Chapter 19
Don Colen stood at the altar, his face calm and composed, but inside, his heart raced. Today was the day he had waited for–three long years of longing, planning, and hoping. Now, he would finally make
Camilla his. As the murmurs of the crowd hushed, the soft melody signaling her
entrance began. He straightened his
posture, his intense gaze fixed on the grand
entrance.
When Camilla appeared, the room seemed to hold its breath. She was stunning, her white gown flowing like a dream, the delicate lace catching the sunlight that poured through the open garden venue. The flowers and greenery framing the aisle complemented her perfectly, making her look like a queen walking toward her
throne.
Don Colen’s lips twitched into a rare smile as their eyes met. Every step she took
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felt like it was meant for him and him alone.
In the crowd, Camilla‘ s parents beamed with pride. Her mother whispered to her father, “Our little girl has grown up so beautifully.”
all.
Her father nodded. “She couldn’t have chosen a better man.”
irs o
ignal
hte few rows back, Jackson and Ridge stood awkwardly, their faces a mix of awe and regret. Camilla had been their best friend once, but their indifference and mistakes the re
had driven her away.
s stur
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drea She looks happy,” Jackson muttered, his Subne tinged with regret.
egarde
ifram
ctly.
Ridge nodded. “Yeah, but it’s strange, isn’t it? Watching her walk down that
aisle and knowing we barely know her anymore.”
g towa
ed int
Every
‘She used to be our best friend,” Jackson aid quietly, his throat tightening. “Now
s like we’re strangers.”
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Chapter 19
As Camilla reached the altar, Don Colen extended his hand, his grip warm and steady. “You look perfect,” he said, his voice softer than most had ever heard it.
“And you look nervous,
a playful glint in her eye.
(56)
Camilla teased,
He chuckled. “Just excited.”
Don took Camilla‘ s hand, steadying her as they turned to face the officiant. The soft rustle of leaves and the delicate melody of the string quartet filled the garden, creating an atmosphere that felt almost surreal. Guests leaned forward in anticipation, captivated by the couple standing at the altar. Camilla couldn’t help but smile. This was everything she had dreamed of–beautiful, intimate, and full of love.
Katie, however, couldn’t stand another second of the perfection. Slipping out quietly from her seat, she made her way to
the edge of the venue, where she pulled out her phone and dialed a number.
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“It’s time,” she said, her voice low but firm. She listened for a moment, her lips curving into a cold smirk. “You know what to do. Don’t screw this up.”
She ended the call and adjusted her dress, her expression quickly shifting back to one of feigned elegance. With a final glance at her phone to ensure everything was in motion, Katie returned to her seat just in time to hear the officiant’s voice carry through the air.
The focus was entirely on Camilla and Don now, and rightly so. They stood close, hands intertwined as the officiant began the vows.
“Marriage is a bond built on love, trust, and unwavering support,” the officiant said, smiling warmly at the couple.
“Today, Don and Camilla stand before you, ready to promise each other forever.”
Don turned to face Camilla fully, his expression softer than anyone had ever seen. For a man known for his stoicism, he
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Chapter 19
seemed almost vulnerable in that moment.
“I knew the moment I met you that you were different, Camilla,” he began, his voice steady and deep. “You challenged me, grounded me, and made me believe in something bigger than myself. Today, I promise to protect you, to cherish you, and to never let you face the world alone.”
Camilla’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she squeezed his hand. “I promise to stand by you through every triumph and every storm. With you, I’ve found a love I never thought possible, and I vow to
nurture it every single day for the rest of my life.”
A hushed murmur of admiration rippled through the crowd as the couple exchanged their rings, sealing their promises with tangible symbols of their bond. Camilla‘ s father dabbed at his eyes, while her mother clutched his arm, beaming with pride. Even Jackson and Ridge, who had watched the ceremony from the sidelines, felt a
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Chapter 19
pang of bittersweet emotion.
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Katie, sitting a few rows back, crossed her legs and folded her hands in her lap, her demeanor deceptively serene. But beneath the surface, her mind was racing.
Enjoy this moment while you can, Camilla, she thought, her smirk hidden behind a mask of polite interest. It won’t last.
The officiant‘ s voice rose again, signaling the climax of the ceremony. “By the power
vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Don Colen, you may kiss the bride.”
Don Colen smiled, tilting Camilla‘ s chin
gently. Just as he leaned in, the sharp crack of a gunshot shattered the peaceful atmosphere.
“Ambush!” One of Don Colen‘ s men shouted before chaos erupted.
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