Surprise Marriage to a Billionaire
Chapter 247: Two Halves of a Star

Chapter 247: Two Halves of a Star

At Lamey Country

"You look absolutely wasted. Sober up, will you? The press conference is this morning, and you can’t go in looking like this!" Renzo scolded.

Carla ignored him, grabbing an energy drink from the fridge. She’d been drinking all night, unable to sleep as Alexander’s cold words echoed in her mind, each one stinging deeply.

She sat down and glanced at Renzo. "You worry too much. I’ll be fine by the press conference," she muttered, scrolling through her tablet to check the details her manager had sent on Rain Clayton, every piece of information they could gather.

Carla’s eyes narrowed as she read, her brow lifting in disdain. "Her family’s a mess! How can Alexander and even Uncle Rock overlook that? I don’t see anything special here except her looks and the fact that she’s a prosecutor," she grumbled, her tone bitter.

Renzo, sitting across from her, took a steadying breath. "Maybe it’s time to focus on other things. You’ve got influential suitors lining up for you. Let go of Alexander, Carla. Holding on to him like this could ruin everything you’ve worked so hard for... especially your career."

"Stop saying things like that, Renzo. You know I can’t just let go. I made a mistake five years ago, and I won’t make the same one this time. Alexander is mine!" she said firmly, her voice filled with determination.

Carla was convinced she could win Alexander back. She just needed to be present in his life again, no matter what it took.

Renzo gave her a level look. "But her record is clean, Carla. The issues are with her family, not with her," he pointed out, leaving her silent for a moment. She knew he was right. Alexander and his family weren’t the kind to judge someone based on their family background alone. This was part of what she both admired and resented about them... they valued character above reputation.

Just as Carla opened her mouth to retort, the sound of a door opening echoed from down the hall. She turned and froze as her parents walked in, beaming with excitement.

"Surprise!" her mother exclaimed, arms outstretched. Her father gave a small wave, his usual serious expression softened with a warm smile.

"Mom? Dad?" Carla blinked, quickly standing up and setting her tablet aside. "What are you both doing here?"

Her mother laughed, pulling Carla into a hug. "Oh, sweetheart, we wanted to surprise you! It’s been too long, and we thought we’d come to show our support for your big press conference!"

"Yes," her father added, stepping forward and squeezing her shoulder. "We know how much this launch means to you."

Carla forced a smile, though the sight of them only added to the turmoil already churning inside her. She hadn’t expected this. Their surprise visit meant she’d have to keep up appearances, she couldn’t afford for them to see her still shaken over Alexander.

"Of course. Thank you. It’s...it’s so good to see you both," she said, her voice softer. She glanced at Renzo, who gave her a sympathetic look.

"Are you alright, Carla?" her father asked, his gaze searching. "You seem...tired."

"Just a long night preparing," she replied, brushing off his concern. "But now that you’re both here, I feel much better."

Her mother took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "We’re so proud of you, Carla. This is a huge milestone, and we wouldn’t miss it for the world."

Her mother suddenly leaned closer, sniffing the air. "Have you been drinking?"

Carla forced a smile and quickly explained, "Yes, we had a little birthday celebration that went late into the night. I got caught up in all the toasts."

Her mother sighed, crossing her arms. "You still shouldn’t have overdone it, especially with such an important day ahead of you." Then, softening, she added, "But, belated happy birthday, sweetheart! We brought you a gift."

At that, her mother signaled to her father, who presented a box lined with a stunning set of rare jewels. Carla’s eyes widened in awe. "Mom, these are incredible!"

"I knew you’d love them," her mother said, beaming. "Now, let’s get you ready. You simply have to wear these at the press conference!"

***

As Carla prepared for the press conference, she stepped into her walk-in closet, where elegant dresses and designer outfits were neatly arranged. Her eyes settled on a sleek, cream-coloured pantsuit with subtle gold accents... a perfect blend of sophistication and confidence.

Her mother, Summer, entered the room to put on her the set of jewelry she brought as a gift for her birthday.

Summer nodded with a smile. "Not only that, darling. These were specially crafted by the famed jeweler Francois Laurent. He designed them with a story in mind."

Carla tilted her head, intrigued. Summer lifted the necklace, holding it up to the light. "See the sapphires? Each one represents a different phase of life. Laurent chose sapphires for their history... thought to be the stone of royalty, but also of wisdom and loyalty."

Summer fastened the necklace around Carla’s neck, her fingers lingering on the clasp. "He embedded diamonds around each sapphire to represent protection. The bracelet’s pattern was inspired by the night sky, as he believed every woman’s life is a constellation of moments, sparkling in her memory."

Carla touched the bracelet, her fingers tracing its delicate pattern. "It’s beautiful," she murmured.

Summer beamed, fastening the earrings next. "I want you to wear these as a reminder of who you are and the strength and grace you carry."

Carla looked at herself in the mirror, feeling the pieces settle against her. "Thank you, Mom. I’ll wear it with pride." Summer squeezed her shoulder, a glint of pride in her eyes.

"You’re already shining, darling. Now let the world see it."

As Carla admired the jewels, her mother, Summer, gazed at her with a bittersweet smile. "You know," she murmured softly, almost to herself, "I often wonder how beautiful your sister would have been if she were still here with us... if she would have grown up looking just like you."

Carla’s expression softened, and for a moment, the usual confidence in her eyes was replaced by something deeper... a quiet sadness that flickered briefly. She reached over, gently squeezing her mother’s hand. "Mom, I know you miss her. I think about her too."

Summer nodded, blinking back the tears that threatened to surface. "You know, I always imagined you two together, like two halves of a star. Both of you were such miracles to us."

Carla gave a small smile, feeling the weight of her mother’s emotions. "Maybe in some way, she’s watching over us... over me." She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "And I’ll do my best to make both of you proud, Mom."

Summer pulled Carla into a tight embrace. "I know you will, sweetheart."

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