Chapter 193 - 193: Six Months Later
Six months later…
The church bells rang sweet and clear, their melody drifting into the crisp afternoon air. Inside the grand cathedral, sunlight streamed through tall stained-glass windows, casting a rainbow of colors across rows of family, friends, business associates and loved ones.
The air was heavy with the fragrance of roses and lilies, a delicate blend that seemed to whisper of love, and of hope reborn.
At the front, Stefan stood tall in a perfectly tailored suit, though his hands trembled slightly at his sides. It was his wedding day and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't help being nervous. He swallowed hard, his heart thundering in his chest.
Beside him, Ethan placed a hand on his shoulder, steadying him with the kind of quiet strength only a best friend could offer.
"She won't run away," Ethan whispered, and Stefan chuckled slightly.
"I know she won't but I just can't help it," he whispered back.
"You'll be fine," Ethan murmured with a smirk. "Just don't faint."
Stefan chuckled nervously, his lips twitching. "If I do, make sure you catch me."
tension, but Stefan's
imagined a beautiful Ivy. Now that he could see clearly, he didn't even want to imagine what sued look like. He wanted to be stunned by her looks and the anticipation was
how long he stood there waiting until the doors opened and he felt
gown that seemed woven from dreams — Stefan's dreams. A dress he'd
gently before cascading into soft folds with soft embroidery lining the silk. A delicate lace veil framed her face, and
wasn't the gown that silenced the
love she carried in her heart. Six months of grief had left its mark, but today, she shone brighter
radiating from her. Rayna, standing as maid of honor, could
steady though slow, carried her down the aisle toward Stefan. Each step felt like a promise — a journey not just
took her hand, his own trembling. "You're beautiful," he
curved into a trembling smile. "And you're nervous. It's not as though this is your first," she teased softly,
you mine. I can't help it," he said,
congregation chuckled, warmth filling the
speaking words of unity and love, but Stefan barely heard him. His gaze was locked on Ruby, memorizing every line of her face,
I never knew what love truly was until you. You came into my life when I was blind — not just physically, but blind to what it meant to be loved completely and selflessly. You opened my
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