Page 43

Max

One year later…

I stood in front of the floor-length mirror, my breath hitching as Lara carefully adjusted the soft lace train behind me.

Her fingers trembled slightly, eyes glistening with tears as she met my gaze in the reflection, a proud smile lighting up her face.

“You look beautiful, Max.

God, I can’t believe I get to say I designed this dress for my best friend’s wedding,”

she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

I laughed softly, blinding back tears.

“I can you’ve always been destined for this, Lara.

This dress is fucking incredible.”

It was beyond incredible.

The delicate lace hugged my curves perfectly, accentuating every inch of me in ways I never thought possible.

The off-the-shoulder neckline flowed into intricate laced sleeves, while the flowing fabric trailed gracefully behind me, elegant yet subtly sensual.

It was more than I could have ever dreamed.

Lara had truly found her calling.

After the trauma she’d endured, Paris had become her sanctuary.

Within months of her apprenticeship, Chanel had noticed her talent, swiftly offering her a position that thrust her onto a career path she had always dreamed of.

She’d never looked happier—or more at peace.

And it wasn’t just the job.

Marius, the tall, dark-haired French man who’d swept Lara off her feet one evening at a quant café in Montmartre, was the exact kind of man she deserved.

He was gentle, thoughtful, patient and utterly devoted.

The four of us had become inseparable, having double dates filled with laughter, endless wine, and heart-to-hearts beneath the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower.

Connor and I had immediately fallen in love with Paris.

The winding streets, the enchanting architecture, and the pure magic lingering in the air had felt like home from the moment we arrived.

It was exactly what we needed—a fresh start, free from the shadows of the past.

But we hadn’t forgotten those we’d left behind.

Tony had refused my offer at first, proud as ever, but when I’d told him he deserved a chance at happiness too—that he deserved to be near his daughter— he’d finally relented.

I’d sold my apartment, sending the money to Tony, who’d promptly moved closer to his family.

He promised he’d look after himself, finally choosing happiness for the first time in years.

I also had Tony hire someone to bulldoze the townhouse.

I’d asked him specifically to pour cement over the basement, sealing away the pain and the memories forever.

It had been symbolic.

Healing.

Necessary.

And now, here I was, a world away from the woman I’d once been, standing in my dream dress, ready to marry the man who had brought me back to life.

The cliffs of Etretat overlooking the ocean were breathtaking, wildflowers scattered along the soft grass, their sweet fragrance lingering in the ocean breeze.

The sun painted the sky a dazzling ray of pinks and oranges, a masterpiece perfectly suited for this moment.

Connor stood waiting for me beneath a simple, elegant arch draped with black roses—a nod to our journey, our past, and our undying love for each other.

As I walked toward him, his eyes locked onto mine, full or raw emotion and unspoken promises.

The intimate gathering made my heart swell—Melinda and Jez, tears streaming down their faces, Lara holding Marius’s hand.

Tony took my arm, proudly smiling as he led me down the aisle.

These people were our family now, and each of them had played their own part in our journey here.

When I finally reached Connor, he took my hands gently in his, holding them tightly as they shook.

He took a deep breath, emotion thickening his voice.

“Maxine, before you, my world was colourless.

I was trapped in shadows, suffocating beneath the weight of my past. But you—”

He paused, his voice cracking, tears glistening in those beautiful dark eyes, “You brought me back to life.

You showed me that even some as damaged as me could find redemption, find happiness, find love.

Loving you is the easiest and most important thing I have ever done.

You’ve made me a better man.

For the rest of my life, I promise to honor you, cherish you, and remind you every day how much you are loved.”

Tears streamed down my face as I squeezed his hands gently, my heart swelling, feeling so full it might actually burst.

“Connor,”

I began softly, fighting the tremble in my voice.

“You saved me long before I knew I needed saving.

You saw every ugly, broken piece of me, and loved me anyway.

I used to believe I had to carry my burdens alone, but you taught me that true strength comes from letting someone share the weight of your demons.

You have taught me patience, forgiveness, and trust.

You are my light, my peace, and my home.

I promise to stand by you, love you fiercely, and follow you anywhere.

His eyes softened, tears now rolling down his cheeks as he reached out, gently cupping my face.

“Forever, my little fox,”

he whispered, brushing his lips tenderly against mine.

“Forever,”

I breathed back, sealing the promise with a kiss.

The rest of the evening was spent beneath a canopy of fairy lights, laughter echoing over the sound of crashing waves.

Tony danced with his daughter, Melinda laughed with Jez, and Lara curdled Into Marius’s side, happier than I’d ever seen her.

Connor wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me against him.

I looked up into his eyes, seeing nothing but unconditional love reflected back at me.

“We made it.”

He murmured softly, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

“You’re my wife.”

I smiled, leaning my head against his chest. “We did.”

“Any regrets?”

He asked, his voice gentle and cautious.

I looked around at our chosen family, the serene ocean, and the breathtaking night sky.

I felt whole.

I shook my head slowly, “Not a single one.

I’d do it all over again if it meant I ended up here, with you.”

Connors chest rumbled gently with laughter, his lips brushing against my temple.

“Who knew planting cameras in your apartment would lead you to becoming Mrs Maxine Altier.”

I titled my head up, looking at his beautiful face, those dark eyes that captured my heart and soul long before I even realised.

“I love you Connor. Always.”

His lips found mine in a deep, soul-searing kiss, filled with a promise of a forever filled with passion and unending devotion.

“I love you too, Maxine.

Now and forever.”