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."
but Stefan's
first marriage, he had 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
know how long he stood there waiting until the doors opened and he felt
from dreams — Stefan's dreams. A dress he'd worked with a designer abroad to
that hugged her gently before cascading into soft folds with soft embroidery lining the silk. A delicate lace veil framed her face, and in her hands,
silenced the room.
smile trembled with tears, but it was there — soft, genuine, full of the love she carried in her heart. Six months of grief had left its mark, but today, she shone brighter
pew, pride and joy radiating from her. Rayna, standing as maid of honor, could
down the aisle toward Stefan. Each step felt like a promise — a journey not just to him, but to the life they were about to build together as
hand, his own trembling. "You're beautiful," he
you're nervous. It's not as
in a wedding dress and making you mine. I can't help it," he said, his smile wide, the tension
warmth filling the
barely heard him. His gaze
was time for their vows. Stefan went first. His voice shook at first, but grew steadier with every word. "Ruby… 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
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