23 A week later, Alec and I officially announced our engagement, declaring that we would be holding our wedding in the Maldives. Coincidentally, the announcement came out on the very same day that Clint's sentencing was made public. Two pieces of news released at almost the same moment instantly stirred an uproar. For our "once-in-a-century" wedding, blessings poured in from all corners of the city, with the media rushing to cover every detail. As for Clint, ever since it was revealed that he had concealed his infertility and used his healthy wife as a scapegoat, the public gave him the harshest answer: the Fleming Corporation's stock ›rice plummeted, stopping at the lowest limit almost daily. Public opinion turned entirely in my favor. Everywhere I looked, people were applauding me anc ›raising me. To them, Clint's downfall was nothing more than reaping what he had sown. And the Flemings-because of me-became a running joke over tea and after-dinner conversations. My wedding took place as planned. he beaches of the Maldives were laid with fresh flowers and colorful ribbons. The sea breeze vas soft, the sunlight dazzling. Dressed in a custom-made wedding gown, I walked slowly toward the ceremonial hall, my arm inked with Alec's. Each step felt as though I were treading on clouds-light, blissful, dreamlike. Alec's gaze never left me. His eyes overflowed with tenderness, with a devotion that seemed to old the whole world. He bent slightly toward me, his voice low and affectionate. Finally, Soleil, you've become my bride." smiled, tears of happiness sparkling in my eyes. (es. After everything we had endured, after all the storms and hardships, we had never once given up on each other. Under the witness of our friends and family, we vowed for an eternity. At that moment, I felt as though I had heard the most beautiful sound in the world-the sound of happiness, of fulfillment, and of boundless hope for the future. When the ceremony ended, we strolled along the shoreline. The glow of the setting sun spilled across us, stretching our shadows long across the sand. Leaning against his chest, I listened to the steady, powerful beat of his heart. "Alec, thank you... for always staying by my side." He lowered his head, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. As night fell, bonfires were lit along the Maldivian beach. On my left sat my father, on my right my sister. Together with all our loved ones, we gathered around the flames sharing stories laughter and iov As night fell, bonfires were lit along the Maldivian beach. On my left sat my father, on my right my sister. Together with all our loved ones, we gathered around the flames, sharing stories, laughter, and joy. The firelight danced across our faces, preserving this moment of happiness for eternity.