Closure.

Claire let out a short, humorless laugh. He still believed life revolved around him.

But instead of tearing it up, she placed the invitation on her desk. Because life had surprised her, too. And she had something Ethan wasn’t expecting.

The Day of the Wedding

The Crystal Hall glittered with imported orchids, crystal fountains, and live violins. Guests whispered about the extravagance.

“Has she arrived?” Victoria asked, her sequined gown catching every flicker of light.

“Not yet,” Ethan replied, swirling champagne. “But she will. She can’t resist seeing this.”

Just then, the murmurs in the hall grew louder. Guests turned toward the entrance.

A sleek navy car pulled up. Out stepped Claire.

But she wasn’t the woman Ethan remembered.

Her hair swept elegantly over her shoulders, her gown a soft silver that shimmered with every step. Confidence radiated from her. But the real shock was the man walking beside her—tall, broad-shouldered, in a sharp suit, his hand gently resting on the shoulder of a boy about five years old.