[Naughty Claire]

As the engagement ceremony came to an end, the guests began to take their leave, leaving only a few behind, including Cain's father and his family.

"Well, well, look at you, young man, full of enthusiasm. What was the hurry? Didn't I say we'd plan the engagement for the beginning of next month?" Mr. Vincent narrowed his eyes at Cain, his tone filled with mock reproach.

"Yes, Dad. But—" Cain hesitated for a moment before flashing a bright smile. "Not a problem, Dad. We can plan the wedding by next month."

His father laughed heartily, shaking his head at his son's eagerness. "Fine, fine. I see how it is."

Nearby, Cain's grandparents were brimming with excitement. His grandmother, Lana, reached out for Claire's hand, guiding her to sit beside her on the plush sofa.

"I'm Cain's grandmother, Lana," she introduced herself warmly. "You're so pretty, Claire. I'm so glad you met my grandson. Today, I saw just how much Cain loves you—going as far as acting so recklessly."

"Thank you, Grandma," Claire replied politely, offering a genuine smile.

Lana took off an exquisite necklace she was wearing, the heirloom of the Wilson family, and carefully placed it around Claire's neck. "This is the family heirloom, meant for the Wilson family's daughter-in-law. I wore it, but Cain's mother couldn't, and now it's your turn, my dear." She sighed, her tone a mixture of relief and satisfaction.

Claire felt a wave of emotion and gratitude but managed to maintain her composure. Afterward, she was introduced to Cain's grandfather, Michael Wilson, and his aunt, Lora Wilson, who greeted her with equal warmth and kindness.

Once the introductions were complete, everyone dispersed to their respective mansions, including Claire and Cain.

During the drive home, Claire couldn't stop herself from staring at Cain. Her gaze was a mixture of confusion, frustration, and anger. Cain, on the other hand, kept his eyes firmly on the files in his lap, blatantly avoiding her.

The atmosphere in the car was tense, and the silence hung thick between them. When they arrived at their mansion, Mark greeted Claire with a congratulatory smile. Claire merely gave him a sharp, unimpressed look before heading inside.

The moment they stepped inside, Claire grabbed Cain's wrist and dragged him to her room. She shut the door behind them with a loud click, her eyes blazing with determination.

"Cain, how dare you—"

Before she could finish, Cain pulled her close, his arms encircling her waist as a mischievous smirk danced across his lips. "Oh, darling," he murmured, his voice low and teasing. "You've become so bold. This is supposed to happen on our wedding night, but here you are, locking me in your room right after our engagement. So naughty, Claire."

Claire's face flushed a deep red, her mouth falling open in stunned silence. She tried to push him away, but he tightened his hold and bent down to kiss her firmly on the lips, pulling her into a strong embrace.

Her struggles were no match for his strength, and when he finally pulled back, he planted a soft kiss on her cheek and forehead. "Whatever you're imagining, let's save it for our wedding night, darling. Have patience." He winked at her, his tone dripping with amusement. "Rest well. I have some important work to take care of."

With that, Cain strode out of the room, leaving Claire standing there, stunned and fuming. "Ugh! Pervert! Creep!" she muttered, stomping her foot in frustration. "I just wanted to ask why you arranged the engagement without consulting me!"

She stormed off to her dressing room, muttering under her breath.

By early afternoon, Claire had changed into a modest dress and informed Linda, the maid, that she was heading out. She booked a cab and left without explaining her destination.

After a short ride, she asked the driver to stop at a flower shop, where she purchased a bouquet of white lilies. The cab then took her to a quiet cemetery. Claire stepped out, clutching the bouquet tightly, and began searching for her grandmother's grave.

Meanwhile, Linda, unsure of what to do, called Cain and informed him that Claire had left after changing her dress, and they had no idea where she went.

Cain panicked hearing this. He was still on his way to the office. He asked Mark to track Claire's location and reach her as soon as possible.

Cain was worried, thinking:

Did she leave home because of what I did? Did she not like me? Was she unwilling to accept the engagement? Where might she be?

Panic surged through him as restless thoughts clouded his mind.

Soon Mark interrupted his thoughts and informed him, "Sir, GPS locates Ms. Claire near a cemetery."

Cain's worry faded in an instant. He guessed she might have gone to pay a visit to her grandmother. But still, he wanted to make sure she was okay. They headed to the cemetery.

Upon arriving, he spotted Claire leaning by a gravestone, he saw Claire wearing a simple black dress and she was dusting the grave with a napkin, once done she knelt beside.

Nana," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I miss you so much. If only you were here today. You would have trusted me. You would've known that all the accusations against me are false. I'd never do something like that."

Tears streamed down her face as she clutched at her dress. "I'm sorry, Nana. My recklessness cost you your life. You took care of me when everyone else abandoned me, and look at what I did. Please forgive me." her shoulders shaking as she cried. He stood silently behind her, listening to her heartbreaking words.

Cain couldn't bring himself to listen more of it, he slowly turned to leave.

Nana," Claire continued, her voice soft. "You know, I got engaged today. Do you remember Cain? I used to talk about him all the time."

Cain froze, his breath catching in his throat. He stayed rooted to the spot, listening intently. He wanted to hear her opinion on their engagement, her thoughts regarding him.

"Even though I didn't approve of this engagement, it happened," Claire admitted with a faint smile. "But I missed you today. I wish you were here to see me. I was angry, surprised, and so confused. That idiot didn't even think to discuss it with me." She sighed but then added, "But you don't have to worry about me, Nana. I'm happy, and I love Cain."

Cain's heart swelled with relief and happiness. Quietly, he turned and walked back to his car, a rare smile gracing his lips.

Few minutes later Claire got up, she smiled with relief and walked out of the cemetery.

Cain returned to his office, his happiness evident to everyone around him. His staff exchanged surprised glances, whispering amongst themselves about their usually stoic boss's uncharacteristic behavior.

Ignoring their gazes, Cain walked toward his office. Sitting down on his chair, he laughed at himself. But then his face turned serious.

He thought to himself:

Claire, I couldn't let you get hurt again. Never! But sometimes things take a different turn. My father wants to protect Maria, and I want to destroy her.

He clenched his fist in anger.

Now she will be released from mental rehabilitation. I am sure she won't stay quiet. She will try to harm you in every way. Today, I was supposed to take a lawyer to defend Maria's case. But I thought of creating a protective ground for you.

Now, with you here with me, I hope you will be safe. Very soon, we will get married, and I will not let anyone touch you. Tomorrow, I'll go to get Maria out of the rehabilitation center. Knowing you're engaged to me, she will think a hundred times before even thinking badly about you.

I'm sorry, Claire. I'm sorry I didn't consider your opinion. I'm sorry for dragging you into my messy life. But I promise to love you and protect you, Claire. Cain leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.