CHAPTER 20%
The late afternoon sun touched the marble courtyard with a golden hue. White fabrics fluttered gently between tall pillars adorned with spring flowers. Amid the softly flowing strings of the orchestra, I stepped toward the altar- the satin on my gown like waves dancing behind me, reflecting the evening light.
Xavier stood there, dressed in a deep navy suit that seemed sewn from the darkest night. His gaze was calm yet full of passion. My eyes met his, and there–I knew, all I had ever feared, every wound that had torn me apart, no longer mattered. Because that man stood at the end of my path.
This wedding was not a grand affair like the nobles‘. But every detail was made with heart: only people we trusted and loved. Only those who walked with me when I couldn’t take a step alone. Only those who knew our pain and struggles.
When I reached the altar, Xavier reached out his hand, holding mine as always–calmly, without force, but surely. The vows didn’t sound like formality. They were like a prayer we spoke together, in quiet but sincere voices.
“Forever,” he said.
“In wounds and in healing,” I whispered.”
And the world seemed to pause for a moment as our lips met.
Soft cheers filled the air, like the first laughter after a long sorrow. But not all eyes looked at us happily.
I saw them coming–three faces who once burned down my house with whispers of hatred. And one man in a gray suit, who once filled my dreams, and now was only a shadow of a life that nearly stole me from myself.
Oliver.
The triplets stood nervously by the garden, under the late–blooming cherry tree. They came after most guests had started leaving their seats. No arrogance. No resentment in their eyes. Only silence… and shame.
I knew their steps toward the altar were not courage, but confession. Guilt.
A stood tall, Xavier’s hand still holding mine.”
Oliver spoke first. “Laura… I know this isn’t the right time, and I won’t lie by pretending I deserve to be here. But please allow me… us… to apologize.”
Levi, with a hoarse voice, added, “We were too young to understand… But that’s no excuse. We hurt you, and we regret it.“}
Luca bowed his head, then spoke softly, “If we could go back, we would choose to protect you.”>
Leon looked deep into my eyes. “You’re the only mother who ever truly cared for us. And we… destroyed you.”}
I was silent for a moment. I once dreamed of this moment. A dream where they finally understood, But that dream was born from the hope of a woman who didn’t yet know what it meant to be freed from the burden of forced forgiveness.}
I took a breath. “You came… I appreciate that. But sorry won’t bring anything back. Not to my body. Not to the wounds you left inside. Not to the nights I spent alone, soaked in blood and fear, because you–children I once loved like my own flesh–sent someone to kill me.“} Oliver lowered his head. The triplets fell silent.
I shook my head. “I forgive you. But forgiving doesn’t mean I’m giving you a place in my life anymore.”}
Leon opened his mouth, then closed it again. Luca turned his face away. Levi stared at the floor as if searching for a way to save whatever dignity they had left.”
Xavier wrapped his arm around my shoulder, like an unbreakable protective wall.
“This is the end of that chapter,” I finally said. “I choose happiness. And you must learn to live with what you’ve done.”
They left without another word. No tears. Just a silence heavy enough to bury in the sea of time.
Xavier held my hand. “Let’s go,” he whispered. “The guests are waiting.“}
I looked back one more time. Then turned around, leaving the past behind me. With Xavier, I stepped into our small house built on the hill, where we would start everything anew.
Inside, my father was waiting. His hair had turned white, his face far from the man I once knew. But his smile remained the same. Warm. Tired. But full of love.”
“You look beautiful today,” he said, hugging me.”
“I’m glad you could see me today, Dad.“}
That night, Xavier and I danced under a sky full of stars. Soft music played, and our steps matched the beat of our hearts. I rested my head on his chest, hearing the voice that had always given me peace.>>
“I can’t believe we made it here,” I murmured.
“Because we never gave up,” Xavier answered gently.
Xavier hugged me from behind. “Thank you for holding on, Laura. Thank you for choosing me.””
I smiled. “I choose you… every day. Today. Tomorrow. Until this world stops turning,“#
And in that beautiful midnight, I knew one thing: I was no longer walking alone.
And for the first time in my life, I knew: happiness is not an empty promise. Happiness is a choice.
I chose it.2
And he chose me.
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