Chapter 14
The sun was setting as I stood at the altar, the soft glow of twilight wrapping around the intimate garden ceremony. The air was filled with the hum of quiet conversation and the faint scent of roses,
I glanced at Rojen, who stood tall and confident beside me, his eyes never leaving mine. In that moment, the chaos of the past faded, leaving only the warmth of his gaze and the steady rhythm of my heart.
“You‘ re beautiful,” he whispered, his voice low enough that only I could hear.
“And you‘ re handsome,” I teased.
The small crowd chuckled softly as the officiant began. Among the faces, I spotted Zack sitting in the back. For a brief second, our eyes met, and he offered a small nod. It wasn’t an apology, but it was enough.
I had heard through the grapevine that Zack had finally stopped sending flowers
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and messages. He was leaving the country to start anew, leaving everything- including me—behind. Stella remained in the mental hospital, her fate no longer something I dwelled on. For the first time in years, I felt free.
“I do,” Rojen s voice broke through my thoughts, steady and sure.
“And I do,” I said, my voice trembling but filled with certainty.
The officiant smiled. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
Rojen s lips met mine in a kiss that spoke of promises kept and a future finally ours.
Married life was peaceful, a word I’d almost forgotten existed.
With my parents handing me the reins of the Colen Corporation, I dove headfirst into work. Rojen and I partnered closely, merging ideas and resources between our companies. Together, we became a force to
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be reckoned with, the power couple the business world couldn’t stop talking
about.
Rojen was my greatest ally. Where I had doubts, he had confidence. Where I hesitated, he pushed forward. And when I felt overwhelmed, he was there.
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Life wasn’t just about boardrooms and power plays, though. It was the quiet moments–sharing coffee before work, laughing over failed attempts at cooking dinner, and falling asleep wrapped in each other’s arms–that made everything feel
complete.
Months passed, and life took another turn.
I stared at the pregnancy test in my hand, my heart racing. The two pink lines were
unmistakable.
“Rojen,” I called, my voice trembling.
He appeared in the doorway, concern flashing across his face. “What‘ s wrong?”
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Chapter 14
be reckoned with, the power couple the business world couldn’t stop talking about.
Rojen was my greatest ally. Where I had doubts, he had confidence. Where I hesitated, he pushed forward. And when I felt overwhelmed, he was there.
Life wasn’t just about boardrooms and power plays, though. It was the quiet moments–sharing coffee before work, laughing over failed attempts at cooking dinner, and falling asleep wrapped in each other’s arms–that made everything feel complete.
Months passed, and life took another turn.
I stared at the pregnancy test in my hand, my heart racing. The two pink lines were unmistakable.
“Rojen,” I called, my voice trembling.
He appeared in the doorway, concern flashing across his face. “What‘ s wrong?”
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Chapter 14
I held up the test, tears streaming down my cheeks. “We’re having a baby.”
His face broke into a grin as he crossed the room, lifting me off my feet and spinning me around despite my protests. “A baby,” he whispered, his voice filled with awe.
“Amber, that‘ s incredible.”
The months that followed were a whirlwind of preparations. Rojen was overly cautious, constantly checking on me, making sure I was comfortable. My parents, especially my mother, showered me with advice.
When the contractions began, Rojen was by my side, holding my hand as I gritted my teeth through the pain.
“You‘ re doing amazing,” he whispered, his voice steady despite the tension in his grip.
Hours later, the sound of a baby’s first cry filled the room, and tears streamed down my face as the nurse placed the tiny bundle
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in my arms.
“A boy,” the doctor announced, smiling warmly.
Rojen leaned over, brushing a kiss against my forehead. “He’s perfect,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.
We named him Brent. Life with him brought a new kind of joy I hadn’t known I was missing.
I watched Rojen cradle our son, his large hands gentle and protective. “Look at him,” he murmured, his eyes filled with wonder. “He’s already so much like you.”
“And stubborn like you,” I teased, though my heart swelled at the sight of them together.
Late nights of diaper changes and early mornings of baby giggles became the rhythm of our lives. Despite the sleepless nights, I’d never been happier.
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Chapter 14
My parents doted on their grandson, spoiling him with gifts and affection. The house that once felt too large now echoed with laughter and tiny footsteps as Brent began to grow.
Looking back on everything–the betrayal, the heartbreak, the pain–I couldn’t believe how far I’d come.
I was no longer Harriet, the woman who was used, discarded, and controlled. I was Amber Colen.
As I sat on the patio one evening, Brent sleeping soundly in my arms, Rojen joined me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.
“Are you happy?” he asked, his voice soft.
I looked at him, my heart full. “More than I ever thought I could be.”
And for the first time, I meant every word.
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