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Epilogue
JENNY
The estate is alive with celebration. Strings of lights hang between the towering oaks, their golden glow casting a magical ambiance over the sprawling garden. Soft laughter and the melodic hum of a live quartet drift through the air, mingling with the clink of champagne glasses. It’s a scene straight out of a dream, one I never imagined I’d be part of.
But tonight, I’m not just a guest. Tonight, I’m the reason for the celebration.
Zack’s hand rests on the small of my back as we move through the crowd, his touch grounding me amidst the flurry of well-wishers. He’s devastatingly handsome in a crisp black suit that fits him like a second skin, the sharp lines and subtle sheen exuding the effortless confidence that drew me to him in the first place. His dark hair is neatly combed, but a rebellious strand falls across his forehead, softening his otherwise commanding presence. I catch a glimpse of his eyes as he leans close towhisper something to me…they’re lit with a warmth that sends a shiver down my spine.
“Why are you smiling like that?” he asks, his voice low enough that only I can hear.
“Because I can’t believe this is real,” I admit, my gaze sweeping over the scene before us. The garden is filled with the elite of society…men and women in designer gowns and tailored suits, their laughter ringing out like music. It’s overwhelming, but Zack’s steady presence keeps me anchored. “This is all so... perfect.”
His lips quirk into a smile as he tugs me closer, his fingers brushing against mine. “It’s perfect because you’re here.”
My cheeks flush, and I glance away, unable to handle the intensity of his gaze. My eyes land on the garage apartment in the distance, its windows glowing softly in the night. Through the curtains, I see my father sitting in his favorite chair, a book in hand. He catches my eye and raises his glass…a silent toast that sends a swell of emotion through me. He refused to leave the apartment, even after Zack offered him a house of his own. “This place has too many memories,” he’d said. And I couldn’t agree more.
“Jenny!” a voice calls, and I turn to see Camille, weaving her way through the crowd. Her eyes sparkle with excitement as she pulls me into a tight hug. “You look stunning!” she says in French. “And this ring... oh my god, it’s massive!”
I laugh, holding out my hand so the enormous emerald-cut diamond catches the light. “Zack has a thing for making statements,” I say, casting a teasing glance at him.
“I prefer to think of it as making sure the world knows you’re mine,” Zack says smoothly, in French, and both Camille’s and my eyes pop open in shock, much to his amusement.
“You…” I begin, unable to form the words.
“We’ll talk about it later,” he says, and I almost collapse right here. He understands French! How sneaky. But I’m glad, though. Knowing this now, everything makes even more sense to me.
As the evening unfolds, I steal a moment for myself, slipping away from the crowd to stand at the edge of the garden. From here, I can see the grand house bathed in light, its windows glowing with the life within. The sight stirs something deep inside me…a sense of belonging I’ve never felt before. I glance up at the tree where I used to hide during these parties, the branches now empty. The girl who once sat there, longing to be noticed, is gone.
“You’re not drinking,” Zack’s voice breaks through my thoughts, and I turn to find him standing beside me, his hands tucked casually into his pockets. There’s a softness in his expression, a quiet joy that makes my chest tighten.
“I have a reason,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.
His brows lift in curiosity. “Oh? And what’s that?”
I take his hand, guiding it to rest on my stomach. His eyes widen, darting from my hand to my face as understanding dawns. “Jenny,” he breathes, his voice full of wonder.
“I’m pregnant,” I say, the words trembling on my lips. “We’re having a baby.”
For a moment, Zack says nothing, his eyes searching mine as if trying to ensure this isn’t a dream. Then, with a suddenness that takes my breath away, he sweeps me into his arms, spinning me around as laughter bubbles from his lips. “You’re serious?” he asks, his voice filled with awe.
I nod, tears spilling down my cheeks. “I found out a few days ago. I wanted to be sure before I told you.”
He sets me down gently, his hands cupping my face as he kisses me…a kiss full of love, of promises for the future. “You’ve made me the happiest man alive,” he whispers against my lips.
The sound of applause pulls us back to reality, and we turn to find the crowd watching us, their faces alight with joy. Someone starts a toast, and soon the air is filled with cheers and well-wishes. My father, Camille, even the housekeeper, Mrs. Finnigan, beams at me from across the lawn.
As Zack pulls me close, his hand never leaving mine, I know this is more than just a celebration. It’s a promise. A new beginning. The life I once dreamed of from the branches of that tree is now mine, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
And happily ever after they lived…