Chapter 144 Chapter 144

Chapter 144 Chapter 144
Greer’s POV 

Calder stood beside me, his hand gently resting on my lower back in that protective, loving way he always did. He had been my rock through the pregnancy, the recovery, and the rebuilding process. Our baby was growing steadily, and I was now showing just enough for the world to notice the gentle curve of my belly. He leaned down and kissed my temple softly, his breath warm against my skin.

“You did it,” he whispered, his voice full of pride. “This is all you, Greer. From nothing to this. I’m so proud of you.”

Cassey was there too, beaming brightly as my manager and best friend. She had worked tirelessly alongside me to make today possible. The store was beautifully arranged with our signature products on elegant displays, consultation rooms ready for clients, and a warm, empowering atmosphere that reflected everything Lumina Bloom stood for, resilience, authenticity, and blooming from within.

The launch event was intimate but meaningful. Influencers, loyal customers, business partners, and select media had gathered outside. As I stepped up to cut the ribbon with a pair of oversized scissors, I felt a powerful wave of emotion wash over me. I thought about everything I had overcome, the betrayal from my own mother, the assassination attempts, the public humiliation at the Royal Business Ball, the kidnapping by Wells, and the fear that had followed me for so long. And yet, here I was. Still standing. Still blooming.

I cut the ribbon with steady hands, and the crowd cheered warmly. Calder and Cassey clapped the loudest, their pride evident. Inside, the store came alive as people walked through, trying products, chatting with consultants, and congratulating me on the achievement. The lemon yellow and pink walls created a soft, uplifting environment that made every guest feel welcome.

Later, as the event began to wind down, Calder pulled me aside into my new office on the second floor. The room was beautifully furnished with a sleek white desk, comfortable cream seating, and shelves displaying our bestsellers. He placed both hands on my belly, feeling the gentle movement of our baby.

“I’m so proud of you,” he said again, his voice thick with emotion. “You’ve built something truly beautiful from the ashes. And now we’re building a family too. Our child is going to grow up knowing how strong their mother is.”

I smiled, leaning into him, resting my head against his chest. The flagship store was finally open. My dream had become reality. The road had been long and painful, but every struggle had led me here, to this moment of triumph.

With Calder by my side and Cassey as my unwavering support, I knew the future would be even brighter. Lumina Bloom wasn’t just a brand anymore. It was a movement. And I was ready to lead it.



Then it was my birthday party.

My bump was slightly bigger now, a gentle, noticeable curve that I proudly showed off in a flowing, elegant white dress that hugged my body comfortably while still allowing room for movement. The pregnancy had been a source of both joy and strength during the past months. The public had been surprisingly supportive, especially my loyal fans who had stood by me through every storm.

I had planned a small but meaningful celebration at the flagship store after closing hours. I invited some fans who had been with me from the very beginning, a few close friends, Cassey of course, and Calder. The store looked magical in the evening light, the soft lemon yellow and pink walls glowing warmly under the fairy lights we had strung across the ceiling. Product displays were arranged beautifully, and a small area had been cleared for a cake and refreshments. It felt like a true home for Lumina Bloom, a place of celebration and new beginnings.

Cassey helped me set up everything, arranging a beautiful white cake with candles and some non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. She hugged me tightly when she saw me fully dressed and ready.

“You look so beautiful,” she said, her eyes misty with emotion. “A boss, a mother-to-be, and happier than I’ve ever seen you. I’m so proud of you, Greer.”

I smiled, feeling emotional. “I couldn’t have done any of this without you.”

Calder had planned a surprise for me. As I walked into the store with Cassey, the lights suddenly dimmed, and then the entire space lit up with cheers and applause. My fans, friends, and loved ones were all there, smiling and celebrating. Calder stepped forward with a big bouquet of white roses and a proud smile on his face.

“Happy birthday, my love,” he said, pulling me into his arms and kissing me softly in front of everyone. “You deserve all of this and more. I’m so grateful to celebrate this day with you and our little one.”

The party was intimate and warm. My fans brought small gifts and heartfelt cards, sharing stories of how Lumina Bloom had helped them through their own struggles with self-doubt, bullying, or difficult family situations. We laughed, took photos together, and celebrated the journey. I felt surrounded by genuine love, the kind I had fought so hard for after years of betrayal and pain.

As the night wound down, I stood with Calder near the consultation area, his hand gently resting on my bump. I felt our baby kick softly, and it brought tears to my eyes. Life had taken me through hell and back, but I had emerged stronger, happier, and ready for the future.

Then, right in front of everyone, Calder went on his knees. The room fell quiet as he pulled out a small velvet box and opened it, revealing a stunning diamond ring that sparkled under the fairy lights. My heart stopped.

“Greer,” he said, his voice steady but full of emotion, looking up at me with love in his eyes, “you have been my light through the darkest times. You’ve shown me what real love, strength, and resilience look like. You’ve given me a child and the love I never thought I will have. Will you marry me?”

Tears filled my eyes as I looked at him, the man who had stood by me through betrayal, danger, and public scandal. The man I loved with my whole heart.

“Yes,” I whispered, then louder, “Yes! Of course I’ll marry you.”

The room erupted in cheers and applause. Calder slipped the ring onto my finger, stood up, and pulled me into a deep, loving kiss as everyone celebrated around us. Cassey was crying happy tears, my fans were cheering, and for the first time in a long time, everything felt exactly right.

This was my bloom and it was only the beginning.

THE END