Chapter 9 - The Celebration of Life
One year after the nightmare at Bellefleur Manor, a wedding took place at a charming, light-filled botanical garden by the coast.
There were no gold-rimmed glasses meant to make people feel small. There were no photographers ordering people to hide who they were. There were no surnames chosen for their usefulness.
There were fifty guests—true friends, colleagues from the foundation, and loved ones who had supported Elena through her darkest hours. Chloe stood beside Elena as her maid of honor, looking radiant and peaceful, her sisterly bond with Elena fully restored.
Elena wore a breathtaking lace gown with an open back and a subtle, gorgeous slit at the waist that comfortably accommodated her sleek, diamond-encrusted insulin pump cover—a custom design created specifically for her wedding day.
She walked down the aisle on her own two feet, her head held high, looking toward the end of the aisle where Alexander stood waiting for her.
He wore a tailored dark navy tuxedo, his eyes glistening with tears as he watched his bride approach.
When her hand was placed in his, Alexander leaned down and whispered, "You are the most beautiful vision I have ever seen."
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"And you’re stuck with me forever," she teased back, her smile glowing.
The ceremony was filled with laughter, tears, and genuine vows of mutual respect and unbreakable loyalty. When the officiant declared them husband and wife, Alexander pulled Elena into his arms and lifted her slightly off her feet as he kissed her, sparking wild applause and cheers from the guests.
