Chapter 153

Chapter 153
Isabella's POV

Early the next morning, Quincy arrived with a thick portfolio, clearly having worked through the night. He'd already gathered proposals from three event planning companies, each one exquisite and detailed.

"Mrs. Sullivan, these are the planning teams' proposals. Please review them."

I opened the portfolio to find beautiful designs and detailed descriptions. Each option had been carefully considered: venue, lighting, florals, seating, catering, music.

"Gabriel said all decisions are yours to make," Quincy added. "He has only one requirement—that the wedding makes you comfortable and happy."

I chose the simplest, most elegant option: an outdoor garden ceremony with white and champagne as the primary colors, abundant flowers and natural elements.

Over the following days, the estate's gardens were transformed. Landscapers came daily to trim lawns, plant new flowers, and construct the ceremony platform. I stood at the window with Angel, watching the garden gradually become the vision I'd dreamed of.

"Look, sweetheart," I said softly to Angel. "That's where Daddy and Mommy are getting married."

Angel waved her tiny fists, cooing in response. I took it as her approval.

Gabriel insisted on accompanying me to select my wedding dress. At the boutique, he sat on the sofa, watching intently as I tried on each gown.

"What about this one?" I emerged wearing a lace dress.

He studied it carefully and shook his head. "Too complicated. It doesn't suit you."

We finally settled on a simple A-line dress with delicate embroidery at the waist and a naturally flowing skirt.

"This is the one." Gabriel came over, his eyes full of tenderness.

Three days before the wedding, the estate became a hive of activity. Flowers, equipment, ingredients, photographers, bartenders, sound technicians—everyone was preparing for the ceremony.

I stood on the balcony, watching the garden being decorated, feeling both nervous and excited.

"Nervous?" Gabriel wrapped his arms around me from behind.

"A little," I admitted. "I never imagined having a wedding like this."

"You deserve the very best," he said, turning me to face him. "Including a perfect wedding."

That night, I lay awake for a long time. Tomorrow, perhaps everything would change, or perhaps nothing would. Perhaps the wedding was simply a public witness to the happiness we already possessed.

"Stop overthinking," Gabriel murmured in his sleep, pulling me closer. "What matters is that we're already a family."

His voice soothed all my anxiety. Yes, the wedding was just a ceremony. We were already each other's home.

On the wedding day, the sun shone bright and the air was filled with the scent of flowers. Stylists did my makeup and hair. When the dress was on, I barely recognized myself in the mirror.

A knock came at the door. Quincy entered carrying Angel, who wore a fluffy white dress and a flower crown, looking like a little angel.

"The Boss asked me to bring Angel to you," Quincy said. "The bride should be accompanied by her daughter."

I carefully took Angel. She reached out, wanting to touch my face.

"No fussing, sweetheart," I laughed. "Mommy needs to look beautiful for the wedding."

Quincy looked at me, his expression unusually soft. "You're beautiful today. The Boss will be very pleased."

"Thank you, Quincy," I said sincerely.

"It's my honor." He nodded. "Now, we should go."

I took a deep breath, held Angel close, and followed him out. Walking through the estate corridors, each step made my heart beat faster.

The garden had been transformed into a dreamscape. White rose petals carpeted the path. The arch was wound with flowers and vines, glowing in the sunlight. Guests were already seated. The music began, and I walked slowly toward Gabriel with Angel in my arms.

He stood beneath the arch in an impeccably tailored black suit, his green eyes seeming to glow in the sunlight.

When our gazes met, his expression became so tender it was heartbreaking.

I handed Angel to Quincy. Gabriel extended his hand, and I placed mine in his palm.

"You're beautiful," he said softly, his voice slightly hoarse.

I looked up at him with a smile, my heart overflowing with happiness.

The officiant's voice carried across the garden: "We are gathered here today to witness the union of Gabriel Sullivan and Isabella Langley. This is not just the joining of two people, but the meeting of two souls."

