A month later—
The soft glow of golden lights bathed the hall, casting a warm haze over everything, making the space look elegant, refined, and perfectly balanced between grandeur and intimacy.
Pale ivory drapes flowed from the ceiling like smooth ribbons, tied delicately with blush pink roses.
Crystal lanterns lined the aisle —their warm flicker illuminating the petals scattered beneath.
It was already the day of Gianna’s wedding, and even though Arwen was close to her due date, she had insisted on attending. No amount of Aiden’s worry or Jason’s suggestions could keep her away from celebrating her best friend’s happiness.
She would not miss this day —not when Gianna had stood by her through everything.
Arwen placed her hand over her round belly, smiling softly. "Behave in there, little one, she murmured, letting her gaze trail up to look at Aiden, who was sitting just next to her. "Let Mama enjoy Aunt Anna’s big day without giving your father a heart attack."
Aiden frowned at her words. With concern clear in his gaze, he said all over again, "Let me know if you feel even the slightest uncomfortable. I am here and I am not leaving your side even for a second."
Arwen pressed her lips in a thin line and smiled helplessly. Then, holding his hands, she said, "I know. And that’s what I am carefree about. With you here, I don’t actually have to be concerned about anything."
"Moon!"
"Husband, I know I am pregnant and close to my due date, but trust me, everything is gonna be fine." She assured him, before turning to look towards the stage and jutting her chin in the same direction to show him. "And we already came through half of the day. They are there on the stage, ready to exchange their vows. With that done, everything would be complete. See, there," she asked him to look. "Aren’t they looking happy? I always wanted to see Anna embracing this phase of her life. And finally today, she found the one."
Aiden turned to see.
On the elevated stage, Gianna and Jacob stood facing each other.
Gianna was looking breathtaking. Her ivory-champagne gown shimmered with every subtle movement. And Jacob, in a classic tuxedo, appeared every bit of the confident lawyer the world knew —except for the way his eyes softened each time they met hers.
Seeing them like that, Arwen couldn’t stop her lips from stretching into a gentle smile. She leaned her head and rested it over Aiden’s chest. "They look perfectly perfect, don’t they?"
Before Aiden could respond, Jason spoke from the other side, "They don’t."
Hearing him say that, Arwen turned to look at him. Jason glanced back at her and pursed his lips, complaints sitting right on the tip of his tongue. Look through my eyes and you will see they are the betrayers."
"Betrayers?" Arwen repeated, slightly taken aback. But then laughing softly, she said, "That’s a big word, Dr. Clark."
Jason turned back to the stage and scoffed. "If he was possessive of his girl, he should have revealed. He made me suffer just because he couldn’t handle his jealousy."
Back when all that was happening, he felt something was amiss. Especially when Jacob looked hell bent on punishing him, only later did he realize that all of it was just because his friend felt jealous and could reveal it.
Arwen understood it. Exchanging a gaze with Aiden, she laughed and then turned again to look at the stage.
And right then, at the podium, the officiant lifted the mic, his voice calm.
"Do you, Jacob Thorne, take Gianna Griffin to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
Jacob held Gianna’s hand. He didn’t even blink. "I do," he said, firm and certain, using the same tone he often used to win cases. The only difference was that now it felt layered with devotion.
Gianna’s eyes glistened. She squeezed his hands, unable to express how that moment exactly felt to her.
"And do you, Gianna Griffin, take Jacob Thorne to be your lawfully wedded husband?" The officiant’s voice came through the mic again.
Gianna paused in that moment. Her lips moved, but the words didn’t slip out easily.
Jacob stared at her, urging her to accept him with his eyes. Seeing him getting impatient like that, Gianna couldn’t help but smile. A tear slipped from the corner of her eye.
"I do," she whispered, her voice carried through the hall —sweet and clear, trembling with an emotion.
The guests cheered, but that sound didn’t feel enough to express the exact emotion the two people were feeling on the stage.
The officiant smiled warmly before announcing loudly. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You make kiss —"
The words only reached halfway when Gianna surprised everyone in the crowd.
She didn’t wait for the officiant to finish his words. She grabbed Jacob by his collar and kissed him first.
The guests gasped at first, but soon, they erupted into soft laughter and claps.
Jacob only pulled her closer, smiling against her lips.

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