Chapter 17 - THE WEDDINGThey married in a small ceremony by the ocean.
No politicians.
No billionaires.
No cameras.
Just family.
Leo carried the rings.
He dropped them halfway down the aisle.
Everyone laughed.
Clara laughed hardest.
Julian looked at her.
And realized he had never seen her more beautiful.
When they exchanged vows, Clara spoke first.
"You found me when I didn't know who I was."
Julian smiled.
"You reminded me who I wanted to become."
Their vows were simple.
No promises of perfect lives.
Only promises to stay.
To listen.
To protect.
To forgive.
To choose each other.
After the ceremony, Victoria approached Clara.
She held out a small red scarf.
Clara stared at it.
"The scarf from the photograph."
Victoria nodded.
"I kept it all these years."
Clara touched it gently.
"You remembered?"
Victoria smiled through tears.
"Some things were never really forgotten."
The sisters embraced.
May you like
The ocean rolled quietly behind them.
For once, the past felt far away.
