Chapter 12
Peter stared at our wedding photo–the only thing still standing–and whispered, “Yuna, I’m not going anywhere. I’ll wait right here. When you come back, I’ll be here.”
***
Lionel’s voice stayed steady.
Lionel spoke calmly. by men hicho
“Peter died on that floor. Staring at your photo. By the time his guys broke down the door, he was already gone.”
The neon lights outside smeared like paint in the rain.
After a long silence, I finally said, “It’s okay. You don’t have to tell me anything else about him.”
***
Two years later, I said yes to Lionel’s proposal.
That spring, we got married–just like we planned.
My best friend Lily stood by me as my only bridesmaid, like we swore back when we were kids.
The Rinehart heir’s wedding? Total fairytale. My dress was custom–made, a whole piece commissioned by the family.
Spending a year with the Rineharts felt like finding the kind of love and peace I didn’t think was real. Stuff Peter could never give me.
I slipped into the Jimmy Choos Aunt Sophia had specially ordered, grabbed the bouquet Lily handed me- -camellias.
Lionel said our story started with camellias. So of course, they had to be there.
He wore a white suit and looked so good, I couldn’t stop staring.
We locked eyes, grinning like fools.
When the music hit, I stepped onto the stage, bouquet tight in hand.
Lionel didn’t wait. He came straight toward me, hand out, eyes glowing.
I gave him mine. Cheers erupted as our fingers laced together.
He kissed me–slow, deep, and so soft it stole the air right out of my lungs.
As he slid the ring onto my finger, he leaned in and whispered, “Yuna Zander, I’ve loved you forever. And I’m not stopping.”
I blinked up at him, tears slipping through my smile.