Chapter 18 - The Second ProposalOne year after the wedding disaster, Julian took Claire back to the Hawthorne Grand.
The same ballroom.
The same chandeliers.
The same marble staircase.
But this time there were no cameras.
No guests.
No pressure.
Only Lily.
She walked down the aisle carrying flowers.
Claire laughed through tears.
Julian knelt.
"I once lost you because I didn't know the truth."
He opened a small box.
"This time, I'm asking with nothing to hide."
Claire covered her mouth.
"Julian..."
"I don't promise perfection."
He smiled.
"But I promise I'll never disappear again."
Claire said yes.
May you like
Lily cheered.
And somewhere in the back of the room, Audrey applauded.
