Chapter 6 - THE REAL PROPOSAL
Four Months LaterSpring arrived in New York, bringing warm breezes and blooming cherry blossoms to Central Park.
On the private rooftop terrace of the Vance Estate in the Hamptons, two hundred guests gathered under a canopy of white roses and crystal lanterns.
It was no longer a fake engagement press conference. It was the wedding of the year.
The guests included high-ranking city officials, international philanthropists, and ordinary community workers whom Ava had befriended through her foundation work.
Standing at the altar overlooking the Atlantic Ocean was Julian Vance. He looked commanding and incredibly handsome in a midnight-black tuxedo, his dark eyes fixed entirely on the archway at the end of the aisle.
The violins began to play a soft, romantic melody.
Ava stepped out onto the flower-draped aisle.
She wore a breathtaking off-the-shoulder gown of silk Mikado, her dark hair half-swept back with pearls, holding a simple bouquet of white orchids and lily of the valley. She looked radiant, powerful, and deeply happy.
Beside her, walking her down the aisle, was her elderly uncle, who beamed with pride.
Julian stepped forward to take her hand. His fingers wrapped around hers, warm and steady.
"You took my breath away," Julian whispered as she reached his side.
"You're not so bad yourself, Mr. Vance," Ava teased softly with a tearful smile.
The marriage officiant stepped forward, beginning the ceremony under the golden afternoon sun.
When it came time for the vows, Julian turned to Ava, holding both of her hands tightly in his.
"Ava," Julian said, his raspy baritone voice echoing clearly across the sunlit terrace. "Four months ago, I asked you to sign a contract to protect my business. But every second I spent with you showed me that you were the only piece of my life that truly mattered. You brought warmth to my cold world and taught me how to love. I don't want a contract, Ava. I want a lifetime."
Tears glided down Ava’s cheeks as she smiled up at him.
"Julian," Ava said softly. "You saved me from a moment of embarrassment, but more importantly, you believed in me when I had forgotten how to believe in myself. I choose you, today and every day, for as long as we both shall live."
"By the power vested in me," the officiant announced, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. Julian, you may kiss your bride."
May you like
Julian pulled Ava into his arms, dipping her slightly as he pressed his lips to hers in a deep, loving kiss that brought the entire audience to their feet in deafening applause.
The sun shone brightly over the Atlantic, reflecting off the blue waves. The humiliation of the past was gone, replaced by a love that was real, enduring, and triumphant. Hand in hand, Julian and Ava stepped into their future—together at last.
