The days leading up to the small wedding ceremony were filled with endless chores forced upon Clara.
Evelyn made sure Clara cleaned every inch of the grand estate while sneering at her poor status.
Yet, every evening after work, Julian would meet Clara near the edge of the quiet garden patio.
He would bring her warm tea and sit with her, listening as she spoke about her father.
Julian: You should not be sweeping floors in a house that belonged to your father.
Clara: It is only temporary, Julian. Once the cottage is safe, I can leave forever.
Julian: You deserve so much more than just escaping with a tiny cottage, Clara.
Clara: Why are you agreeing to go through with this strange arrangement, Julian?
Julian looked down at his calloused hands, a mysterious smile touching the corner of his lips softly.
Julian: Let us just say I do not like seeing bad people take advantage of good ones.
Clara: But this marriage will bind you to a maid with no money or status.
Julian: Status means nothing to me, Clara. Character is the only thing that matters.
Clara felt a warmth spread through her heart that she had not felt since her father died.
She realized that Julian was far more noble and kind than anyone else she had ever met.
On the morning of the wedding, Evelyn handed Clara a plain, faded white dress from a closet.
Evelyn: Put this on. You do not deserve a real wedding gown in this house.
Clara: The dress does not matter to me, Evelyn. My heart is clean.
Evelyn: Save your speeches for the driver, Clara. The judge is waiting downstairs now.
Clara stepped out onto the wide stone terrace where Julian was standing in a neat black suit.
He looked remarkably handsome, standing tall with a posture that seemed oddly regal under the sunlight.
The local judge read the simple vows quickly while Evelyn stood nearby, smirking at her victory.
Julian: I promise to honor and protect you, Clara, through every storm we face.
Clara: I promise to stand by you, Julian, and trust in our shared future.
Judge: By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.
Julian gently took Clara's hand and placed a simple, elegant silver band onto her delicate finger.
Evelyn stepped forward immediately, holding out a clipboard filled with legal transfer documents for them.
Evelyn: Now sign the trust transfer papers right here so I can finish this deal!