Chapter 25
Cindy, Sylvan, and Celeste made their way north, stopping to explore along the route. There was no rush since Stella and Max’s wedding was still weeks away.
During her college years, Cindy had watched with quiet envy as her peers jetted off on adventures. With both parents gone, she was barely getting by
No matter how close she and Winter were, she could never escape the guilt of relying on her friend to cover the costs of those extravagant trips.
indy’s strength had returned steadily. At one point, they crossed into a state known for its peaks, and Sylvan insisted the three of them tackle a hike.
The climb challenged them, but the world beneath them unfolded wide and clear when they reached the peak. It mirrored the way her life had unfolded these past
six months
As soon as they reached Jorleston, Stella hurriedly ushered Cindy’s family into the villa she and Max had bought with a loan. Max had spent years in sales at Cinavacare and, against all odds, had made something at himself
uy who knew everything about everyone. Now?
“He’s got real talent,” Stella boasted, never one to downplay her husband’s strengths. “Back in the day, he was the guy who This job was made for him. He’s killing it!”
Maxgrinned and gave her arm a teasing pinch. They acted less like a soon–to–be married couple and more like two lads lost in their own little world.
Cindy lined into whisper something to Sylvan, but in doing so, her lips accidentally grazed his. His face turned beet ted in an instant.
They’d quietly settled into being a couple for the past six months, but neither had pushed for anything more.
Sylvan feared Cindy was still holding on to past heartaches, while she had never been one to rush. If anything, she enjoyed teasing him now and then, especially since he was slightly younger than her
The wedding was just three days away. Seeing Stella in her snow white dress, Cindy felt a sudden, unexpected pang At 3o, she wasn’t getting any younger. But Sylvan still seemed oblivious.
Arthur never responded to Stella’s invitation. Instead, he simply wired ten grand to her and Max as a wedding gift.
When the big day came, everything went off without a hitch. The pianist played the processional, and Celeste marched confidently down the aisle behind Stella, scattering petals with such eamest charm that the guests couldn’t help but smile.
Only after the ceremony ended did Cindy notice Sylvan had slipped away.
She glanced around. In the middle of the crowd was someone she hadn’t expected to see- before.
Arthur. He had the same cool detachment, but he looked healthier than
Their eyes met. She raised her glass, and he did the same. The silent toast seemed to bring closure, as though every bit of love and resentment, joy and sorrow between them had finally been laid to rest.
Celeste practically yanked Cindy into position for the bouquet toss, tiny hands clutching her dress. The late–summer sun beat down, leaving her squinting and Lightheaded.
Stella rake–tossed the bouquet a few times, then gave up and tumed, hiking up her dress to stride over and shove the flowers right into Cindy’s hands.
Cindy barely had a moment to process what was happening before the crowd burst into cheers and split like a wave. There was Sylvan, shifting uneasily in his suit as he stepped forward
The moment their eyes met, hers filled with tears.
“Don’t cry,” Sylvan said, his hands shaling
Laughter rippled through the crowd as Cindy ducked behind her bouquet, trying to hide the tears running down her cheeks. Even through her blurred vision, she could see how nervous he was His lips had gone pale
“Cindy, 1”
Words couldn’t begin to describe what he felt just then. Instead, he dropped to one lee, offering up the exquisite ting
Off to the side, Stella and Maxset off streamer canons with wide grims, sending a shower of gold confetti swirling through the air.
Sylvan had to swallow hard before he could finally speak. “Cindy, I love you. Will you marry me?”
Cindy tracted for lum, nodding through her tears. She’d battled through so much for this happiness, and now a beautiful life awaited her.
