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Vows

Chapter 19

For the first time in both their lifetimes, marriage did not feel like a duty.

It felt like fate finally choosing to be kind.

The grand cathedral bloomed with ivory roses and soft ribbons of gold. Crystal chandeliers caught the morning light, scattering it across the marble floor like fragments of heaven itself. Soft music floated through the air, and every guest sat in hushed anticipation — as though they were not merely witnessing a wedding but the birth of a legend.

The union of Camila Everhart and Duke Adrian Valemont.

The entire kingdom had come to see it, nobles and commoners alike, their eyes filled with wonder and curiosity. They whispered among themselves, marvelling at how a woman once scorned now stood adorned like a queen, how sorrow had reshaped itself into something achingly beautiful.

And when the doors opened…

Camila stepped forward.

A collective breath was stolen.

The gown Adrian had chosen for her flowed like moonlight over water, soft and pure, hugging her silhouette with gentle elegance. Her veil shimmered, and her eyes — those once clouded by everlasting grief — now glowed with fragile anticipation.

Butterflies danced wildly in her stomach as her gaze lifted…

And she saw him.

Adrian.

Standing tall, dressed in regal white and silver, his usual sharp confidence momentarily undone. When his eyes met hers, something in him cracked open — awe, pride, unrestrained joy. For a man so composed, so commanding, he looked as if he might collapse beneath the sheer weight of his happiness.

“She’s real…” he murmured under his breath. “She’s truly mine.”

As Camila glided toward him, his smile softened into something dangerously sincere. When they stood face to face, the world seemed to shrink — until there was only them, breathing the same air, sharing the same fragile miracle.

Their hands met.

Warm. Steady. Real.

The vows were spoken with trembling voices and shining eyes. Promises woven not from obligation but from choice. From healing. From quiet courage.

When the rings slid onto their fingers, sunlight kissed the metal, and applause erupted like thunderous rain — cheers, whistles, joyous cries. Cortis, proudly standing as the ring bearer, puffed his cheeks as he watched.

“She didn’t marry me…” he muttered with exaggerated sorrow, though his eyes sparkled. “But as long as Lady Camila smiles… then Cortis is happy.”

Laughter rippled through those closest to him.

And through it all, Camila and Adrian leaned closer, speaking in hushed tones only they could hear.

“You look like a dream,” Adrian whispered.

“And you,” she replied softly, “look like the future I never thought I would have.”

His gaze deepened, a flicker of unspoken desire dancing beneath careful restraint.

After the ceremony, away from the eyes of the world, they stood together beneath a shaded archway where climbing roses perfumed the air. The music from the celebration faded into a distant hum.

Camila folded her hands nervously. “There is something we must discuss.”

Adrian arched an amused brow. “A warning on our wedding day? How ominous, my Duchess.”

She exhaled slowly. “A contract.”

His smile faltered. “A… contract?”

“Yes. Between us.” Her voice was gentle but firm. “No touching. Not until I am ready. Not until my heart feels safe enough.”

A brief silence lingered.

“Not even this?” He lifted a teasing hand as if to brush her cheek, stopping just inches away.

“Especially not that,” she insisted, though her lips curved faintly.

Adrian studied her face, her fragility wrapped in quiet strength. He sighed, a mixture of longing and understanding.

“Very well, my Lady of Impossible Rules.” He stepped back, bowing theatrically. “I shall restrain my irresistible charm… for now.”

But his eyes softened. “Just know this, Camila… I only agreed because one day, without contracts or fear, you will walk into my arms of your own will.”

Heat flushed her cheeks.

“Confident, aren’t you?”

“I prefer the word devoted.”

Their fingers brushed accidentally — and even that fleeting touch sent a tremor through them both.

Somewhere between duty and desire… something powerful was awakening.

And as the sun dipped lower, casting golden fire across the palace grounds, Camila realized with a quiet ache of emotion —

This was not a marriage born from sorrow.

It was the beginning of a love learning how to breathe.