Once inside, Clara noted the subtle grace of the house…the polished floors and soft lighting.
Two men stood chatting...a tall gray haired man, and a younger man who looked almost like him...Ethan.
Clara's entrance caught their attention. Polite greetings were exchanged, smiles given, but beneath it all, she sensed the weird glances from Ethan.
At first, dinner was full of awkward glances, but Clara could pick out the warmth of her hosts. Margaret complimented her beauty several times, her voice rich with genuine warmth. Axiel, ever curious, kept Clara busy with questions about her court cases.
"Why did you want to be a lawyer?" he finally asked, eyes wide.
Clara hesitated, then spoke softly. "To help people, people like me. I grew up poor and saw how the system left people behind. I wanted to fight for those who can't afford a good lawyer. That's why I prosecute criminals who hurt the vulnerable."
Mr. Ashford's eyes lit with admiration, though he said nothing.
Axiel smiled and reached out, hugged her again. "I want to be a lawyer too when I grow up."
Ethan shot a warning glance. "Axiel, behave."
Clara caught the hint of a proud smile on Ethan's lips. Maybe this family wasn't as cold as she'd feared.
As they left the dinner table, conversation turned to the wedding.
Margaret asked about the gown fitting. Whether she managed to go. Clara nodded politely. "It went well. I found something I like."
"Who will walk you down the aisle?"
That's when Clara realized she hadn't thought that far.
After a long awkward silence, Mr. Ashford cleared his throat. "I'll be happy to do it."
The offer surprised her, but she found herself smiling.