. She didn't even flinch.

"Hey, did you come alone?" Lauren asked suddenly.

Lucas shifted his gaze toward her. "Roy is handling some business. Lauren, thank you for keeping Claire company. Why don't you take a break?"

"You ditched my husband at work? I'm going to check on him now since I'm off today. Since you're here, my job's done. I'll head out!" Lauren said, directing the last sentence to Claire.

"Be careful, Lauren," Claire called out, turning to see Lucas watching her with a mix of curiosity and amusement.

"Are you mad at me for not telling you earlier?" Lucas asked as he approached, gently wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "I only decided on this suddenly. Roy mentioned how Lauren's appetite had grown, and her belly popped quickly. I realized we might not have time to do this later without it affecting the wedding."

"But we don't even know when Mom and Dad will be back. If they return in two or three months, my belly will already show. I won't look good in a wedding dress then," Claire replied, pouting slightly.

"They'll be back within a month for my 30th birthday. So, by the time we hold the wedding, you'll still look stunning in your dress," Lucas reassured her.

"Wow, you've thought of everything, haven't you?" Claire exclaimed, finally understanding his urgency.

"Does that mean you're not mad at me anymore?" Lucas asked, tipping her chin up with two fingers and resting his forehead against hers.

"I..." Claire hesitated, glancing at the giggling staff and the owner nearby. With a yelp, she quickly pushed him away and retreated into the fitting room. "I'm trying on the gown! Go pick yours."

But Lucas followed her in.

"Hey, what are you doing? I told you—"

"Just reliving some old sweet memories, alright?" Lucas teased, leaning in to plant a kiss on her cheeks.

"Ugh, I knew you'd mess around if you came in!" Claire protested, recalling their playful past. Back then, he'd tease her mercilessly during fitting sessions. But, truthfully, his roguish smirk had always been memorable.

"Claire, I find you more captivating every day," Lucas murmured, his deep, magnetic voice pulling her from her thoughts.

"Huh? What did you—ah! You—" Claire's words were cut off as Lucas deftly removed her outerwear, leaving her flustered. "Do you even realize where we are? This is a fitting room in someone else's store!"

"What are you thinking, sweetheart?" Lucas chuckled, his lips curving into a mischievous grin. "I'm just helping you into your wedding dress. Did you think I'd—"

"Huh?" Claire blinked, realizing her misunderstanding.

Lucas's laughter filled the room, rich and resonant like a cello's melody. It only made Claire lower her head in embarrassment.

"Claire, I didn't know your mind could be naughtier than mine," he teased, though his gaze softened as it lingered on her porcelain-like skin.

"Enough already!" Claire snapped, her eyes flashing with frustration. "You suddenly barged in and started undressing me—how could I not misunderstand? And now you're laughing at me!"

"Alright, alright. I'm sorry. It's my fault for confusing you. Forgive me, okay? Let's get this dress on, and then you can pick something for me," Lucas coaxed her gently.

"Fine." Claire huffed but couldn't suppress a smile. She felt a twinge of guilt for overreacting and leaned up to kiss him lightly. "Sorry, Lucas."

"Dummy," he murmured, tapping her nose with a doting smile. His face brimmed with love and affection.