Chapter 413
Six months later, Haven estate buzzed with activity under a perfect blue sky. The scent of fresh roses and lilies hung in the air as gardeners scurried about, arranging bouquets and arch decorations. In the kitchen, the head chef called out
hstructions while waitstaff polished crystal glasses. Everyone moved in a choreographed dance of pre–wedding chaos, transforming the already beautiful grounds into something magical.
In the master bedroom, Irene stood frozen before the full–length mirror, barely recognizing the woman staring back. Her wedding dress hugged her curves perfectly–ivory satin that caught the light with each breath. She’d chosen something understated, no princess poof or elaborate train, just clean lines and intricate beadwork that sparkled in the afternoon sunlight streaming through the windows.
“Mommy, you look like a princess!” a small voice gasped from the doorway.
Irene turned to find Lily with her mouth forming a perfect O, eyes wide with wonder. Her flower girl dress–pale blue with delicate lace–swished around her ankles as she bounced on her toes, the Haven family pendant catching the light at her
throat.
“Thanks, sweetie,” Irene laughed, crouching down with open arms. “But look at you–stealing the show already.”
Lily rushed into her embrace, then pulled back to twirl, her dress billowing out. “Alex says everyone’s getting in–patient‘ in the garden,” she reported, carefully pronouncing the big word.
Irene tapped her daughter’s nose. “Tell your brother I’ll be right down. Just need one more minute.
After Lily scampered off, Irene turned back to the mirror, taking a deep breath. Six years ago, she’d been alone and terrified, clutching three newborns while her world crumbled around her. Now here she stood, about to walk toward a future she couldn’t have imagined back then. She smoothed her hands over the dress one last time, a small smile playing
on her lips.
A soft knock interrupted her reflection.
“Come in,” she called, expecting Katherine or Emily with some last–minute wedding emergency.
The door creaked open, and Rose appeared, freezing mid–step when she saw Irene. Her hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, Irene,” she breathed. “You’re… breathtaking.”
“Thank you,” Irene replied, her voice soft but still carrying that slight edge they both recognized.
Rose hovered awkwardly by the door, fingers twisting the pearl bracelet on her wrist. “I know this might not be welcome, but…” she inhaled sharply, “John and I were wondering if–if you’d allow us to walk you down the aisle.” She quickly added, “Of course, Joseph would be more fitting, or you could walk alone, which would be perfectly”
“I’d like that,” Irene cut in, the words surprising her as much as her mother. “Actually, I’d really like that.”
Rose blinked rapidly, tears threatening to spill. “You would?”
Irene studied her mother’s face–the hope there, the fear of rejection. The past months had been a slow defrosting between them. No grand gestures or dramatic apologies, just consistent small efforts. Coffee once a week. Genuine interest in the children. Respect for boundaries.
“Turns out,” Irene said with a small, genuine smile, “family is messy and complicated, but worth fighting for. My kids
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Chapter 413
taught me that.”
Rose stepped forward, hesitantly opening her arms. When Irene nodded, she embraced her daughter gently, careful not to wrinkle the dress. “Thank you,” she whispered. “For this chance we never deserved.”
“Irene pulled back, wiping an unexpected tear from her cheek. “Well,” she said with a shaky laugh, ‘better not keep Adam waiting. He might think I’ve bolted.”
Downstairs, the Haven garden had transformed into something from a fairytale. White chairs lined an aisle carpeted with rose petals, leading to an arch woven from flowers and tiny lights that sparkled even in daylight. Every seat was filled- Sterling relatives adjusting their formal wear, Haven business associates nodding politely, colleagues from the institute chatting excitedly.
At the end of the aisle stood Adam, his tailored suit accentuating shoulders that no longer carried the weight of secrets. Watching him fidget slightly with his cufflinks, it was hard to believe this was the same man who had once hidden behind cold walls and a wheelchair.
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