Chapter 57 Wedding Preparations
Adrian spoke, snapping Eva out of her thoughts. She turned to him, caught off guard.
"What?"
"The wedding. I think we should delay it." Worry showed on Adrian's face, but he seemed sure. "With everything going on, it's too risky to have such a public event."
Eva felt her chest tighten. "Adrian—"
"I know this isn't what you want to hear. It's not what I want either. But your safety and the children's safety have to come first."
Eva knew he was right. A wedding would be an easy target, with everyone gathered, surrounded by guests, and open to whatever the Architect might try.
But thinking about delaying, about letting this group of people control her life, made her want to fight back.
"No," she said quietly.
Adrian blinked. "No?"
"I said no." Eva's voice grew stronger. "I'm done letting these people control us. I'm done putting our lives on hold just because they might do something. We've been running scared for months, and what has it gotten us? More threats. More fear. More waiting for something bad to happen."
"Eva, be reasonable—"
"I am being sensible. There will always be another threat, another enemy, another reason to wait. If we don't live our lives now, when will we?"
Adrian had no answer for that question. A heavy silence settled between them.
Eva felt the weight of everything pressing on her chest: the fear of what might happen, the guilt of risking her family's safety, the constant voice telling her she was being reckless.
For a moment, she wondered if she was making a mistake, if her stubbornness would only bring more danger.
But the thought of hiding, of letting fear and threats from others control every choice, filled her with an even deeper ache.
She was tired of watching her children grow up filled with anxiety, tired of feeling powerless, tired of holding back the life she wanted.
She swallowed hard, her determination growing from the storm inside. They had been hiding all this time, trying to run away to stay safe.
Eva took Adrian's hand, her eyes shining with determination. "I want to marry you, Adrian. I want our kids to see us build a family together. I want to stand in front of everyone who mocked and targeted us and show them my family can't be broken."
For a moment, Adrian remained silent, Eva's words resonating deeply as he grappled with the implications of her resolve and the risks she was willing to take.
Then his features softened, the tension in his posture easing as he looked at her with renewed respect.
He grasped her hand more firmly, as if drawing strength from her resolve, and nodded slowly.
Adrian's voice was quiet but steady as he replied, "You sure have so much courage in you that amazes me, Eva. Maybe you're right—it's time to stop letting fear control our choices. But what if the Architect uses the wedding against us?"
"Then we'll be ready." Eva squeezed his hand. "We'll add more security, check every guest, and prepare for anything. But we won't hide. Not anymore."
Adrian stared at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable.
Then, slowly, he smiled.
"You know," he said softly, "when I first met you, you were that scared girl in the hotel hallway. I never thought you'd become this strong, unstoppable force."
"Neither did I." Eva smiled back. "But here we are."
"Here we are." Adrian lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles. "Alright, Eva. We'll keep the wedding, but we'll do it my way, with enough security to stop a small army."
"I wouldn't expect anything less."
"And if anything feels wrong, if there's any sign of danger, we evacuate immediately. No arguments."
"Agreed."
Adrian nodded, his mind made up. "Then let's get married."
The next two weeks passed quickly. Early each morning, the dining room changed as Eva, Adrian, and the children gathered around the long table, looking through color samples and tasting food from local caterers.
Lists of tasks covered every surface, while the sound of the security team testing alarms came from the hallway.
Eva, with Lily and Ethan, arranged white roses and lilies in vases to test centerpieces, their quiet conversation occasionally giving way to laughter.
During these moments, the house was filled not only with excitement and nervousness but also with the real feeling of their upcoming wedding, each detail showing the arrival of a long-awaited celebration.
They chose to have the wedding at the estate. It was easier to protect than other places, and it meant a lot after everything the family had been through.
Adrian's security team worked nonstop, not only installing extra cameras and carefully checking caterers, flower sellers, and musicians, but also setting up several escape routes to keep everyone safe.
These full security steps showed the constant threat facing the family and reminded them that even happy moments could not be separated from the worries of their reality.
Eva threw herself into planning with a determination that surprised even her. She picked white roses and lilies, her mother's favorite flowers.
She picked the music: a string quartet for the ceremony and a jazz band for the reception.
She found the perfect dress. It was elegant and simple, nothing like the fancy gown she wore on her wedding day with Derek.
That other wedding had been all for show, arranged to please Derek and his family, not her.
Back then, she had felt hidden behind layers of lace and tradition, not seen for who she was or what she wanted.
And Eva endured it for the sake of the children in her belly.
This time was different. This dress was something she chose herself.
This wedding would be different; it meant not just leaving behind the compromises of her past but also fulfilling her own wishes and values.
For the first time, Eva was preparing for a ceremony based on true love and shared commitment, showing a clear choice to build a future based on love rather than duty.
Lily and Ethan were very excited. Lily was the flower girl and took her job seriously, practicing throwing petals every day in the garden.
Ethan was picked as the ring bearer, and he was excited, too. He looked very proud of his role at his mother's wedding.
"Is Adrian really going to be our dad forever?" Lily asked one evening while Eva was helping her try on her flower girl dress.
"Yes, sweetheart. Forever and ever."
"And we'll have his name? Cavanaugh?"
"If you want it. After the wedding, Adrian will officially adopt you. You can be Lily Cavanaugh, or keep your name as Lawson, or combine both. Whatever feels right to you."