Chapter 20%
After the chaos settled, I returned to my first love–acting. My name, now Sophia Lancaster, was no longer just whispered in the industry. It was celebrated.
ble hit.R
Every role I took was a masterpiece. Every performance, an undeniable
The night of the Golden Film Awards.
I stood on stage, accepting my trophy for Best Actress, my heart swelling with pride as the crowd c
the front row, his expression one of absolute pride. And next to him?%
Lucas. His adopted grandson.
The man who had been there–always.
As I finished my speech, Lucas suddenly walked up on stage.
My brows furrowed in confusion. “Lucas…?“”
cheered my
y name. Richard sat in
He took the microphone from my hand, a playful glint in his eyes. He got down on one knee. A collective gasp filled the entire
venue
The reporters, the celebrities,
ties. The
Lucas pulled out a stunning diamond ring, his voice steady, confident!
audience, everyone held their breath.
“Clair Blackwood” he said, looking straight into my eyes. “You are the most incredible woman I have ever met. You are strong. fearless, and the best mother to Liam. I won’t say I’m perfect–but I promise to stand beside you, to cherish you to love you the way you deserve.
The crowd erupted in shocked whispers.
Even I was stunned &
We weren’t even dating–and now he was proposing?
I opened my mouth, but Lucas smirked. “Before you say no–just know that Richard already approved.”
I snapped my head toward Richard, who grinned like
proud father.}
“You might as well say yes,” my grandfather teased. “I already planned the engagement party.
The audience burst into laughter. My lips parted–then I started laughing, too. Lucas was crazy.
But then I looked into his deep, sincere eyes
And suddenly… I wasn’t afraid. I wasn’t uncertain. I was happy.
So, with the entire world watching- i nodded
“Yes,” I said, smiling. “I’ll marry you.”
The crowd exploded into cheers!
Flashbulbs burst. Reporters screamed.
Richard clapped proudly
And Lucas??
He grinned before pulling me into a passionate, breathtaking kiss. had thought my story ended with revenge. But I was wrong. This was the real beginning.
The day had finally arrived
The Blackwood Wedding–hailed as the Wedding of the Year–was nothing short of breathtaking
The venue was a grand cathedral, adorned with cascading white roses, twinkling chandeliers, and golden accents. The entire city had eyes on this event, with celebrities, billionaires, and media personalities in attendance.
its eve
But none of them mattered to me. X
Because at the end of the aisle, standing beneath the grand floral arch, was Lucas.
My groom. The man who had been my friend, my constant, my safe place.
As I walked down the aisle, my arm linked with Richard’s, I could feel every eye on me.!!
But I only looked at Lucas.
And he=”
He looked like he had never seen anything more beautiful. When we reached the altar, Richard pressed a kiss to my forehead before stepping aside. Lucas took my hands, his fingers warm, firm, reassuring
The priest smiled. “We will now proceed with the vows ”
Lucas took a deep breath. His voice rang out, steady and full of emotion.
“Claire, I never imagined that one day, I would stand here, in front of the woman I love, promising forever.
His thumb brushed against my palm!
“You have been through hell and back. You fought battles no one should ever have to fight. And yet, through it all, you stood tall. You won. And now, you’re here. standing beside me.“)
12:30 PM
A lump formed in my throat. Lucas eyes softened.
“I am not a perfect man, Claire. But I swear to you, I will
I never betray you. I will never hurt you. And I will spend every day proving that you are loved, protected, and cherished.”
Tears welled in my eyes. Then it was my turn
I took a shaky breath.
“Lucas.” My voice trembled, but I did not falter. “For a long time, I thought I had to fight my battles alone. I thought love was something I was destined to lose.”2
Lucas squeezed my hands.
“But then, you came along.” I smiled through my tears. “You never forced me to trust you. You just stayed. And now, I know–I don’t have to be alone anymore.”
A tear slipped down my cheek.
you,
“I may not have planned to marry you, but now, I can’t imagine a life without you.
you. And I promise, as your wife, to love you, to trust you
and to build a future where we are finally happy.”
The crowd sniffled, some wiping their eyes.
Even Richard looked emotional.
“With the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.“I
The priest smiled warmly “Lucas, you may now kiss the bride.“/
Lucas wasted no time.
He pulled me in, his lips meeting mine in a deep, passionate kiss that sent the entire venue into thunderous applause. Flashes from cameras lit up the cathedral. The guests cheered, clapped, and some even whistled
I held onto Lucas, my heart racing, knowing that this was it.
This was our forever!
As the reception unfolded in the grand Blackwood estate, I overheard the whispers. Ethan was completely ruined.
His company had declared bankruptcy. His family had been forced out of their mansion, now living in a small apartment on the outskirts of the city. His parents–once arrogant and untouchable–were now desperate and regretful.
And Ethan?
He was just a shell of the man he used to be. No wealth. No power. No me. I had destroyed him.
And yet, when I heard that he had begged Richard for mercy, that he had even fallen to his knees outside the Blackwood estate-
I felt nothing. Not pity. Not satisfaction. Nothing. Because the past no longer mattered.
I had moved on.
The night ended with laughter, dancing, and joy. Richard, ever the dating grandfather, raised his glass in a toast.}
“To my granddaughter, Claire,” he said, his voice filled with pride. The strongest, most fearless woman I know. And to Lucas, the only man I trust to stand beside her. May your love be as unyielding as your spint.”
The
guests cheered. Lucas turned to me, his eyes shining. “Shall we dance, my lovely wife?”
I smiled, letting him pull me onto the dance floor!
As we swayed to the music, I caught sight of Liam, laughing happily as he played with the other children.
And I knew, everything I had suffered, every battle I had fought it had all led me here.
To this moment. To happiness.
Lucas kissed my forehead, whispering. “Are you happy, love?“!
I looked up at him. At my husband.
At the man I would spend forever with. And I smiled.
“More than ever.“2
