York stood frozen before the sink, his bloodshot eyes locked on the photos on his phone. The latest video Peter had sent showed the blissful moment when Gideon and Claudia embraced, surrounded by their cheering friends and family.
York watched Claudia on the screen, her smile so beautiful, so full of happiness. She and Gideon held hands, gracefully accepting everyone's blessings. The way they looked at each other, it was as if the rest of the world had melted away, leaving only the two of them.
The scene in the video slowly overlapped with a memory from his past. In his previous life, on the day Claudia married him, her smile had been even more beautiful, even sweeter than this. Back then, she loved to be coquettish and playful. She had snuggled into his arms right in front of the elders and guests. They had held hands as they toasted their guests. She had wrapped her arms around his waist and purred, "York, I finally married you. I'm so happy!" When she looked at him, her eyes shone like stars.
But now, he was no longer reflected in those eyes. York braced himself with one hand on the sink, his arm trembling uncontrollably. He had finally watched, with his own eyes, as she fell into another man's arms. York's heart felt as if it were being shredded by a knife. But there was nothing he could do.
Hearing Mark's voice outside, York turned on the tap and splashed his face with ice-cold water, forcing himself to calm down. Ten minutes later, York emerged from the bathroom, his voice slightly hoarse. "The meeting's over. You can go home." Mark didn't dare ask any questions and quickly left York's apartment. A few minutes later, York also left.
Darleen stamped her foot. "Grandpa, it was Mr. Gideon who pursued Claudia! How can you say that about her when you don't know anything?" Sewell sneered. "And after your brother defied the family and paid off that massive debt for the Watkins family just to marry her. I can't believe this woman is so calculating. After using York, she immediately turned around and seduced Mr. Gideon. A woman like that is nowhere near good enough for York. It’s for the best that she’s marrying someone else; at least she won’t hold my son back anymore!"
Wendy couldn't take it anymore and started arguing with her husband. "If it weren't for all of you, York and Claudia would have been married long ago! Do you think he'd still be single now?"

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