Chapter 180
The morning air was crisp, sunlight spilling through the open balcony doors of the bridal suite. Nadia sat before a wide mirror, the soft hum of a hair dryer filling the room while the wedding stylist added the final touches to her hair. Her gown, a flowing ivory creation with delicate lace sleeves, hung in the corner–waiting for the moment she would step into it.\
Nathan stood near the window, sipping coffee and watching his sister carefully. He had barely said a word all morning, but the glimmer of pride in his eyes was impossible to miss.\
“You look… happy,” he finally said, setting the mug down.”
Nadia’s lips curved faintly. “I am.“\
He leaned against the wall, arms crossed. “You know there’s a chance Colton could show up, right?“}
“I know,” she said, her voice steady. “If he comes, let him. He can watch, maybe even cry if he wants. But he can’t ruin this. Not anymore.“\
The ceremony was small–deliberately so. Scott had insisted they keep it intimate: only a handful of close friends, Nathan, and a few people from the company who had stood by her through everything.
No media. No flashing cameras. No outsiders looking to turn her life into gossip.
By the time Nadia stepped into her gown, the muted chatter of guests filtered in from the garden below. She took a deep breath, smoothing her skirt as Nathan came to her side.
“Ready?” he asked.
“As I’ll ever be.”
The garden was bathed in warm afternoon light, the aisle lined with white roses and.candles flickering inside glass lanterns. Scott stood at the altar, his suit perfectly tailored, his gaze never leaving her as she began her walk.
che
Every step felt surreal–each one further from the pain she had lived through and closer to the life she was choosing now.
he whispered.
When she reached the altar, Scott took her hands. “You’re bre
The officiant began, his voice carrying softly over the rows of seated guests. They moved through the readings, the exchange. of smiles, the shared glances that spoke volumes. And then came the moment–the vows.
Miles away, Colton gripped his steering wheel so tightly his knuckles were white. The crumpled wedding invitation sat on the passenger seat, its edges creased from the way he’d clutched it.
The thought of Nadia marrying someone else–it burned through him, fueling his determination to make it in time.”
Traffic had been merciless, the route long, but he pushed the car harder. His mind churned with words he needed to say, apologies that had been eating away at him for months.
Then–out of nowhere a sharp screech of tires. A truck swerved into his lane. He slammed the brakes, the sound of metal shattering as his car spun violently. The airbag exploded against him, pain shooting through his body.”
By the time he registered what had happened, blood was already seeping from a cut along his temple, dripping down his
cheek.
“Sir, we need to get you to a hospital!” a panicked voice shouted–someone from the other car, phone already out to call for help.
“No–no hospital,” Colton muttered, shoving the airbag aside. His vision swam, but his focus was unshaken. “I can’t… I have to be somewhere. Now.“{\
They tried to stop him, but he stumbled back to the driver’s seat, ignoring the ache in his ribs and the pounding in his head. Every mile hurt, but he didn’t care.
Back in the garden, Nadia and Scott stood face to face, the guests leaning forward in anticipation.”
“I, Nadia…” she began, voice steady but warm, “…choose you, Scott, to be my partner, my friend, my love. I promise to stand by you, to trust you, and to build our future together. You’ve shown me kindness when I had none left to give, and today, I choose to give you my heart.“[
Scott’s smile deepened, his own vow ready on his lips–when the sound of hurried footsteps and a strained voice cut through
the air.
“Stop!”
Every head turned. Gasps rippled through the guests.B
Colton stood at the back of the aisle, his suit torn, his face pale and streaked with blood. He swayed slightly, one hand braced against the nearest chair for support. The sight of him was almost ghostly–someone who had fought his way here and barely made it.
Whispers ignited instantly.
“That’s her ex–husband ”
4:05
against the nearest chair for support. The sight of him was almost ghostly–someone who had fought his way here and barely made it.”
Whispers ignited instantly.”
“That’s her ex–husband…“}
“Is he bleeding?”
“Did he come from an accident?“\
Nadia’s eyes locked on his. For a moment, it was as if the world fell silent–the years of love, betrayal, and heartbreak suspended in the space between them.”
Colton staggered forward a step. “Please… don’t do this,” he rasped. “Not without hearing me out. Nadia, I-”
She straightened, her fingers tightening around Scott’s hand. “Too late, Colton.”
His breath hitched. “No… no, it’s not. I can change. I can fix it. I—“}
Her gaze didn’t waver. “You had your chance. Many, many chances. And I gave you all of them. This-” she glanced at Scott “-is my choice now.“}
The officiant hesitated, looking between them. Scott’s jaw tightened, his arm slipping protectively around Nadia’s back.§
Colton took another step forward, his vision blurring. “Please…” His voice cracked. “Don’t… marry him.”
Nadia shook her head slowly. “I already have my answer.”
And with that, she turned back to Scott, lifting her chin. “I do.”
The officiant nodded, moving through the final words quickly. Scott cupped her face, and as they sealed their vows with a kiss, Colton’s knees buckled.
He sank to the ground, the world tilting as the sound of their kiss echoed in his fading consciousness. The last thing he saw before darkness claimed him was Nadia in Scott’s arms, framed by a backdrop of roses and candlelight–smiling.
A single tear slipped down his cheek as he hit the ground.”
