Chapter170 We’re trying to start over
Chapter170 We’re trying to start over
Chloe
Lena and Ryan arrived as unexpected guests much later, after everything was underway. But even more surprising visitors had appeared before the wedding even began, long before the photos were taken on the sand.
That moment had set a different tone, one I was still processing as I stood there with Julian.
I could see Tiffany dabbing at her eyes already, Marcus standing close beside her with one hand resting lightly on her back.
Kim smiled from the second row, her expression calm and knowing. Ethan sat beside her, his arm loosely around her shoulders, his face open and relaxed as he watched us with genuine warmth.
Julian’s hands were warm around mine. He took a slow breath before he spoke his vows, the words low and steady. My stomach tightened as he began. Part of me still could not believe we were standing here like this, not because of any contract, but because we both wanted it.
Hearing him speak so openly in front of everyone made my chest ache in the best way.
“I spent too long treating what we had like a transaction,” he said. “I put conditions on everything and called it protection. I was wrong. From now on I choose you every day, no contracts, no exits. I will be loyal to you and to our daughter. I will listen when you tell me what you need instead of deciding for you. And I will spend the rest of my life proving that the woman who once left one dollar on a nightstand is the only person I ever wanted to keep.”
I squeezed Julian’s fingers and answered, my voice a little unsteady. “You gave me space when I asked for it and you stayed when I needed you to. I see the effort. I see the man who plans surprises even when he’s terrified of losing control. And I promise to stay, not because someone made me, but because I want the life we’re building.”
The pastor nodded toward the small velvet box. Julian opened it to reveal the emerald ring I had accidentally seen days ago, its deep green stone set in a delicate platinum band that caught the fading sunlight. My hands trembled just slightly as he slid it onto my finger, the weight of it both surprising and right. When I looked up, his eyes were shining in a way I had rarely seen before.
“Now you may kiss the bride.”
Julian did not rush. He cupped my face and leaned in, the kiss slow and deep enough that the sound of the waves felt distant. Applause and cheers rose from the small group gathered on the sand. Tiffany clapped the loudest, her face bright with relief and happiness. Marcus whistled once, short and clear.
Kim pressed her hands together and beamed. Ethan clapped along, his smile easy and bright.
When we finally parted, Julian rested his forehead against mine for a second and let out a quiet laugh only I could hear. My chest felt full, almost too full, like something inside me had finally settled after years of holding its breath.
The reception began right there on the beach. Long tables had already been set with white linens and candles. Julian had the caterers prepare everything I had mentioned once in passing—crab cakes, the pasta from that little place in Santa Monica, fresh strawberries, and the lemon cake I once said I liked at a work event months ago.
Friends moved between the tables, laughing and telling stories about how hard it had been to keep the ceremony a secret.
Tiffany raised her glass, her cheeks still a little pink. “I had to lie to my own mother about why I needed the whole afternoon off. She still thinks I’m getting a tattoo.”
Marcus grinned beside her. “I had to pretend I was sick so I could help set up the arch at five in the morning. Worth it.”
Kim leaned forward from her seat. “I spent three days helping Julian pick the right flowers. He kept changing his mind because he wanted everything perfect for you.”
Ethan stayed mostly quiet, gently rocking Liora’s carrier when she made a small sound, his expression content.
The mood stayed light until the sound of tires on the access road made everyone glance up. Two women stepped out of a black SUV parked at the edge of the sand.
Mia and Evelyn. They walked toward us slowly, both dressed simply, without heavy makeup or jewelry that screamed money. The entire table went quiet. I felt a flicker of surprise tighten in my chest.
Julian’s hand found mine under the table, his grip steady. He leaned closer and spoke quietly, just for me.
“I invited them,” he said. “Mia asked if she could come. She said she wanted to speak to you.”
My pulse jumped. Part of me had never expected to see either of them again, let alone at our wedding.
Mia stopped a few feet away. “We came to congratulate you,” she said, voice steady. “Both of you.”
Evelyn nodded once. “We won’t stay long. We just wanted to say we’re sorry for everything that happened before. And we’re happy you found each other.”
Mia glanced at the ocean, then back at us. “I opened a small import business overseas. Mom came with me. It’s nothing like what we had here, but it’s honest work. We’re trying to start over.”
The words hung in the air. Julian studied them, then gave a single nod. “Thank you for coming,” he said. His tone was polite but not warm.
Mia’s gaze drifted to Liora in her carrier. Her expression softened in a way I had never seen before.
Mia took one small step closer but stopped short of the table. “I know this is your day,” she said. “We didn’t come to make it about us. Just… congratulations.”
Evelyn looked at me directly for the first time. Her eyes were quieter than I remembered, the sharp edges smoothed down by something that looked like exhaustion. “You look happy,” she said. “Both of you do.”