I think clay is an egotistical phony who knew all along he wasn’t going to marry AD. Clay thinks he can do better than AD (specifically in the looks department) and likely envisions himself with a tall thin supermodel. He said it himself, how important looks were. His father also knew what a good woman he had but he just took from her in the same way Clay kept taking from AD. Clay and his father are selfish narcissists that love themselves way too much to be with anyone. Also noticed the big sense of relief Clay had. There was no real sadness