Seeing the bank card, Clarissa was taken aback.
She had thought Luana, after repaying Cline a million dollars, wouldn't have much money left.
She had even considered giving Luana some money, but to her surprise, Luana had saved a sum for her.
It must have been from scrimping and saving, not indulging in any luxuries, that Luana had managed to set aside this money.
Clarissa touched Luana's cheek, "Luana, I'm sorry."
Luana smiled back, "I have a high annual salary and don't spend much. I can save this money. Just take it."
Clarissa pushed the bank card away, "I can't accept this. It's your money. I can't."
Knowing Clarissa wouldn't accept, Luana didn't insist further but instead directly placed the card into Clarissa's box.
Clarissa tried to stop her, but Luana pushed her away.
Clarissa sighed, "Luana, why are you so stubborn?"
After locking the box, Luana turned and hugged Clarissa's arm, acting coquettishly.
"You've taken care of me since we were young. I've never done anything for you. Please take this as a token of my appreciation as your younger sister."
Clarissa still disagreed, feeling Luana had it tough enough without taking her money.
But Luana insisted, and Clarissa had no choice but to temporarily accept the card, planning to return it to Luana's room on her wedding day. She believed she couldn't take Luana's hard-earned money no matter what.
After tidying up some belongings, they lay on the same bed in one room, just like in their youth, applying face masks and dreaming about the future.
Clarissa talked about Luana's marriage, saying it was good she had parted ways with Cline. A man of such high status who wouldn't marry an ordinary woman.
She advised Luana to find another man.
She also mentioned their small apartment as their pre-marital property, a place to retreat to if either of them faced difficulties in their future families.
This apartment was their stronghold, a place to shelter from life's storms, and with it, they had nothing to fear.
Luana responded to Clarissa's words, trying her best not to reveal any signs of her condition.
Holding Clarissa's arm, she felt satisfied.
With a friend who cared so much for her, even if fate decided to take her life prematurely, she would have no regrets.
She slept peacefully, hugging Clarissa as she did in their childhood—it was the most peaceful night's sleep she'd had in days.
Time flew by, and soon it was Clarissa's wedding day.
Luana felt a bit reluctant to see Clarissa leave but knew Clarissa's life would now include her family.
So she hid her reluctance and busied herself happily with the wedding preparations.
After the makeup artist arrived and finished their work, photographers took many pictures in the house, capturing Albert's arrival to pick up the bride.
They first held the wedding ceremony at a church.
Clarissa had no family. Only the orphanage director attended to give her away.
The church was filled with Albert's family and friends.
The wedding theme was romantic starry sky, with lighting that created an ambiance of a star-filled night.
The T-stage was adorned with countless roses, and beside them, par lights, floor lights, and spotlights twinkled like starlight.
Clarissa, dressed in a white wedding gown, stood at one end of the T-stage, with star lights casting a glow on her as if she was in the Milky Way, shining brightly.
Watching Clarissa at that moment, tears welled up in Luana's eyes. Clarissa, who had been by her side for half her life, was now handing herself over to Albert.
From this moment on, Clarissa would start a new Chapter in her life, and Luana would have no regrets.
The wedding proceeded under the priest's guidance to the ring exchange segment.
Just as Albert was about to slip the diamond ring onto Clarissa's finger, an ill-timed voice shattered the festive atmosphere—
"Such a grand wedding, and I wasn't invited?"
A dozen bodyguards in black suits entered through the doors, parting the crowd.
Travis strolled in with his hands in his trousers' pockets, disrupting the solemnity.
The guests, witnessing this entourage, fell silent in fear.
Clarissa and Albert stood in shock.
At the sight of Travis, Luana's face turned deathly pale.
She thought he wouldn't come but here he was, crashing the wedding. Fearing he would ruin the ceremony, she quickly rose from her seat and approached him.
"Mr. Elan," Luana intercepted Travis, who was heading towards the T-stage, and said, "The contract has been signed. I will give it to you tonight."