Chapter 105 Epilogue

Chapter 105 Epilogue
"You're looking beautiful." Mary said warmly.

Ariadne gazed into the mirror. The reflection staring back at her in the white wedding gown truly did look beautiful. Tiara and Mary stood proudly on either side of her. 

"You look like a queen, Mommy!" Autumn exclaimed from behind, her eyes sparkling. 

"And you are my little princess." Ariadne replied with a smile. 

Autumn twirled happily in her gown, a smaller version of her mother’s, made to match. 

There was a knock on the door, and Aaron entered. He smiled warmly as he looked at her.

"You look beautiful." he said, approaching and kissing her forehead. 

Ariadne hugged him, and they both became emotional.

"It's time." he announced, releasing the hug. 

Ariadne nodded, feeling nervous. She looked at Mary and Tiara. Mary moved forward and placed her hands on her shoulders.

"You're doing the right thing. You two will be happy together. You already are. You're already a family." she reassured her, reading her thoughts.

Ariadne's hand instinctively caressed her baby bump, now visible under her gown, and she smiled. 

Moments later, they arrived at the grand entrance. The tall gates swung open, revealing the breathtaking sight inside. It was a grand wedding. Guests stood on either side of the aisle. White roses and golden ribbons lined the path, while soft music filled the air. And there, at the end of the aisle, stood the man who had captured her heart. Their gazes met, and for a moment, the world seemed to vanish. Ariadne averted her eyes and looked at her two sons, who stood on either side of the groom in matching outfits.

Her eyes welled up with happiness as she watched them, waiting for her. They began to walk. Autumn proudly carried her little basket of petals, scattering them down the aisle. Tiara and Mary followed close behind, their eyes never leaving Ariadne. Ariadne looked at Xander again, finding his gaze fixed only on her, filled with love, pride, and happiness. 

When she finally reached the altar, her father placed her hand in Xander's.

"Take care of her." he said softly.

"Always.." Xander promised with a nod.

Aaron smiled and stepped aside. They were now standing face-to-face, looking into each other's eyes. 

"You're looking gorgeous." Xander said.

"And you're looking handsome." Ariadne replied.

Both chuckled. The priest's voice drew their attention. 

"We are gathered here today to witness the union of two souls, bound by love, trust, and destiny."

"Are you ready?" he asked, looking at them. 

They held hands and nodded together. The priest cleared his throat before proceeding. Their gazes were fixed on each other the entire time.

"Do you, Xander Blake, take Ariadne Miller to be your lawfully wedded wife? To love her, to cherish her, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for as long as you both shall live?" 

Xander looked into her eyes, his gaze steady, and his lips curved with certainty. "I do." 

A soft murmur rippled through the crowd, smiles spreading across familiar faces. 

Then the priest turned to her.

"And do you, Ariadne Miller, take Xander Blake to be your lawfully wedded husband? To stand by him, to honor him, in joy and in sorrow, for better or worse, for as long as you both shall live?" 

"I do." she said with a smile.

The priest smiled warmly. "Then, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may seal your vows with a kiss." 

As he leaned in, the world seemed to pause. Their lips met in a gentle, love-filled kiss, and the crowd erupted in applause.

"Yeeee.." the kids approached them, excited.

They took a family photo before walking back down the aisle, hand in hand. Everyone congratulated them and the party began. All of their family members had attended, including Margaret. It was time to leave behind all the grudges and begin a new journey. 

..... 

It was late at night. After the party, Xander and Ariadne went to the penthouse. It was their night, so they had been given their privacy. They sat on a soft mat on the floor near the floor-to-ceiling window. Ariadne leaned into Xander as they gazed outside, while his hand gently caressed her baby bump. The light of the moon illuminated the space, making it feel peacefully romantic.

"What do you want? A girl or a boy?" Ariadne asked, placing her hand over his.

"It doesn't matter." he replied without hesitation.

"But if I must answer..." he paused. "I have two sons, so I would like it to be a girl." 

