---- Chapter 6 After the gathering ended, I found myself surrounded by a small crowd. "We always knew you were low-key, but this is on another level! You and Catherine are such a perfect match!" "Yeah, a real power couple." "That's right. Why didn't you invite us to the wedding? We've been classmates for so many years. We should've been there to celebrate!" Catherine was on a work call nearby, and I really didn't want to deal with these people, so I gave them a polite brush-off. "Our wedding was a private affair with just the two of us. Apologies, but I have some other matters to attend to." My intention to dismiss them was clear. They lingered for a moment, clearly hoping for more, but eventually dispersed. ---- Catherine finished her call just then and grabbed my arm, her tone playfully sulky. "Mom said we should stop by the mall on our way home to pick up the birthday gift she had custom-made for Dad. " "Of course, that's no problem!" "But I have a bit more work to finish first." I chuckled and gently tapped her forehead. " Alright, I'll go pick it up! You just focus on your work, my dear wife." Catherine's eyes sparkled as she smiled, but her gaze drifted over my shoulder. "Looks like Miss Hart has been staring at you this whole time." She pouted a little, her lips unconsciously forming a small, adorable frown. Icouldn't help but smile. "But my eyes are only for you." My teasing made Catherine burst into a fit of ---- giggles, her eyes crinkling with pure delight. " Then, give mea hug!" I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her into a warm embrace. "I love you," I whispered into her ear. I only felt at ease once I watched her get into our car and drive off. Just as I turned to leave, Sophia called out to me. Her eyes were red, her nose flushed, as if she had just finished crying. "Did you really marry Catherine?" I nodded, not wanting to say more. She suddenly grabbed her purse and began hitting me with it, her strikes wild and unrestrained. I took a few steps back, unwilling to get entangled with this irrational woman. "Alex, how could you marry another woman. behind my back?! How could you do this to me?!"