Chapter 10 - The Beginning of Always
One Year Later.
The warm June sunlight spilled over the grand terrace of the Carter Estate in the Hamptons. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming white hydrangeas and the distant, rhythmic sound of the ocean waves crashing against the shore.
Downstairs on the manicured lawn, two hundred guests were taking their seats under a massive white silk canopy.
In the private bridal suite upstairs, Ava stood before a full-length mirror.
She looked radiant. Her wedding dress was an elegant lace masterpiece with an open back—completely bare, completely unblemished, showcasing smooth, healthy, radiant skin. The marks of her past were gone, replaced by the light of a woman who was cherished, loved, and whole.
Her father stepped into the room, wearing a sharp black tuxedo, tears welling in his eyes.
"You are the most beautiful bride I have ever seen, sweetheart," he said softly, offering her his arm.
"Thanks to you, Dad," Ava smiled, giving him a warm hug. "Are you ready?"
"The question is... is Mr. Carter ready?" her father teased smoothly.
Outside on the altar overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Ethan Carter stood waiting.
He wore a custom black tuxedo, looking impeccably handsome, his broad shoulders filling out the suit effortlessly. His right shoulder had healed completely, leaving only a tiny silver scar—a permanent badge of his devotion.
Beside him, Marcus stood as his best man, adjusting his sunglasses. "You look nervous, boss. I didn't see you this stressed during the Tokyo acquisition."
Ethan chuckled softly, adjusting his white silk bow tie. "This is a much bigger acquisition, Marcus."
The string quartet began to play the opening notes of Canon in D.
The crowd stood up in reverence.
Ava appeared at the top of the stone steps, leaning gently on her father's arm. As she walked down the aisle, her veil floating softly in the ocean breeze, her eyes locked onto Ethan.
And for the first time in his life, the powerful, stoic billionaire Ethan Carter felt tears brim in his eyes.
When her father placed Ava's hand into Ethan's, Ethan leaned down and whispered into her ear, "You're late, Miss Reed."
"I was managing your schedule, Mr. Carter," Ava whispered back, her eyes sparkling with joy.
The minister spoke words of love, resilience, and hope, but to Ava and Ethan, the entire world had faded away until it was just the two of them standing beneath the summer sun.
"Do you, Ethan Carter, take Ava Reed to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love, honor, and protect her, through every storm and every sunshine, for as long as you both shall live?"
Ethan looked straight into Ava's eyes, his hand tightening lovingly around hers.
"I do," he said, his voice ringing with absolute, unshakable conviction. "With everything I am."
"And do you, Ava Reed, take Ethan Carter to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love, trust, and stand beside him, through all the days of your life?"
Ava smiled, a single tear of pure happiness falling down her cheek.
"I do."
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the minister declared, beaming. "Ethan, you may kiss your bride."
Ethan didn't wait a second longer. He wrapped his arms around Ava, pulling her close against his chest, and dipped her back gently as he kissed her deeply under the applause of their families, friends, and loved ones.
The crowd erupted into cheers, champagne glasses raising high into the sunny sky.
When Ethan lifted her back up, he rested his forehead against hers, both of them breathing in the sweet summer air.
May you like
"No more secrets," Ethan whispered softly against her lips.
"No more fear," Ava promised, wrapping her arms around his neck, looking into the eyes of the man who had saved her life and stolen her heart. "Just us."
