The family drove north. With time before the wedding, they took a leisurely journey. In college, Evelyn had envied classmates who could travel freely
as an orphan, she’d barely managed to support herself.
Even being close to Sophia, she’d never felt comfortable accepting their family’s offers to fully fund her travels.
Evelyn had recovered well. Passing through a mountainous province, Lucas took her and Eva hiking. Though exhausting, the moment they reached the summit brought complete clarity.
Just like her new life these past six months.
In the city, Emma eagerly welcomed them to the small villa she and Marcus had mortgaged. Marcus had unexpectedly thrived in sales at Issac’s
company.
“He’s really talented,” Emma proudly praised her husband. “He was always great at gathering information. This career suits him perfectly – he’s flourishing!”
Marcus playfully pinched her arm.
They seemed less like a married couple and more like children playing house. When Evelyn whispered this observation to Lucas, she accidentally brushed his lips.
Lucas’s face immediately flushed red.
Though they’d been dating for six months, they hadn’t taken further steps. Lucas worried that past relationship trauma remained a sharp thorn in Evelyn’s heart. But Evelyn wasn’t rushing, often teasing her slightly younger partner.
Three days before the wedding, seeing Emma in her white dress stirred something in Evelyn.
st
irty, she didn’t want to wait much longer, but Lucas seemed oblivious.
The wedding invitation had gone to Issac. Though he hadn’t confirmed his attendance, he’d sent them each generous wedding gifts.
As everything fell into place, the wedding march filled the air under the pianist’s fingers. Eva showed no stage fright, carrying her flower basket behind Emma, her adorable presence drawing smiles from the guests.
After the solemn ceremony, Evelyn noticed Lucas had disappeared.
Scanning the crowd, she spotted an unexpected figure. Issac looked healthier than before, though maintaining his usual reserved demeanor. Their eyes met across the room. She raised her glass in acknowledgment, and he returned the gesture.
With that toast, it seemed their past – the love, hate, joy, and sorrow – was finally settled.
During the bouquet toss, Eva eagerly pulled Evelyn into the crowd. The September sun nearly blinded her. After several attempts, Emma kept hold of her bouquet, then deliberately ran to Evelyn, placing it in her hands.
The moment Evelyn felt the flowers, she froze. The guests parted, revealing Lucas in his suit, looking nervous.
Their eyes met, and Evelyn’s filled with tears.
“Don’t cry,” Lucas’s hands trembled as the crowd chuckled warmly. Evelyn hid her tears behind the bouquet, watching him through misty eyes as he stood there, lips pale with nerves. “Eve, I…”
Words couldn’t capture the moment. Lucas knelt on one knee, holding out an elegant ring. The newlyweds launched party poppers, showering them with petals and ribbons. Under falling golden confetti, the man she loved asked through tears:
“Eve, I love you. Will you marry me?”
Evelyn reached out her hand, nodding through her tears.
This was the happiness she’d fought so hard to find. Ahead lay a long, beautiful life together.
