Chapter 9 - THE PROMISE KEPT
Six months later. May.
The sun was setting over the rolling green hills of the Bedford estate, painting the sky in breathtaking shades of gold, rose, and lavender.
The grand lawn was decorated with hundreds of white roses, fairy lights twinkling in the oak trees, and a small, elegant wooden altar overlooking the lake.
There were no media cameras today. No corporate investors, no socialites, no political figures. Just a small, intimate gathering of true friends, including Gavin and my best friend from Queens who had helped me through my pregnancy.
Standing at the altar, wearing a tailored black tuxedo, was Sebastian.
When the string quartet began playing a gentle acoustic melody, the double glass doors of the mansion opened.
Noah and Owen walked down the aisle first, dressed in miniature tuxedos, holding hands, proudly carrying the ring velvet box. Behind them came Ivy, wearing a fluffy white dress, tossing pink rose petals onto the grass with chaotic joy.
And then came me.
I wore a simple, breathtaking ivory lace gown that drifted softly in the spring breeze. My hair was styled in loose waves, holding a bouquet of lily of the valley.
As I walked down the aisle, I looked at Sebastian. The man who had once been a distant, cold billionaire was looking at me with tears streaming down his face, his silver eyes filled with an adoration so profound it took my breath away.
When I reached the altar, he took my hands in his, his fingers warm and steady.
The justice of the peace smiled at us. "Sebastian, do you take Maya to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and to cherish, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Sebastian said, his voice deep and unwavering. "Four years ago, I lost my way. But today, before my children and God, I promise to spend every second of the rest of my life protecting you, honoring you, and loving you. You are my home, Maya. You have always been my home."
The justice turned to me. "Maya, do you take Sebastian to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
Tears of pure happiness welled in my eyes as I squeezed his hands. "I do. I forgive the past, I embrace our present, and I give you my heart for all of our tomorrows."
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife again. You may kiss the bride."
Sebastian didn't wait a second. He pulled me into his arms and lifted me slightly off my feet, pressing his lips to mine in a passionate, deep kiss that sealed four years of pain into eternal healing.
The small crowd cheered wildly.
Noah, Ivy, and Owen came running up to the altar, giggling and pulling at Sebastian’s pant legs.
Sebastian broke the kiss, laughing as he leaned down and scooped all three children into his arms, pulling me tight against his side.
We stood together on the sunlit lawn—a family once broken by secrets and lies, now whole, unbreakable, and surrounded by love.
Owen looked up at Sebastian, his gray eyes shining in the golden sunlight. "Are we staying here forever, Daddy?"
May you like
Sebastian kissed his son’s forehead, then looked at me with a warm, triumphant smile.
"Yes, baby," Sebastian whispered, pulling us all closer. "We're home forever."
