Chapter 32: Epilogue

As I walked down the aisle, my thoughts swirled, unable to believe how drastically my life had changed. Just a few years ago, I was a college dropout with no clear direction, never imagining that I would become a surrogate mother for a billionaire, a man who was now about to be my husband. The irony wasn’t lost on me; I was supposed to just carry his child, but somehow, I ended up with his heart as well.

Everything happens for a reason, they say, but I wasn't sure if this was fate or a fluke. The only thing ringing in my mind was: Oh my God, I’m getting married.

At the altar, Leonard stood tall, looking more handsome than ever in a perfectly tailored grey suit. His eyes locked onto mine, filled with the same look of adoration every groom has for his bride. His best man, the very friend I met when I first visited Leonard's workplace, stood beside him, smiling knowingly. Clara, my maid of honor, wore a stunning pink gown, and all eyes in the room were fixed on me. My heart pounded as Gabriella, our daughter, walked ahead of me in her adorable little bride dress.

Since I didn’t have a father to walk me down the aisle, I walked alone, clutching my bouquet tightly, every step trembling with excitement and nervousness. When I finally reached Leonard, his wide smile mirrored my own. I felt heat rise to my cheeks as I stood facing him, the man I had come to love more deeply than I ever thought possible.

The priest began speaking, but I barely heard a word. All I could do was gaze at Leonard, the man who had entered my life in such an unexpected way and completely turned my world upside down. I never thought I’d fall in love, especially not with someone as intense and complicated as him. Love had a way of catching you off guard, sweeping you off your feet when you least expected it. There was no preparing for it, when it was right, it just happened.

“I do,” Leonard’s voice broke through my thoughts, deep and filled with emotion. The way he looked at me made me feel vulnerable and cherished all at once, his brown eyes brimming with intensity that made my heart race.

Then it was my turn. “I do,” I said softly, but with certainty.

“You may now kiss the bride,” the priest declared, and Leonard gently cupped my face in his hands, pulling me toward him for a kiss that was sweet, tender, and full of promise. The sound of applause filled the room as our lips met, but in that moment, it was just the two of us.

The reception was held at Leonard’s mother’s mansion, a lavish affair that she had insisted on hosting. At first, Leonard had been reluctant to accept her help, worried she’d go overboard, but I convinced him it meant a lot to her. He hadn’t been wrong, the celebration was extravagant and exclusive, with every detail meticulously planned. It was beautiful, though, and I was grateful to her for making it so special.

“Oh, my baby,” my mother cried as she pulled me into a tight hug. “I never thought I’d see this day come so soon, but I’m so happy for you.” Her eyes sparkled with tears of joy, and I couldn’t help but smile widely.

“Thank you, Mom,” I whispered, feeling overwhelmed with happiness.

“Look who we have here, the bride of the hour!” Clara’s voice chimed in, interrupting my moment with my mom. She beamed at me, her excitement contagious.

“I’m so happy for you, Eva. You got the guy!” she teased, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“I did, didn’t I?” I said, the reality of it sinking in deeper.

Clara leaned in and hugged me tightly. “Thank you for everything. I couldn’t ask for a better friend or sister.”

“No, Clara. Thank you,” I said, my voice sincere. She had been with me through so much, and I couldn’t imagine this day without her.

As we shared a quiet moment, I noticed Leonard approaching from behind. Clara grinned mischievously, glancing over my shoulder. “That’s my cue to leave,” she said, winking playfully. “Don’t worry, I’ll take Gabriella tonight so you two can have the house to yourselves.” Her grin widened at my shocked expression before she waved and walked off, leaving me to face my new husband.

Suddenly, Leonard’s arms were around my waist, pulling me close so that my back pressed against his chest. His warm breath tickled my ear. “Hello, Mrs. Leonard,” he murmured with amusement, sending shivers down my spine.

I turned in his arms to face him, a playful smile tugging at my lips. “Hello, Mr. Leonard,” I teased back, my heart swelling with love as he flashed that cheeky grin of his.

Without another word, he led me to the center of the room, wrapping his arms around my waist as I draped mine over his shoulders. We swayed together to the soft music playing in the background, our eyes locked in silent communication. No words were necessary, the way we felt for each other was clear in every glance, every touch.

“I love you,” Leonard whispered, breaking the quiet.

“I love you too,” I whispered back, feeling like the luckiest woman in the world.

Leonard carried me into the house bridal-style, both of us laughing as he carefully navigated his way to the bedroom. He gently set me down once we were inside, but I almost stumbled, my legs unsteady from the rush of emotions. My heart raced as I realized we were alone in the house, and the anticipation of what was to come made my palms sweat.

“Leonard, I need to tell you something,” I said, my voice hesitant.

He looked at me intently, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “I’m listening,” he said softly, his gaze never leaving mine.

“I’m… I’m a virgin,” I finally managed to say, my voice trembling. I watched as his eyes widened in surprise, his shock unmistakable.

“Very funny, Eva,” he said, smiling, but when he saw the serious expression on my face, the smile vanished. “Wait, you mean…?”

I nodded. “I know, it’s crazy. I gave birth to Gabriella, but I’ve never… well, you know.”

Leonard blinked, clearly processing the information. “You went through all of that, and you’re still…”

“I was desperate,” I started to explain, but he silenced me with a gentle finger pressed to my lips.

"So he never?..." he asked again, clearly still struggling to believe. I shook my head in response.

“Then I’m the lucky one,” he whispered, his voice tender. He pulled me closer and kissed me, our lips moving in perfect sync.  His hand trailed up my back until it reached the zipper of my gown. The moment I felt the fabric loosen, I knew that was it for me.