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Elena's POV

I couldn’t believe it was really happening—I was getting married to Jason Campbell, the man who had shown me that love was still possible, even after everything I had endured. As we walked down the aisle, hand in hand, I felt my heart racing. The grand doors swung open, and I caught my breath, my eyes misting over as the soft murmur of the crowd washed over me. This was real. This was my life now.

Jason looked over at me, his eyes gleaming with so much warmth that my heart skipped a beat. I bit my lip, trying to contain the swell of emotions within me. I had promised myself, after the trials in the Brown mansion, that I’d find happiness again. And now, here I was, stepping into a future I had only dared to dream about.

As we approached the altar, I spotted Samantha, my best friend, standing beside me as my bridesmaid. She was practically beaming, holding the delicate trail of my gown, and I could feel her joy radiating as if it were her own wedding day. Behind Jason was Vincent, his best man, wearing an amused smirk that hinted at secrets yet to be told.

The priest’s voice cut through my thoughts, his gentle tone grounding me in the moment. “Miss Elena Brooks, do you take Mr. Jason Campbell as your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, till death do you part?”

My throat tightened, and I could barely get the words out as I looked at Jason, my soulmate, my love. “I do,” I managed, my voice a tender whisper. I saw Jason’s face light up, his smile so wide it was almost boyish.

The priest turned to him. “Mr. Jason Campbell, do you take Miss Elena Brooks as your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, till death do you part?”

Jason’s gaze was fixed on me, his eyes full of a kind of fierce devotion that sent a shiver down my spine. “I do.” He slipped the ring onto my finger, his hands trembling slightly as he did so. I followed, sliding his ring onto his finger, and I felt the weight of this moment settle around us, binding us in ways words could never capture.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the priest declared, and the crowd erupted into applause.

“You may kiss the bride,” he added, and before I could even register the words, Jason pulled me into a kiss that left me breathless. His hands cradled my face as he kissed me, pouring every ounce of love and longing into that kiss. I felt my knees weaken as he held me close, uncaring of the watching crowd. In that moment, it was just us, lost in our own world.

After the ceremony, we moved into the reception hall, which was filled with family, friends, and more flowers than I’d ever seen in one place. Samantha squealed and rushed over, wrapping me in a hug that nearly knocked me off balance. “Congratulations, girl! I’m so, so happy for you!”

“Thank you, Sam.” I laughed, hugging her tightly. “Now we just need to find you a man.”

Her cheeks flushed, and I noticed a flicker of something in her eyes. “Well… about that,” she murmured, and before I could ask, Vincent walked over, draping an arm around her shoulders. He leaned down and kissed her cheek, his hand resting protectively at her waist.

My jaw dropped. “Wait! You’re dating my best friend?” I gasped, feeling a mix of surprise and delight.

Vincent grinned, rubbing the back of his neck. “Surprise!”

I shook my head, laughing. “Since when? I need all the details!”

“Maybe later,” Sam giggled, glancing at Vincent, who seemed to have turned a slight shade of pink. “But first, there’s someone here to see you.”

Following her gaze, I noticed Lucas being wheeled over by his assistant. My breath caught. Lucas, my first love, the man I had left behind. I walked over with Jason, my heart swelling with gratitude that he had come.

“Congratulations, Elena,” Lucas said, offering me a small box. “Here’s a little something for you.”

“Thank you, Lucas.” I gave him a warm smile, touched that he had come despite everything. “I didn’t think you’d be here.”

He smiled, a little sadly. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Believe it or not, Elena, I’m genuinely happy for you.”

His words struck me, and I reached out, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. “How’s your leg?”

“Better,” he said, his smile a little wider. “The doctors think I might be able to walk again someday.”

“That’s wonderful,” I said, feeling a wave of relief.

Lucas looked up at Jason, his face serious but warm. “Hey, Jason. I’m not here to steal the bride,” he joked, chuckling softly.

Jason chuckled back. “I wouldn’t let you, even if you tried,” he replied, wrapping an arm around my waist. I leaned into him, my heart settling with a warmth I could never explain.

Lucas nodded, looking between us with something like peace in his eyes. “I came to give you my blessing. She’s an incredible woman, Jason. Don’t ever take her for granted. Treat her the way I couldn’t.”

Jason’s expression softened, and he reached out, giving Lucas’s shoulder a firm squeeze. “I will. Thank you, Lucas.”

With a final nod, Lucas’s assistant wheeled him away, and I watched him go, a mixture of emotions swirling inside me. It felt like the closing of an old chapter, one that had haunted me for so long. And now, with Jason by my side, I was ready for a new beginning.

Jason turned to me, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Well, Mrs. Campbell, we still have some unfinished business.”

Before I could protest, he scooped me up in his arms, making me squeal as he carried me out to the car waiting outside. Our guests cheered as we drove off, and I laughed, leaning my head against his shoulder, feeling like I was in a dream.

When we arrived at the house, Jason carried me inside, setting me down gently. The moment our eyes met, I felt a surge of anticipation ripple through me. This was real—he was mine, and I was his.

Jason reached out, tracing his fingers along my cheek, his gaze full of love and adoration. “I can’t believe you’re finally mine, Elena,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

I took his hand in mine, squeezing it tightly. “I’m yours, Jason. Now and forever.”

Jason hugged me and kissed me. I could feel his erection below as he unzipped my wedding gown.