Chapter 28 The glass slipped from his hand and rolled across the carpet , but he didn't even glance at it . His eyes finally met mine , red and heavy . " Kendrick , " I whispered , stepping closer , " I didn't choose him . I chose you ." He let out a harsh laugh , shaking his head . " Don't lie to me , Claire . I saw you with Beckley . I know he still- " " I don't love him , " I cut in . " Beckley and I ... we'll stay friends , that's all . My heart belongs to you . Only you . " The silence after felt like the whole world was holding its breath . Then his face broke , the pain melting into something I had never seen on him before pure relief . " You ... love me ? " he said , like he didn't dare believe it . I nodded , tears stinging my eyes . " Yes . It's you I choose . Always you . " In the next heartbeat he was on his feet , pulling me into his arms so tight I could barely breathe . His lips crushed mine , desperate , hungry , like all the years we lost were pouring into that kiss . I clung to him , trembling , letting every wall fall . We stumbled to the couch , to his room , to anywhere his hands could claim me . The night turned into fire , our bodies tangled , our breaths mingling like confessions . For once there was no guilt , no shadows , no one else between us . Just us - two broken souls finally finding home . And in his arms , I knew . I was exactly where I was meant to be . One Year Later The lights of the grand hall were blinding , cameras flashing as I stood on stage in a silk gown , clutching the golden trophy in my hands . " Best Actress , " the announcer had said , my name echoing through the speakers . I could barely see through the tears in my eyes as applause roared around me . I glanced to the front row . Kendrick was there , dressed sharp , smiling wider than I'd ever seen him . His eyes held the same fire from that night - the fire that saved me , that loved me , that never let go . I lifted the trophy high , my voice shaking as I spoke into the mic . " This is for everyone who believed in me ... and for the man who taught me what real love means ." The crowd erupted again , but all I saw was him . Kendrick . My forever . The flashbulbs caught the moment he stood , clapping harder than anyone else . My heart , my home , my ending - he was all of it . Chapter 27 9:16 Thu , Oct 16 95 And in that hall , under the lights , I smiled through my tears . Because after everything , I finally had it . Love . Freedom . Happiness . That night , after the award show madness had settled , Kendrick surprised me . He told me to dress warm and follow him . No questions . Just trust him . We drove out of the city until the air grew colder and the sky darker . When we finally stopped , we were standing in the middle of a quiet field , the grass wet with dew , the world hushed like it was holding something sacred . " Kendrick ... " I asked softly , " what are we doing here ? " He didn't answer right away . Instead , he pulled me close , his arms firm around my waist , his forehead resting against mine . His voice was rough , like he was fighting to stay calm . " Claire ... I spent my whole life chasing things that never mattered . Power . Revenge . Control . But the moment I almost lost you ... I realized the only thing I want to hold is you ." My heart stuttered in my chest . Before I could breathe , he dropped to one knee . A small velvet box appeared in his hand , and when he opened it , the ring inside caught the starlight . " Marry me , Claire , " he whispered , voice breaking . " Be mine ... not just tonight , not just tomorrow . Be my forever . Let me love you the way you always deserved ." My tears fell before the words even came . " Yes , " I choked out , nodding . " Yes , Kendrick . I'll marry you ." At that moment , fireworks shot across the sky , bursting into gold and red and blue . My hands trembled as he slid the ring onto my finger . He kissed me under the glittering lights , holding me like he'd never let go . The Garden Wedding The day was bright , the air sweet with roses and jasmine . Strings of white silk draped the archway , and guests filled the seats as I walked down the aisle . My gown brushed the grass , and my heart thundered when I saw him waiting at the altar - Kendrick , in black , eyes shining with something so raw it nearly undid me . Beckley was there , seated in the second row . I caught his gaze as I walked past . His smile was gentle , but his eyes carried the kind of pain that words could never soften. I gave him a small nod . We both knew our chapter was closed . At the altar , Kendrick reached for me , his hand steady . His vows were simple , but every Chapter 28 213 08 8 9:17 Thu , Oct 16 word struck deep . 95 " I used to believe I was too broken to love . But you ... you made me whole . Claire , I swear on my life - I'll never let you walk alone again . " My voice shook as I answered , " And I swear to love you , not just in the easy days , but through the storms too . You're my home , Kendrick . Always . " The minister's voice faded into cheers , the words " husband and wife " hanging in the air as Kendrick pulled me into his arms . His kiss was fierce , sealing us , binding us , breaking every chain that held us before . The applause roared , the music swelled , but all I heard was his heartbeat against mine . I was no longer the woman who only survived . I was the woman who loved , who lived , who finally found her ending and her beginning with him . Chapter 30