He looked at us. "Marriage is a journey, with joys and challenges. Are you ready to begin this journey?"

"Yes," we answered in unison.

"Gabriel, please speak your vows."

Gabriel turned to me, holding both my hands.

"Isabella, from the first moment I saw you, I knew you would change my life. Your kindness, courage, and strength made me believe the world could be different."

He paused, his eyes full of deep emotion.

"Before you, I thought my world held only darkness and violence. But you came into my life like light, showing me hope."

Tears filled my eyes.

"You taught me that even in the deepest darkness, there are things worth protecting. You gave me a home, made me a husband and father."

His voice trembled slightly but remained unwavering.

"I promise that no matter what the future holds, no matter what difficulties we face, I will protect you and Angel. As long as you're here, there will be light in the darkness."

"I love you, Isabella. Today, tomorrow, forever."

Soft sobbing came from the guests. My own tears finally fell.

"Isabella, your vows," the officiant gently prompted.

I looked into Gabriel's eyes, my voice trembling but firm.

"Gabriel, I once thought I would hide forever in my bookshop, using old books to build a wall shutting out the world. I was afraid of being hurt, afraid of losing."

I gripped his hands tightly.

"But you came into my life and broke down that wall. You showed me that real protection isn't escape—it's facing things bravely. You protected me in your own way, letting me know I wasn't alone."

I smiled through my tears.

"Your world is dark, your hands are stained with blood. But I know everything you do is to protect those who can't protect themselves. You use your own darkness to drive away deeper darkness."

Gabriel's eyes also glistened with tears.

"I promise that no matter how dark your past, no matter what you've been through, I'll be here waiting for you to come home. We'll raise Angel together, give her a home full of love. You're not just my husband—you're my family, the most important person in my life."

I looked at him steadily.

"I love you, Gabriel. Today, tomorrow, forever."

Gabriel reached out to gently wipe away my tears.

The officiant smiled. "Now, please exchange rings."

Aiden stepped forward with the ring box. Gabriel slipped a simple, elegant platinum ring onto my finger.

"With this ring, I thee wed."

I placed a ring engraved with our names and the date onto his finger.

"With this ring, I thee wed."

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. Gabriel, you may kiss your bride."

Gabriel cupped my face and kissed me—deep, tender, full of promise.

The garden erupted in applause and cheers. Dominic's voice rang out from the crowd: "Uncle Gabriel kissed Starlight!" Everyone laughed.

Gabriel pressed his forehead to mine, whispering, "Thank you for marrying me."

"Thank you for choosing me," I whispered back.

Quincy brought Angel over. Gabriel gently kissed her forehead.

"Welcome to our world, Angel," he murmured. "We're finally a family."

We turned to face the guests, Gabriel's arm around me, Angel in my arms. Camera shutters clicked continuously, capturing the moment.

The music swelled again. We walked back down the petal-strewn path as husband and wife, guests applauding warmly.

I saw familiar faces in the crowd—Quincy, Aiden, Dominic, and old friends from the bookshop. Their smiles and blessings made this moment even more real.

The celebration that followed felt like a warm dream. The next afternoon, decorations were cleared away and life returned to quiet. Gabriel suggested bringing Angel back to the bookshop, and I readily agreed.

He opened the car door for me. I carried Angel to the entrance, pausing to look at that hand-carved sign.

"From today forward," Gabriel stood beside me, "this place isn't just your haven—it's our home."

I took his hand and pushed open the door. The brass bell rang its familiar sound.

Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating every book. Angel woke in my arms, curiously taking in her surroundings.

"Welcome home, Angel," I whispered.

Gabriel wrapped his arms around us both. We stood quietly in the bookshop, surrounded by the scent of old paper and ink, bathed in golden light.

This was our story—about darkness and light, violence and tenderness, loss and recovery. And now, it had finally found a new beginning.

The End