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Chapter 146 – Amara POV
The music began.
A soft instrumental version of my favorite love song floated through the air as everyone rose from their seats. My heart pounded in my chest, my hands trembling slightly as I stood at the edge of the aisle, clutching my bouquet of pale roses.
I looked up at Damon.
His arm was strong around mine, his face calm, but his eyes were a little glassy. "You ready, kid?" he asked gently.
I nodded. "I think so."
"You look beautiful, Amara." His voice cracked, just a little. "I hope you know that."
"I know," I whispered, smiling. "Thank you for walking me."
He patted my hand, then cleared his throat. "It's what brothers do."
The doors opened.
I stepped forward with Damon by my side, the long white train of my gown gliding behind me like a wave. Every face turned toward me, but my eyes were fixed on one person—Ethan.
He stood tall at the end of the aisle, dressed in a black tuxedo that fit him like it was made for his soul. His eyes met mine, and for a moment, I forgot to breathe.
His expression was a mix of awe, emotion, and something deeper—something only meant for me.
The walk felt like a dream. Each step echoed memories—of loneliness, of growth, of falling in love when I didn't think I was ready. And now, here I was, marrying the man who never once gave up on me.
When we reached the altar, Damon looked at Ethan seriously before placing my hand in his. "You better take care of her," he said quietly. "She deserves the world."
Ethan nodded, solemn. "She is my world."
I blinked rapidly, trying not to cry.
The ceremony began.
The officiant's voice was warm and full of joy as he spoke about love and partnership. But I barely heard him. All I could hear was the thunderous beat of my heart, and the way Ethan's thumb brushed over my hand like he was grounding us both.
Then it was time for the vows.
Ethan went first.
"Amara Blackwood," he said, voice steady, "you are the strongest, most beautiful soul I've ever known. You changed my life from the moment I met you—your fire, your honesty, your laughter… you made me believe in love again. I promise to be your home, your peace, your biggest fan. I will never stop choosing you."
Tears slipped down my cheeks.
"My turn?" I whispered, and everyone chuckled gently.
I cleared my throat. "Ethan Lantel… from the moment you walked into my life, everything changed. You've seen me at my lowest and still looked at me like I was magic. I didn't think I'd ever trust love again. But you showed me patience, loyalty, and the kind of love that stays. I promise to walk beside you, to build with you, to laugh, fight, and grow old with you. I choose you. Today and every day."
The officiant smiled, his voice rising. "By the power vested in me… I now pronounce you husband and wife. Ethan, you may kiss your bride."
The world fell away as Ethan cupped my face and kissed me.
It wasn't just a kiss—it was a promise. A seal. A beginning.
The cheers erupted around us, and I laughed into his chest as he held me tight.
We walked back down the aisle as husband and wife, confetti raining down, our hands tightly clasped. I looked up at the sky for a moment, silently thanking the universe for bringing me to this moment.
We stepped out into the sunlight, and Ethan spun me gently in his arms.
"You're mine now, Mrs. Lantel."
I smiled, heart bursting. "Always have been."
He kissed me again, this time slower, as the cameras flashed and friends surrounded us. In the middle of it all, I saw Arya standing near Damon, tears on her cheeks as she waved. Hope danced in circles nearby, her little white dress twirling in the breeze.
Then I spotted Malik and Zariah in the crowd.
Zariah was dabbing at her eyes, smiling so wide it hurt my heart. Malik gave me a proud nod, his way of saying, You did it. I grinned back at them, grateful beyond words that they came to witness this.
We took pictures—so many pictures. Me and Ethan. Me and Damon. The whole family. Ethan and Hope, who was now calling herself "Princess Hope of the Wedding."
Everything was beautiful. Not perfect—just beautifully real.
Later, as we sat in the backseat of the car driving us to the reception, I rested my head on Ethan's shoulder.
"Did you ever think we'd get here?" I asked softly.
"I hoped," he murmured. "But this? This is more than I ever dreamed."
I turned to him, studying the curve of his jaw, the warmth in his eyes. "I'm happy."
He kissed my forehead. "Me too."
We arrived at the reception venue, where the night was just beginning.
But for me, the best part had already happened.
I got to say I do to the man who saw every version of me and still loved me deeper each time.
And as I stepped into the golden-lit ballroom, hand in hand with Ethan, I knew…
This wasn't just the end of a love story.
It was the beginning of our forever.