Broken Memories, Intertwined Hearts novel Chapter 521

At that moment, Ethan took the microphone, and with a gentle smile playing at the corners of his mouth, he gazed at her with deep affection. “My dear Izzy,” he began. His voice was as warm as a summer’s day. “I always thought I’d be just fine on my own, but then you came along, and I realized how wrong I was. I was simply waiting for someone, someone who could stir my soul. Our paths crossed in a fleeting moment, but we lost each other in the crowd. When we found each other again, we were strangers no more. You are 27 years old, and I am 33. We’re certainly not teenagers anymore. You’re no longer a naive girl, and I’m no longer a hot-headed boy. We missed out on the foolish days of our youth, on a decade of what could’ve been the best years. I used to regret that, wanting to monopolize every moment with you. But recently, it hit me – it’s better to meet late than never. You will be the one for the rest of my life. There’s a beauty in that, isn’t there?”

He paused, and then continued, “Maybe our marriage will be calm, without the fireworks of passion. But Izzy, rest assured. I will do everything in my power to keep you warm, to seek out those sparks of joy together.”

“My dear Mrs. Meyer, let’s guide each other through the rest of our lives,” Ethan said as he reached out his hand to Ines Galeana. Her tears, already flowing freely at his words, betrayed her touched soul. But what could she do? She felt like she might have a touch of OCD – she just wanted Ethan to keep talking, to never stop. She adored the cello-like depth of his voice; to her, it was the most exquisite music, and she could listen to it forever.

Ines was so lost in her emotions. The tears were streaming down her face. She even forgot to reach out her hand.

Ethan, ever patient, kept his gaze fixed on Ines. Some observant guests noticed that since Ines had stepped up, Ethan’s eyes had never left her – only briefly flickering away when the two little babies appeared.

His hand remained outstretched, and the audience, already stirred, chanted in unison, “Mrs. Meyer, Mrs. Meyer.”

With a buzzing in her ears, Ines finally broke into a smile and grasped Ethan’s hand, holding onto the man she loved the most.

The officiant, usually unflappable, found herself tearing up. She had heard tales of this couple before, but she had been skeptical, often thinking that such high-profile couples were only playing up for the cameras, and their stories were embellished by the public. But seeing them in person, she realized how wrong she had been. They were the embodiment of devotion, and every gesture between them was thick with love. It even gave her the impression that their love was as solid as a fortress wall, impenetrable by any outsider.

“I’ve heard many vows. This one might not be the most flamboyant, but it’s certainly the most sincere I’ve heard. I truly wish you both the best. Mrs. Meyer, is there anything you’d like to say to Mr. Meyer?”

Ines knew Phoebe was crying with joy for her, witnessing the most important moment of her life. Looking around at these familiar faces, Ines took a deep breath and said, “Truth be told, I never believed in love. I never believed that it could withstand the test of time. I’ve been inherently wary of marriage, terrified of the thought of facing one man for a lifetime. I feared I’d grow weary, critical, and bored. When I got married in a flash, not only was I in disbelief, but so were those around me. They thought I was impulsive. Deep down, I knew I was clear-headed. I assessed the man before me: a 30% chance I couldn’t fall in love, a 70% chance of respectful coexistence, based on the premise that this man was incredibly handsome. I must admit, there’s a bit of a fangirl inside me.”

Everyone expected Ines to be serious, but she veered off course, lightening the mood. “After getting to know him, I realized how easily one could fall for such a man. It’s not hard at all. All those thoughts against love were nonsense. Some people you just can’t refuse, nor would you want to. And when you suddenly look back, you realize he’s already planted in your heart. It has taken root and flourished. But I’ll cut the sentimentality. I’m a woman of science, not words. So, just one last thing, Mr. Meyer, I’m thrilled to be marrying you.”

Ines practically roared the final sentence. Her voice echoed through every nook and cranny of the hall.

A thunderous round of applause erupted from the audience, and before Ines could even process the moment, Ethan had swiftly pulled her into his embrace and planted a deep kiss on her lips. The classic tune began to play around them, but Ines could hardly hear it. Her universe had narrowed to the man kissing her, to this singular, perfect point in time.