Chapter 1231:
“Stop feeling sorry for yourself, Deandre.” Rylie gave his shoulder a light pat. “Melany doesn’t want to see you right now. The timing isn’t right.”
“I miss her,” he admitted. “Very much.”
Rylie sighed. “I’ve already told you what I think. You need a clean start.”
Deandre nodded. “I understand my mistakes now. I mean it this time.”
“Then stay out of those relationship rumors first,” she said. “After that, we’ll talk.” She added, “It won’t take long. Sweetberry still wants Melany’s creative work, and she’ll come back when she’s ready.”
“What if she chooses someone else?” Deandre asked.
𝖣𝗂s𝗰оve𝘳 𝘩𝘪d𝖽𝖾ո 𝘨е𝘮𝘀 оn 𝗀a𝗅n𝘰𝘷𝘦𝗹𝗌.с𝗈𝘮
Rylie paused before answering. “Then let her go. Let her be happy. Forcing her feelings will never work, and I won’t support that path. I won’t allow a good woman to be hurt for your sake.”
Dinner that evening was a warm family gathering around a long table, surrounded by loved ones and plenty of comforting food. Between laughter and storytelling, they shared memories of the Owen brothers’ childhood and Brad’s harmless military blunders, filling the room with a cheerful, unhurried warmth.
Rylie glanced at the man she loved sitting beside her, then at the joyful faces around the table, and felt a deep, quiet contentment settle in her chest.
As night deepened, everyone drifted back to their rooms.
On the terrace of their suite, Rylie and Brad stood together, holding each other as they looked out over the snow-covered mountains and the glittering stars above.
“Did you enjoy today?” Brad asked softly.
“Yes.” Rylie rested her head against his shoulder. “I hope life stays just like this.”
Brad tightened his arms around her and pressed a gentle kiss to her hair. “This is only the beginning. Every year ahead will feel just like today.”
Outside, the endless snowy landscape stretched on in silence — a peaceful contrast to the warmth and love glowing within. In that moment, the world’s chaos and the weight of everything they had endured felt distant, leaving only family, love, and the future they would build together.
Several days passed, and Rylie spent long hours fitting wedding gowns — each one personally designed by Melany. Despite having recently given birth, Melany had drawn every design herself. A team of highly skilled tailors worked without pause for more than two weeks, stitching day and night to create a gown made exclusively for Rylie.
When she put it on — adorned with Seravine crystals — she shimmered like a radiant gem.
Everyone present was mesmerized, and someone murmured, “It would be wonderful if Mr. Morgan could see her right now.”
Rylie simply smiled. “It will be better if he sees it at the wedding. Let it be a surprise.”
Brad had been unable to attend the fitting, as the President had summoned him — likely to discuss matters surrounding Carter’s group. Brad intended to use the meeting to formally announce his decision to step down.
He had planned to be home before dinner.
But after the fitting concluded, Rylie prepared a meal and waited — from early evening all the way to nine at night — and still he hadn’t returned.
.
.
.