Chapter 10 - The Prince in the Storybook
One year later.
The summer sun beamed down brightly over the private estate gardens in the Hamptons. White hydrangeas and pale pink roses lined the green velvet lawn leading toward a grand floral arch overlooking the ocean.
A gentle sea breeze carried the sound of a harp playing softly near the water.
Inside the garden pavilion, I stood in front of a full-length mirror, adjusting the lace veil attached to my white satin wedding gown. My dark hair fell in soft waves over my shoulders, and my skin glowed with health and happiness.
A soft knock sounded at the door.
Mia stepped into the room, wearing an adorable little white flower-girl dress with a pink sash around her waist. She carried a basket filled with rose petals.
“Mommy, you look like a real princess,” Mia giggled, running over to hug my knees.
I knelt down, hugging her tightly, my heart swelling with emotion. “Thank you, sweetie. Are you ready for your big job?”
“Yup!” Mia announced proudly. “I get to throw flowers, and then I get to give Mr. Adrian the shiny rings.”
Just then, the door opened further, and Adrian stepped inside. He wore an immaculate navy-blue tailored tuxedo with a white rose pinned to his lapel.
He froze when he saw me, his breathtaking gray-blue eyes widening with pure, unadulterated devotion.
“Adrian!” Mia gasped, covering her mouth. “You’re not supposed to see the bride before the wedding! It’s bad luck!”
Adrian laughed—that same warm, rich, helpless laugh that had echoed down the executive hallway a year ago. He crouched down to Mia’s height and pulled a tiny velvet box from his pocket.
“I know, short-cake,” Adrian said gently, opening the box. Inside was a tiny silver necklace with a small diamond elephant charm. “But I had to give you your official bridesmaid present before we walk down the aisle.”
Mia gasped, her hands clapping over her cheeks. “Gerald’s elephant family!”
Adrian placed the necklace around her neck, then stood up and looked at me. His hand reached out, taking mine, his thumb gently caressing my palm.
“Are you ready, my love?” he whispered, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to my forehead.
“I’ve been ready since the day my daughter introduced us in the hallway,” I smiled, tears of pure joy glittering in my eyes.
A few moments later, the wedding march began to play.
The wooden doors opened to reveal the sunlit lawn filled with our closest friends, colleagues, and family—including a smiling Naomi Price, a supportive Eleanor Kane sitting in the front row, and all our friends from Blackwell & Reed.
Mia walked down the aisle first, proudly scattering rose petals with every step.
May you like
Then, taking a deep, confident breath, I walked out onto the green grass, my arm resting in Adrian’s.
Together, we walked into the warm sunlight, hand in hand, leaving the darkness of the past far behind us—ready to build the bright, beautiful future we had chosen together.