"Let’s see." Ariadne smiled. 

Xander kissed her head. "Thank you for giving me this chance. I missed their birth and childhood, but I will not miss this one’s." 

Ariadne smiled, squeezing his hand. "Sometimes I can’t believe that we're together. If I go back a few years in time and tell myself that one day we will be together.... I wouldn’t have believed it."

"Yeah. I also thought I had lost you forever. But I’m fortunate that you gave me another chance." Xander said. 

"You’ve earned it."

"I can do anything for you and our family. I love you more than myself."

"I love you too. We all love you." Ariadne said, looking at his face.

"We all love each other."

She giggled. Xander caressed her face before pulling her into a kiss. Ariadne leaned into him, deepening their kiss.

..... 

A few months later.....

"She’s so small… like a puppy." Autumn exclaimed in awe.

"She’s not a puppy, silly!" Adrian said. "She’s a human child, and she’s our sister." 

Autumn pouted at his words.

"Her hands are so tiny…" Alex commented.

A few hours ago, Ariadne had given birth to a baby girl. Xander held her in his arms as he sat on the stool beside the bed while the triplets inspected the baby as if she was a piece of art. Xander was so happy that he kept the baby in his arms the entire time. He was with Ariadne throughout the delivery while the kids arrived at the hospital with the others a few minutes ago. 

"Her eyes are blue... just like mine." Alex exclaimed.

"No, they’re like mine." Autumn protested. 

"These two…" Ariadne chuckled. 

Autumn held her tiny arms but the baby whimpered, startling her. 

"Aah... She doesn't like me." she pouted. 

"It's not like that." Ariadne said. 

"Where's my great-granddaughter?" William's voice called out, and they all looked toward the door. 

William entered, followed by Toby and Aaron. The kids stepped aside to make way for William.

"Oh... our little princess," William stated, looking at the baby.

Aaron took her from Xander. 

"Congratulations." Toby said, placing his hand on Xander's shoulder. 

"Thank you," Xander smiled.

"Look at him.... he once used to dislike kids. He didn’t even want to have a child of his own, thought they were trouble. And now, see… he’s the father of four." Toby said and everyone laughed.

"Xander." Ariadne called, drawing his attention.

When Xander looked at her, Ariadne pointed towards the door with her eyes. Xander followed her gaze and noticed Margaret. She stood at the door. 

"Come inside, Mom." he said.

Margaret hesitated for a moment before stepping in. "I heard the news... so I came to see our new family member." she explained. 

"Here she is." Aaron said, approaching her with the baby.

"Oh my, she looks just like Xander!" Margaret exclaimed as she saw the baby's face.

She took her from Aaron. 

"God bless you.." she said, kissing her forehead. 

"Congratulations... I'm happy for you both." she said, looking at Ariadne and Xander. They smiled and thanked her.

"What’s her name?" Margaret asked.

"I think I have a befitting name for her." Ariadne blurted out before anyone could say anything. 

All eyes were on her. 

"Xandria." she announced.

"Wow! It matches my name… and Daddy’s too." Alex exclaimed.

All of them smiled, pleased with the name as it was befitting. Xander approached and sat near Ariadne, kissing her forehead.

"You’re really a good father, which I never expected you to be." Ariadne said. 

"So, I pass?" Xander asked, raising his brow. 

"No.... you nailed it." she giggled. Xander chuckled.

She smiled as her gaze swept across everyone, their faces glowing with joy. Jose and Tiara had also decided to tie the knot, and at last, peace had settled over their lives. Ariadne breathed out softly. There had been a time when her world was clouded with uncertainty and confusion, but now her heart was clear, steady, and confident. She had her family beside her, her children finally had their father, and that was all she had ever wished for. She felt her chest grow light with contentment. From this moment forward, she knew life would remain this way.

She looked at Xander who was already looking at her. Their eyes locked, silently exchanging a promise to stand by each other and offer their unwavering support, always and forever.