Sixty Four!

Sophia's POV

I looked down from the window; all the people were gathered in a garden. The perk of having a huge mansion is that it comes with a massive garden, which can host more than 500 guests.

Good thing that I am not paying for any of it. I would be bankrupt after hosting so many people.

All these guests are from Liam's side. I have no one, except a friend from the office. People used to love me before, but after that incident with Jeh and my affair with the boss of the company, people maintained distance with me. It was just Rim who remained my friend.

I have invited one more person to the wedding, but I am not sure if they will attend or not.

"Ready?"

Liam's father knocked on the door.

"Yes, Dad!"

I answered. I never thought that I would call someone dad after whatever my own family did to me, but Louis Wolf changed my mind. He is not really friendly, but he is a person who would always protect me like a daughter.

Lisa is the sweetest woman I have come across. I have found a family, and I am so grateful for it. Finally, all my struggles are coming to an end.

He looked at me and gave me a nod of approval.

I am wearing a mermaid dress, hugging my curves perfectly. It has a long tail. And a veil which is tucked in my bun.

"You can compliment me, you know?"

I teased him.

"You are looking ugly."

He chuckled.

"Dad!"

I exclaimed.

He raised his hands in surrender.

"You never needed any validation; you know you are beautiful..."

I smiled and hugged him.

"Thank you for everything. You are amazing."

"Always!"

He gave me his arm and led me out.

"I am aware that you have had a rough life... And you two must have shared everything."

He said, and I glanced at him, confused.

"Talking from experience, never hide anything which might affect your bond in future. I have advised him the same."

I didn't reply because I had kept one thing unsaid. I don't know if it really matters or not, but it's a dark truth of my life.

Liam never asked about it, and I never told him.

Is it a good day to confess it?

I am walking towards the aisle. He is waiting for me at the altar in a black tuxedo, looking more charming than usual. Smiling softly at me.

Thank god, I am under the veil, or else people would see me smiling like an idiot.

He extended his hand when I reached the altar, and his father walked away.

"I need to tell you something"

I whispered. I have to.

"Not now, babe..."

He said through a tight smile.

"You don't even know what it is"

I mumbled.

"If you want to tell me at this moment, then it's definitely something fucked up. Hold it!"

He smiled at his mother, who was sitting in front.

"You know me so well, I am flattered, but it's important... You should know about it."

I squeezed his hands.

"Hold it!"

He was confident.

The priest started the wedding ceremony.

"I do!"

I breathed out.

I leaned forward and whispered in his ear.

"Jaffery didn't kill my parents..."

He looked at me like he was in shock.

And gave me a look like 'Not again'. He realised what I wanted to say. He is smart!

The priest asked him, and he went silent. I grew nervous. Even the crowd went silent.

Is he going to say no?

Oh god, should I have told him after the wedding?

Fuck!

I am sure I look like a pale slate now.

"I do"

He said in a 'never so sure before' voice, and the crowd cheered.

He unveiled my face and kissed me, deeply, passionately and lovingly.

"You're crazy, but you are mine!"

He smirked.

I grinned ear to ear.

"I love you."

I kissed him again, and the crowd cheered again.

He knows that I have all the reasons to do it. And I will never hurt anyone without reason.

We stood on the stage as guests started greeting us.

All faces were new to me, and I was looking for that one familiar face, but it was missing in the crowd.

"Chill, it's okay even if she doesn't come... It's been a long time."

Liam squeezed my hand reassuringly.

"I know, but she was important to me."

I sighed.

And then the face appeared from the crowd. She stepped onto the stage. Her face was still blank, like she had no idea where she was.

My eyes turned glossy; she came.

"Safina!"

"Thank you!"

I looked at her daughter.

She nodded with a smile.

"Her state is not good. I am not sure if she remembers why she is here. You can try your luck."

Safina looked at me.

"You were always an evil child..."

She doesn't remember me. She still thinks I am Elena.

I shook my head.

"Safina, I am___"

"But"

She interrupted me and pulled out something from the paper bag which her daughter was holding. It was a small teddy bear, a little torn but clean. It was old, but it was taken good care of.

She handed it to me, and my tears didn't hold back. It was my teddy bear, which she gifted me once in the basement on my birthday.

"But it wasn't your fault."

She remembers me; she always did, and she cherished my memories.

I hugged her; she still smells like freshly baked cupcakes. A deja vu of a grandma figure.

"I love you, Safina."

"You are not a villain; you are a survivor."

She broke the hug.

"Choose your freedom. Always!"

I watched her walk away, wobbling on her cane as her daughter led her.

Did she know that it was Elena who died that day? Did she find out later that it was me?

Was she aware of my true identity when I met her? Or did she get to know about it after seeing my name on the invitation card?

Was Safina playing along, or was she really unaware of the truth?

I guess it will always be a mystery.

I wiped my tears and looked at Liam.

"Meet Teddy, my childhood friend."

He looked at the old toy and smiled.

"Hey Teddy, welcome back."

I laughed, and he laughed along.

"Everything is falling in place."

I took a shaky breath.

"It feels like I am dreaming... This happiness was always a dream. I have no idea what to do with this?"

I never felt so overwhelmed.

"There is more to come, wife."

His eyes held admiration.

"And I promise you will always find me beside you, holding your hand..."

"Promise?"

I hugged him.

"Promise!"

He hugged me back.

And I finally found my light. I knew stepping out of that dark basement was the best idea.

Yes!

I closed my eyes and smiled in peace.

I am not a villain; I am a survivor!

THE END!