Chapter 9 - The Contract is Torn
With my parents gone and the reporter escorted out, the ballroom finally felt empty, even with fifty guests still lingering near the edges.
The tension in the room was suffocating. People didn't know whether to congratulate us or run for the doors.
"Sterling," Daniel said, turning to the manager. "Open the bar. Top shelf only. Let the guests enjoy the rest of the evening. The drama is over."
A collective sigh of relief washed over the room. Music softly began to play over the speakers again.
Daniel turned to me. "Are you okay?"
"I just kicked my parents out of my wedding," I said, a dry laugh escaping my lips. "I think I'm past being okay. I'm exhausted."
"Come with me," he said gently, taking my hand.
He didn't lead me back to the bridal suite. He led me through a side door, up a private staircase, and out onto the rooftop terrace of the Grand Aurora.
The city lights stretched out below us, a glittering ocean of gold and white. The cool night air felt incredible against my flushed skin.
Daniel walked to the edge of the terrace and looked out over the skyline. He pulled the folded annulment paper from his pocket and held it loosely in his fingers.
"When I was down there," he said, gesturing to the streets below, "I used to look up at these buildings and feel completely hollow. I had built an empire, but I had nothing to live for."
I walked up beside him, wrapping my arms around myself to ward off the chill.
"Then I met you," he continued, turning to face me. "And suddenly, the empire didn't matter. Only you did. I wanted my life back so I could be a man worthy of you."
He held up the annulment paper.
"I signed this because I was terrified you'd think my love was a manipulation," Daniel said, his eyes searching mine. "But you defended me in there. You stood against your own family for me. So, I need to know, Emily. Right here, right now. Do you want out?"
I looked at the paper. It represented safety. It represented a quiet life, free of corporate wars, dangerous brothers, and media scrutiny.
Then I looked at the man holding it. The man who had survived betrayal and homelessness, who had fought his way back from the dead just to keep his promise to me.
I reached out and took the paper from his hand.
May you like
Without breaking eye contact, I ripped it in half. Then I tore it again, letting the small white pieces catch the wind and flutter down toward the city streets.
"I married Daniel Carter," I said softly, stepping into his arms. "Whether he's wearing a borrowed suit or a billionaire's watch, he's mine."
