Chapter 181

Chapter 181
Willow's POV

As my father and I began our walk down the aisle, I caught glimpses of familiar faces among the sea of guests. Sam stood respectfully among the Blackwood executives, his usually stoic expression softened by a rare smile. Carlos and Mia were seated together, both grinning widely—Carlos giving me an exaggerated thumbs-up that made me bite back a laugh.

Jasmine and Lisa had coordinated their outfits as always, this time in complementary shades of emerald. Jane gave me a subtle wink as I passed. Then I spotted Amelia and Ashley, looking polished and professional even at a social event. Ashley discreetly wiped away a tear while Amelia gave me a subtle nod of approval.

Even Marco, my former boss, was there with Mike, the burly security guard who'd always quietly protected my safety on crowded nights. They both looked hilariously uncomfortable in formal wear, but their genuine smiles warmed my heart.

In the second row, Jenny dabbed at her eyes with a tissue, mouthing "you look amazing" as our eyes met. In the front row, Ava sat regally, dabbing discreetly at her eyes with a monogrammed handkerchief. Next to her, my mother was doing a much worse job of containing her emotions, tears flowing freely down her cheeks.

There was one face I'd half-expected, half-hoped to see, but Beckeet had kept his word about hitting the road. The latest Instagram post from his account showed him somewhere in the Southwest, guitar in hand against a backdrop of red canyons. He'd captioned it simply: "Finding my sound again." I hoped he was.

With each step toward Damian, the path that had led me here flashed through my mind. The night by the river. The hospital. The warehouse fire. All the moments, good and terrible, that had somehow brought me to this day.

When my father placed my hand in Damian's, the look we exchanged contained volumes. We weren't a perfect fairy tale—we were complicated people with complicated histories. But we'd chosen each other, repeatedly, despite everything.

"You're breathtaking," Damian whispered as we turned to face the officiant.

"So are you," I whispered back.

The ceremony passed in a blur. Before I knew it, we were exchanging rings, speaking vows, and being pronounced husband and wife. When Damian kissed me, the ballroom erupted in applause.

The reception that followed was everything Ava had promised—elegant, extravagant, but with the personal touches I'd insisted on. My favorite comfort foods served alongside gourmet delicacies. Music that ranged from classical to indie rock.

Jenny ambushed me near the dessert table, pulling me into a fierce hug. "Mrs. Blackwood," she said, exaggerating the title with a dramatic flourish. "I still can't believe my little partner married into one of LA's royal families."

"That makes two of us," I laughed, linking arms with her as we surveyed the room.

"Are you kidding? I wouldn't have missed this for the world." She lowered her voice. "Plus, I've already collected three business cards from eligible bachelors. This wedding is better than any dating app."

I was making my way through the crowd when I felt a hand on my arm.

"Mrs. Blackwood," Damian appeared at my side, champagne flute in hand. "May I steal you for a moment?"

I grinned up at him. "I think that's allowed, considering you're my husband now."

He led me out onto the terrace, where the evening air was cool and fragrant with jasmine. The city lights spread out below us like a carpet of stars.

"Happy?" he asked, his arm circling my waist.

"Deliriously," I confirmed, leaning into him. "Though my feet are killing me in these shoes."

He chuckled. "Just a few more hours of social obligations, then you're all mine."

The promise in his voice sent a pleasant shiver down my spine.

"I never thought I'd get married," Damian said suddenly. "Never wanted to, actually. Until you."

I turned to look at him, touched by the rare admission. "What changed?"

He considered the question seriously. "You didn't try to change me. You just... made me want to be better." His hand found mine. "Thank you for that."

A server appeared to inform us it was time for our first dance. Hand in hand, we returned to the ballroom. As Damian led me onto the dance floor, I felt a surge of happiness so pure it was almost painful.

The celebration continued well into the night. I was making one final round of goodbyes before Damian and I departed when a voice called my name—a voice I recognized instantly.

"Willow."

I turned to find Sophia standing a few feet away, looking almost unrecognizable from the prison inmate I'd known. She wore a stunning silver gown, her hair styled in an elegant updo adorned with tiny crystal pins. The only familiar thing was that mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Sophia!" I exclaimed. "You look incredible."

"Not bad for someone who was in prison orange a month ago, right?" She grinned. "Although I must say, your wedding look is a significant upgrade from the 'prison yard special' makeup I helped you perfect."

I laughed, recalling the prison makeup she had specially designed for me, making me less recognizable as Chloe's double.

"How are you? When did you get out?" I asked.

"Three weeks ago," her expression turned more serious. "You can thank Beckeet's father for that. After the S_List went public, Jefferson Wilder personally funded a legal team to help all of Chloe's victims overturn their convictions."

"The Wilder family is out for blood," Sophia continued. "Apparently, when someone tries to have his son killed, Jefferson takes it personally. My case was one of the first they tackled. The evidence tampering was so blatant once someone actually looked for it that the judge threw out the conviction immediately."

"What about Chloe?" I asked, unable to help myself.

Sophia's smile turned slightly wicked. "Oh, your evil twin isn't doing so well. House arrest doesn't suit her complexion. She's facing multiple new charges as more victims come forward. Without Daddy's money and influence to protect her, she's getting a taste of real consequences."

"Enough about the Sinclairs," she waved her hand dismissively. "This is your day."

"All thanks to you," I said sincerely. "You helped me survive in there."

"Consider this invitation to your fancy wedding thanks enough," she replied with a wink. "Though I wouldn't say no to an introduction to that handsome executive by the bar."

Damian appeared at my side, his hand finding the small of my back. After quick introductions, Sophia mentioned Beckeet's new song climbing the charts.

"He deserves the success," I said sincerely.

"Well, I should let you two get to your honeymoon," Sophia said. "Mrs. Blackwood, it was an honor to witness your ascension from prison newcomer to Los Angeles royalty."

Our car was waiting to take us to the private airfield where the Blackwood jet would fly us to our honeymoon destination. But before we left, Carlos gathered everyone for one final toast. My Sunset Strip family, my parents, Ava, Sam, Jane, Jenny, and even Sophia all raised their glasses.

"To Willow and Damian," Carlos called out. "Who proved that even in this crazy city, sometimes the good guys win."

"To Willow and Damian!" the crowd echoed.

Damian pulled me close and kissed me deeply, prompting cheers from our friends. When we broke apart, I looked around at the circle of faces—the unlikely family I'd cobbled together through the strangest journey of my life.

"Ready for our next adventure, Mrs. Blackwood?" Damian murmured against my ear.

I smiled up at him, my heart fuller than I'd ever thought possible. "Lead the way, Mr. Blackwood."

As we ran through a shower of rose petals toward our waiting car, I couldn't help but think about the night I'd pulled a drowning stranger from the river—how that single impulsive act had changed everything.

To a new name. A new family. A new beginning.

And for the first time in my life, I wasn't afraid of what came next.