Hello, Ex! I Finally Found My Worth! - Chapter 222

Chapter 222: Epilogue

The chapel fell silent as the soft notes of a piano filled the air. Sunlight streamed in through the tall arched windows, casting golden halos over the pews.

Guests turned as the doors opened, and there stood Emma—glowing, radiant, the very embodiment of grace and love.

Her veil shimmered with delicate pearls, and her white dress hugged her like a dream. But it was her smile, tender and full of emotion, that brought tears to many eyes.

At the altar, Alex stood frozen, his breath caught as he watched the woman he loved walk toward him, each step a promise, and each breath a vow.

When Emma reached him, he took her hands gently in his, brushing his thumbs across her knuckles like he still couldn’t believe she was real.

Chris, his best man glanced toward where Claire was sitting with Margaret and Fiona since Ivy was Emma’s maid of honor and mouthed, “This would be us soon,” making her smile even though she barely made out what he had said.

Just by being there, one could feel the love in the air and could tell it wasn’t just love from meeting one’s soulmate but love that stood strong despite all the trials and temptations thrown their way. It was a love that found each other where they weren’t supposed to. A forbidden love that stood out to be the truest of love and an example to all. A love every single present wished they’d have.

“You look breathtaking, Mrs Sterling,” Alex whispered and Emma grinned.

“Well, I don’t see you catching your breath,” she said with a wink, making Alex chuckle.

The officiant gave them a moment, knowing they needed that moment said nothing as he let them make their whispers of love, letting the weight of the occasion settle around them before asking Alex to speak his vows.

Alex turned to Emma, his voice steady but soft.

“I spent so long building walls around myself, thinking love was a risk I couldn’t afford to take again. But then you came, Emma. Like a storm and a sunrise all at once. You tore through the darkness and filled it with light. You make me better, braver, and more human than I ever knew I could be. Today, I vow to love you not just in this moment, but in all the ones to come. When we fight, when we cry, when we grow old and gray—I’ll still be choosing you. I love you and I bless the day I met you.”

Emma’s eyes shimmered as she swallowed back emotion, then began her own vows, her voice like music in the hush.

“You found me when I was lost and alone in a dark place. Loved me when I was scared and back to life. You didn’t just walk into my life that day, Alex—you changed it and though I never knew this day would come when I said yes to that ridiculous plan a year ago, I’m glad you loved me and brought me into light with your love. Being your wife already changed me in ways I can’t explain. And now, standing here… I vow to be your peace when the world gets loud. Your strength when you falter. And your joy when you forget how to smile just like you did me. I vow to raise our child with laughter and love, and to never let you forget how much you are loved.”

Sniffles filled the chapel. Even the toughest among them wiped away tears, listening to the couple exchange their vows. Their love shone bright and lit up everyone present.

When they were pronounced husband and wife, Alex didn’t wait. He leaned in and kissed her as if she were the air he’d been waiting to breathe all his life.

Once they were done, everyone moved over to the reception venue.

The garden was lit with soft golden light; laughter and music echoed through the place as guests danced, glasses clinked, and joy flowed freely.

Emma and Alex moved from couple to couple, dancing with friends, business associates and family who offered congratulations and warm embraces.

Claire held Emma close and whispered how proud she was. Margaret kissed her forehead and called her her daughter. Fiona danced with Alex, teasing him that she expected a niece, not a nephew.

The happiness was contagious. Emma had never felt so loved.

After her dance with Alex, Emma spotted Ivy standing by the side, looking lost even though her gaze was on them, her expression serene but distant.

She made her way over and gently bumped shoulders with her best friend.

“You okay?” Emma asked, smiling.

Ivy turned to her with a soft laugh. “I should be asking you that. You’re the one glowing like a chandelier.”

Emma chuckled. “That’s the baby,” she teased, resting her hand over her stomach.

Ivy pulled her into a hug. “I’m so happy for you, Em. You got your happily ever after.”

Emma looked at her thoughtfully. “Thank you, Vee. But what about you?” she asked. “Isn’t it time you got yours too?”

Ivy blinked, taken aback by that response. “What do you mean?”

Emma took her hand and led her past the dancing crowd, through an open archway that led to a quieter corner of the venue. And there, beside a bouquet-laced column—stood Hunter.

His hands were tucked in his pockets, his gaze locked on Ivy the moment she appeared.

Ivy stopped in her tracks, her breath hitching. “How… How did he—?”

Emma smiled. “It’s Alex’s way of saying thank you… for being such a wonderful friend to me and for always being there when I needed someone the most.”

She gave Ivy a gentle squeeze and walked away, giving them space.

The moment Emma was gone, Ivy ran into Hunter’s arms, throwing herself against him like no time had passed. She’d spent the past six months alone to know that Hunter was all she needed to get her own happy ending.

Their lips met in a fierce, desperate kiss—one full of pain, longing, and love.

When she pulled away, she looked at him with tearful eyes, her heart beating fast.

“I’m so mad at you,” she whispered. “You were such a coward. How could you have left just like that?”

“I know, I know,” Hunter said, brushing her hair back. “I was stupid. I was a fool but I just wanted to respect your wishes. Now I know I never should have and that is why I’m here now. I’m sorry, Ivy. I’m sorry for everything and all the pain I caused you. I swear I’ll never leave you again. If you forgive and come back to me, I promise to never make you cry except it’s tears of joy.”

Her eyes narrowed playfully and then unable to hold it, she let out a giggle. “You’d better not, Hunter.”

They kissed again, softer this time, with a promise.

Emma, watched them and a smile spread across her face. Now they had all gotten their happily ever Afters. Though it wasn’t easy, but they’d gotten it and she hoped that all who had followed her through her journey would get their too in every way possible because everyone deserves a happy ending.

The End.

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