Chapter 350

Chapter 350

Two hours later, we arrived back at Silverlight City Airport.

"Your parents flew back to Silverlight City when we left for Clouds District. I need to stop by the office first to handle some urgent matters. Why don't you and Orion head home?"

The moment we stepped out of the airport, Leopold asked for my opinion.

"Okay, I'll go to my parents' house first."

So much had happened recently, and I hadn't been there for them. The guilt weighed on me.

But then...

"What about Grandpa?"

"Once he knew Orion was safe, he insisted on seeing him. I arranged for someone to bring him to your parents' place before we left for Silverlight City."

Hearing this, I immediately scooped up Orion and headed for the car.

"Then we'll go ahead."

Leopold pressed his lips together helplessly. "Alright. See you tonight."

Orion was thrilled about seeing James and Fanny, chattering excitedly the entire ride.

When we pulled up to the house, my parents were already rushing out to greet us.

Donovan was with them, sitting in his wheelchair.

"Cindy! Orion!"

All three of them beamed at the sight of us.

"Great-Grandpa!"

"Grandma! Grandpa!"

Orion adored them. The second he got out of the car, he ran straight to Donovan.

Donovan's face lit up as he pulled the boy into his arms.

James and Fanny smiled warmly.

"Didn't Leopold come with you?" Fanny noticed I was alone and asked quietly.

"He had to take care of some business at the office. He'll be here later." I smiled and linked my arm through hers.

James studied me carefully, and only when he was satisfied I was truly okay did he relax.

"Come on, it's windy out here. Let's go inside."

After chatting for a while, I learned from James that David's press conference at the detention center hadn't caused much of a stir.

Leopold had far more evidence than David did.

Plus, yesterday in court, David was convicted on multiple charges and sentenced to five years in prison.

Sophia testified as a witness, but because she'd helped David with plenty of shady dealings, she got three years herself.

The Guise family in Silverlight City was implicated too. Their business shrank by sixty percent, partners pulled out overnight, and the entire Guise Group was on the verge of collapse.

The business world was reshuffling.

Other companies quickly filled the gaps left behind.

Before I knew it, evening had arrived.

I glanced at the time. Nearly seven o'clock.

Ten minutes ago, Leopold called to say he'd be here soon.

Still no sign of him.

I headed downstairs to call him.

Just as I pulled out my phone, a red toy car rolled up to my feet.

A red rose and a note were tied to the top.

I bent down, picked up the rose, and unfolded the note.

It read: [Walk twenty steps forward.]

I walked twenty steps. Another red toy car buzzed toward me and stopped at my toes.

Another red rose. Another note.

This one said: [Walk fifty steps forward.]

I kept going.

Stop and start, three times in total.

On the last note: [Look up.]

The instant I raised my head, a crimson rose bloomed across the dark night sky.

A series of fireworks followed, and then the lights in the courtyard flickered on.

That's when I realized the entire garden was filled with red roses.

Red balloons were tied to the chairs.

The whole garden was drenched in a romantic, passionate glow.

James, Fanny, and Donovan stood with Orion, all smiling at me and gesturing to the side.

I followed their gaze.

Leopold stood tall in a beam of light, dressed in a formal suit.

When our eyes met, he walked toward me.

I already knew what he was about to do. My heart felt like a stormy sea caught in a gale.

Waves surged, refusing to settle.

"Cindy."

Leopold stopped in front of me, holding up a black velvet box, and dropped to one knee.

"Will you marry me?"

I knew once we got back to Silverlight City, he'd propose eventually.

I just didn't expect it to be tonight.

Or at my house.

My heart pounded wildly.

I'd planned to play it cool, but my mouth had other ideas. The words tumbled out before I could stop them.

"Put the ring on me."

Leopold's face lit up. He slipped the ring from the box and gently slid it onto my finger.

Then he swept me into his arms.

And started spinning.

As he spun, he announced to everyone around us.

"Cindy said yes!"

The night breeze swept past, as if carrying the good news to the whole world.

---

The wedding was held at a private estate on the outskirts of the west side of the city.

The grounds were blanketed in white roses, layer upon layer, spreading from the cobblestone path all the way to the fountain.

White chairs lined the lawn in neat rows, waiting quietly alongside the sunlight for a sacred moment.

I stood in the dressing room, staring at myself in the mirror. I looked stunning.

Even the train of my gown pooled on the floor with the softness of moonlight.

"Cindy, congratulations!"

Amelia walked in with a huge smile and wrapped me in a tight hug.

"Oh my God, you're the most beautiful bride I've ever seen!"

"Thank you."

I suddenly noticed Brady had followed her in, though he looked far less comfortable than she did.

"What's going on with you two?"

Amelia shot him a glance. "Nothing. We just ran into each other."

"Congratulations." Brady walked over with a smile and handed me a gift.

I thanked him, but I noticed his eyes kept drifting toward Amelia. Something was definitely going on between them.

"I need to go greet some guests. I'll come check on you later."

Amelia turned and headed for the door.

Brady quickly followed.

They were clearly in the middle of some kind of spat.

Looked like Amelia had found her own happiness too.

Half an hour later, the music began.

I gathered my skirt, took James's arm, and stepped onto the red carpet.

A gentle breeze lifted my veil.

Pale golden sunlight bathed me in warmth.

Everything was perfect.

But my eyes could only see one thing.

Leopold, waiting at the end of the aisle.

He wore a custom white suit and held a bouquet of flowers, standing there like a perfect gentleman.

Guests on both sides rose to their feet, applauding.

Fanny held Orion in her arms, smiling and waving at me.

Donovan sat in his wheelchair, grinning so wide his face could barely contain it.

He smiled and smiled, then quietly wiped the corner of his eye.

When I reached Leopold, he took my hand from James.

The man who was always so calm and composed now had damp palms.

"Are you nervous?"

I whispered.

Leopold just smiled, saying nothing.

The officiant stepped forward and began reading the vows.

"Leopold, do you take Lucinda to be your wife, to love and cherish her in sickness and in health, in wealth and in poverty, in good times and in bad, for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do."

"Lucinda, do you take Leopold to be your husband, to love and cherish him in sickness and in health, in wealth and in poverty, in good times and in bad, for as long as you both shall live?"

I looked into Leopold's dark eyes and nodded firmly.

"I do."

Orion, dressed in a little suit, stepped forward holding up a small tray.

"Daddy, Mommy, the rings."

"Thank you, sweetheart."

Leopold picked up the bride's ring and slid it onto my ring finger.

I took the groom's ring and slipped it onto his.

"You may now kiss the bride."

Leopold lifted my veil and kissed me.

The crowd erupted in applause and cheers.

I closed my eyes, wrapped my arms around his waist, and kissed him back.

The sunlight was perfect. The breeze was gentle.

Everything was just right.

(The End)