Chapter 74
Clupter 72: Flashback Continuation V
I don’t care about Liam, Camille. I’m happy where I am, and I don’t care that you married him. I’ve moved on from him. In even gal there because our good–for–nothing father finally stopped chasing after me.
even glad you were
Just a warning, though, be careful. You don’t know everything about him or his world. There are things about his life you might not be ready for
I stared at Callie’s message, trading it over and over again.
She didn’t care about Liam anymore.
She had moved on. She said she was happy wherever she was now.
The
rest of her message—the warning about Liam–barely registered. All I could focus on was the heavy weight lifting from my chest, that invisible guilt off feeling like I was coveting something that wasn’t mine.
Finally, I’m free from that
My hands trembled as 1 clutched my phone, my heart pounding
She wasn’t holding on to him anymore.
Yes, I had been a substitute at first, but I wasn’t one anymore.
p them
A shaky breath left my lips, and tears spilled down my cheeks before I could stop
I turned to Grandma, my voice barely above a whisper, raw with emotion.
“She’s n–not mad at me, Grandma. She even said she’s happy.”
Grandma’s gaze softened, filled with understanding, as she reached for my hand. “Oh, sweetheart”
I couldn’t hold it in anymore. A sob broke free, and I threw myself into her arms, burying my face against her shoulder, “I’m happy, too.”
She held me close, stroking my hair like she had done when I was linte. “You deserve to be, my love”
I squeezed my eyes shut, letting the warmth of her embrace ground me. “I don’t have to feel guilty anymore. I don’t have to worry abour Callie thinking I stole him. She’s moved on and I can, too.”
Getting into a relationship with my sister’s ex–fance probably sounded had to others, especially since we were twins. But I no longer cared what they thought.
I could finally step into the marriage without hesitation.
I pulled back slightly, wiping my damp cheeks with my hand. A small, breathless laugh escaped me. “Look at me, crying again.”
Grandma chuckled, her own eyes glistening. “Good tears, though”
I nodded, exhaling shakily, I had been so afraid of what Callie would say and what she would feel.
But now, I knew.
A knock interrupted us. Before Grandma or I could say anything, the door creaked open slightly.
“Camille-”
Liam barely got my name out before I launched myself at him, throwing my arms around his neck. Liam always initiated something between in first, but the overwhelming happiness swelling inside me made me act without thinking.
He stiffened for half a second, probably startled by my sudden enthusiasm, but his arms instinctively wrapped around my waist, steadying me.
“Whoa–what’s going on?” he murmured, his deep voice laced with confusion.
I didn’t answer. I couldn’t. Instead, I pulled back just enough to look at him before pressing my lips to his
Right there.
Chapter 74
Right in front of my grandmother.
Liam stiffened, but I didn’t care. I kissed him with everything in me–the joy, the freedom, the relief of knowing I was no longer just Callie‘ replacement. I wasn’t trapped in anyone’s shadow.
I was his wife. His
His grip on me tightened as he responded, a low hum of amusement vibrating against my lips. “Not that I’m complaining, but —-~
“Oh, for the love of—”
A loud, exaggerated cough came from the doorway.
1 gasped and jumped back like I’d been caught committing a crime.
Noah
Standing there. Looking absolutely horrified,
Jesus. Camille, give us some warning before you start u
start sucking face with my brother–in–law!”
groaned, pressing my palms over my warm checks. “Noah, go away.”
“No, you go away? Or at least take it outside where I don’t have to witness it!” He flailed his arms like he was physically trying to push the image out of his brain. I swear if I have to see one more-
Grandma chuckled, clearly not as scandalized as Noah, “Oh, hush, child. Let them have their moment.”
Liam, still holding my waist, smirked slightly. “He’s just mad no one’s kissing him”
“Excuse me?? Daisy wants to
“Noah!” Daisy, who had just entered, cupped a hand over his mouth, making everyone laugh.
She turned to me, holding out a bouquet of white tulips. “Here’s your bouquet, Camille. I made it myself”
I walked over to her, hugging her as I accepted the bouquet. “Thank you, Daisy”
She smiled warmly. “Congratulations, I’m happy for you,” she whispered
Before I could respond. Liam pulled me back to his side. “We need to head outside. The photographer’s waiting
Right. The wedding pictures.
I adjusted my dress and took a deep breath, still feeling light and free, like a burden had been lifted from me. Today, I’d take these pictures with my husband without hesitation without guilt.
But as soon as we stepped outside. I realized something was very wrong.
Or maybe very right.
Because instead of a simple setup for wedding portraits, an entire ceremony was waiting for me.
Rows of wooden chairs lined up in the middle of the flower farm. A beautifully decorated arch covered in soft white fabric and delicate blooms. My closest family and friends gathered, watching expectantly.
And at the center of it all–an officiant.
I froze. “Liam.” My voice came out barely above a whisper.
He squeezed my hand his deep green eyes locking onto mine “Surprise. How about a wedding again with me, Camilliana“”
I gasped as he knelt before me, opening a velvet box revealing a sparkling diamond ring
“Will you marry me, dolcezza, amore mio?”
A tear slipped down my check as I slowly n
nodded.
Liam took my hand and gently slid the new ring onto my finger, sealing his promise.
