The wedding happened exactly a week after the check-up.
Clover tried his best to minimize Ember's stress levels and had half of the week off to finalize other tasks before the wedding.
It was an overcast morning with a cool breeze. A weather Ember particularly likes.
On the day of the civil wedding, the two are in front of an old Regional Trial Court Judge, Carter O'Bree, with a solemn and kind smile in a court office that has an ancient atmosphere but is very warm and comfortable.
Clover wore a couture off-white suit, looking sleek and smart, paired with a very gentle demeanor.
Ember wore a simple white lace cocktail wedding dress, matching her sunny personality.
Both were very excited and happy early in the morning.
The witnesses were Grandma and Clover's work best friend, Lichen, and his wife Sophie, and Lucas Zariah, Clover's friend.
The friend who knew the judge personally was Lucas.
Just four people as guests.
Seven people in a group picture after the ceremony.
The civil wedding was earnest, joyful, and sincere.
The group had a small, solemn gathering in a private box in a seaside restaurant. After a bountiful lunch, Grandma was sent back to her house, and Lichen went home with his wife. Lucas Zariah, a single man, went to a bar.
They did not apply for a vacation leave. They planned to celebrate a simple resort vacation over the coming weekend instead.
Carefully selected pictures were updated on Insta. Then their phones were turned off as early as three in the afternoon.
The next day, Tuesday, started as usual.
Ember brought a bag with around 50 loot bags of wedding candies. Clover brought a batch as well for his co-workers.
Early in the morning, both offices were lively, and greetings and well-wishes were inevitable.
Ember sat down after doing her rounds of candy-giving. She wasn't tired because she took her time walking around. She knows she's carrying a little bun and doesn't want to do anything that can endanger her situation. She was already originally weak and was in the process of strengthening her body even before they discovered she was pregnant.
Carelessness is a no-no.
She went back to check her pending work for the day. She turned on her cell phone, sent a message to Clover, and then put it in her phone stand, which looked like a small garden bench.
After a minute, her cell phone rang.
When she looked at the number, she was stunned. She cannot forget that number, which she memorized the first time she got it from, like, half a decade ago.
She took a deep breath, calmed her nerves, and answered.
"Brennan?" she answered in a gentle but questioning tone.
On the other hand, Brennan's unstable mood is not good. He held his breath unconsciously while waiting for her to answer.
"Ember..." Suddenly, he doesn't know what to say.
Ember waited for a few seconds.
"Ahmm, look, if you don't—"
Brennan cut her off.
"Did you think I won't know what you're doing?"
If Ember is an animation, anybody can see a floating and spinning question mark in her head. Is this gaslighting? What did she do?
"I honestly don't know what you mean. Look, we don't have anything to do with each other now. I just got back to work and I'm busy. I am married now, so please do not call me anymore unless necessary."
She resolutely cut the call and closed her eyes. Surprisingly, she was not that bothered and went to work.
Brennan was in a daze when the call was cut. Immediately after, another call came in.
Meadow is calling. He answered it in a low mood.
"Yeah?"
"Hey, I am not feeling well. How about we meet tomorrow instead?"
"Alright, have plenty of rest."
The call ended.
Both people were in a gloomy state.
Meadow looked at the ceiling.
She saw Clover's update.
'He's married? Does he think I will stop him?' She muttered while wallowing in denial.
On the other hand, Brennan called his friend Fern. He asked him to bring his girlfriend, Violet, to dinner for a chat.
Violet also agreed, knowing this was about Ember.
The three met at a restaurant that offers a private box. Violet confirmed that Ember indeed got married legally. But she didn't disclose that she was pregnant.
Yes. Because, among other things, the couple flaunted on social media, the pregnancy was not one of them. Violet knows her responsibility.
That night, Fern took Violet home and went back to accompany Brennan to another club with a private room. A few close friends arrived and watched him get drunk. He never said what this was about, but they have an idea. Ember's social media account was still public, and they were aware of the recent developments.
Meanwhile, Ember and Clover got home immediately after work and had a great dinner cooked by Clover.
Few desserts were delivered since Ember seemed to crave anything and everything sweet and soft. So their dessert consists of Dulce De Leche cake, donuts, Brazo De Mercedes, and Caramel Bars.
They settled for the night in Clover's room, where Ember was tucked in like a baby, clinging to her husband's strong arm as a source of comfort and stability.