Chapter 230

Chapter 230

Alaric stood beside her, saying nothing.

Harper pointed to a distant reef—a large, dark brown rock covered in moss.

"That day I was collecting seashells there when a wave hit and pulled me under. I thought I was going to die. The water was so cold, so dark—I couldn't grab hold of anything. I desperately screamed for help, but seawater filled my mouth, and nothing came out."

Her voice caught. "Then someone jumped in and pulled me up. He laid me on the beach and gave me CPR. When I woke up, I only saw his back as he left. I wanted to call out to him, but my throat felt blocked—I couldn't make a sound."

Alaric listened quietly.

Harper turned to look at him.

"I always thought the person who saved me was Rupert. He said it was him—every detail matched. I believed him, married him, thinking it was destiny. I even thought maybe heaven made me suffer so much just so I could meet him."

She paused. "But it turns out, from beginning to end, it was all a lie. The person who saved me was you."

Alaric's lashes trembled.

He pulled a photograph from his pocket and handed it to her.

The photo had yellowed, its corners curled.

It showed the back of a young man walking out of the sea, soaking wet.

Sunlight fell on him, outlining his upright silhouette.

"This was taken by a tourist at the time. She kept it all these years. A few days ago, she saw the news, learned about our story, and sent me the photo." Alaric looked down at the photograph, eyes reddening slightly.

Harper walked up to him, reaching out to gently touch his face. "You knew all along that you were the one who saved me. Why hide it?"

Alaric looked at her, silent for a long time.

Then he spoke. "Because you'd already married Rupert. You were so happy and trusted him so much. I attended your wedding that day. You wore a wedding dress and smiled so beautifully. How could I bear to tell you the man you married was a fraud? Tell you the person who saved you was me?"

His voice grew hoarse. "Besides, even if I'd told you, what would it change? You were already married. Would you divorce him? Would you believe me? Back then, we didn't even know each other, so why would you trust me?"

Harper's tears fell.

Alaric continued: "I could only wait. Wait until you needed me, then I could step forward. Wait until the day you are free, then I can openly tell you—I love you. From the first time I saw you fifteen years ago, I've loved you until now."

Harper cried, unable to speak.

Alaric pulled out a velvet box from his pocket and opened it.

Inside was a diamond ring, simple in style yet elegant.

The main stone wasn't large, but surrounded by a circle of smaller diamonds, glowing softly in the sunset.

"I bought this ring a long time ago," he said. "From the day you divorced, I bought it. I've carried it with me, waiting for the right moment."

He knelt on one knee in the sand. "Harper, I know you just learned many truths and might need time to process. I'm not asking you to agree now. I just want you to know that no matter how long it takes, I'll wait. Wait until you're ready, until you're willing, until the day you look back at me."

Sunset bathed him in golden light.

Harper looked at him, tears streaming unstoppably.

This man had been waiting for her since fifteen years ago.

Waiting for her to learn the truth, to emerge from the shadows.

Waiting for her to accept him.

She stepped forward, extended her hand, and helped him up.

"Alaric," she said, voice choked yet each word crystal clear, "I've been waiting for this moment for a long time too."

Alaric froze.

Harper looked at him and smiled.

That smile was more beautiful than the sunset.

"I do."

Alaric's eyes instantly brightened.

He slipped the ring onto her finger, then held her tightly.

The ring fit perfectly, as if custom-made for her from birth.

Not loose, not tight—just right on her ring finger.

Waves surged forward and retreated, leaving white foam at their feet.

In the distance, the sun finally sank below the horizon. The last rays of twilight illuminated their embracing silhouettes.

In that moment, the entire world fell silent.

Only the sea breeze, only the waves, only two hearts finally together.

A month later, a wedding that captivated the entire city was held in the city's oldest church.

The day was beautifully sunny. Light streamed through stained glass windows, casting brilliant patterns on the floor.

The church was packed—design industry colleagues, business elite, Harper's studio partners, and Alaric's friends.

Bianca sat in the first row, crying her eyes out.

"Stop crying," Coralie, beside her, handed her tissues, comforting her in imperfect pronunciation. "Your makeup's running."

Bianca took the tissues but couldn't keep up with her tears. "I can't help it! Harper suffered so much and is finally happy! If her mother could see this, she'd be so glad!"

Alaric's parents came too.

Raina sat there, a smile on her face, eyes slightly red.

She looked at Harper, gaze full of contentment.

"This child is a good child," she said to Xander.

Xander nodded. "Alaric's judgment is better than ours."

Music began.

Harper, wearing a pure white wedding gown, walked slowly into the church on Bianca's father's arm.

The gown was her own design—simple style, long train, embroidered with tiny pearls that glowed softly in the sunlight.

Alaric stood at the end of the red carpet, watching her approach step by step.

In that moment, he felt the entire world brighten.

Bianca's father placed Harper's hand in Alaric's, eyes reddening. "Alaric, treat her well. This child has suffered enough for one lifetime."

Alaric nodded solemnly. "I will. I guarantee it with my life."

The priest stood on the stage and opened the Bible.

"Mr. Alaric Stuart, do you take Ms. Harper Mellon as your wife? Through richness and poverty, in sickness and in health, in hardship and in joy, will you love her and protect her, now and forever?"

Alaric looked into Harper's eyes, speaking each word deliberately. "I do."

The priest turned to Harper. "Ms. Harper Mellon, do you take Mr. Alaric Stuart as your husband?"

Harper looked at Alaric, at those gentle eyes that seemed to hold all the world's precious treasures.

Her lips curved into a happy arc. "I do."

Warm applause filled the church.

Alaric gently lifted her veil and bent to kiss her.

Harper rose slightly on her toes.

In that moment, sunlight fell perfectly upon them.

In the distance, bells rang, echoing long.

They were the bells of happiness.

The End