Chapter 616: Till my last breath [THE END]

It had been exactly one month since Kathrine had woken everyone in the middle of the night with a chaotic conference call—her hand shoved right into the camera, her engagement ring sparkling like it had its own spotlight.

No one had been spared. Not even Daniel. Especially not Daniel.

And now—here they were, standing at the beginning of something far more permanent.

"Dude... why are you so nervous?"

Ethan adjusted his cufflinks, casting a suspicious glance at Shawn, who stood beside him looking like he was about to either faint or run away.

Shawn wiped his palms on his suit for what felt like the hundredth time. "I’m not nervous."

"You’re sweating."

"It’s hot."

"It’s an indoor, air-conditioned hall."

"...It’s emotionally hot."

Ethan stared at him.

Before Shawn could respond, Henry leaned in, his voice dropping conspiratorially.

"He’s not nervous about the wedding," Henry said, jerking his thumb toward Shawn. "He’s nervous because he’s planning to propose to Betty tonight."

Ethan’s brows shot up.

"...You’re what?"

Shawn immediately straightened. "Don’t look at me like that, okay? And don’t forget—it was me who helped you with your proposal."

Ethan scoffed. "Helped? You turned it into a rehearsal drill."

"And it worked!"

"It almost gave me anxiety."

Henry stepped between them before it escalated. "Relax, both of you."

Then he turned to Shawn, a teasing smile forming. "She’s not going to reject you."

Shawn frowned. "You don’t know that."

Henry pointed toward the other side of the hall.

"Look at her."

Betty stood among the bridesmaids, adjusting Kathrine’s veil, her face glowing with excitement. Every now and then, her gaze drifted—unconsciously—toward Shawn.

And every single time she smiled.

Shawn followed Henry’s gesture. And froze.

"...Oh," he muttered.

Henry smirked. "Exactly."

For a moment, Shawn forgot how to breathe.

Then—Henry’s gaze shifted toward his wife. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

She stood beside Betty, one hand resting gently on her growing baby bump, her expression soft and peaceful.

Seven months.

Seven months into a life they had created together.

Henry’s chest tightened with quiet emotion. There was something indescribable about it—watching your future grow right in front of you.

"By the way," Shawn suddenly said, snapping him out of his thoughts, "where’s Boss and Anna? I don’t see them anywhere."

Henry blinked. Then looked around.

"...You’re right."

Ethan frowned slightly. "They were supposed to be here already."

But before any of them could think further, the music changed.

Soft. Elegant. And all eyes turned toward the entrance.

Kathrine stepped in. Dressed in white. Radiant, and for a moment everything else faded.

Ethan forgot Shawn. Forgot Henry. Forgot everything.

All he saw now was her. And somehow she was still the same girl he had fallen for.

Just... more.

More beautiful. More real.

More his.

As she walked down the aisle, her eyes never leaving his, a soft smile playing on her lips.

Ethan felt it. That quiet certainty.

’This was it. This was everything.’

When she finally reached him, standing just inches away, she whispered softly—

"Stop staring."

"I can’t," he replied honestly.

She rolled her eyes, though her smile widened.

The ceremony began. Words were spoken. Promises were made. But when it came time for their vows—Ethan took a breath and looked at her.

"I thought I needed perfect words," he began.

Kathrine smiled faintly.

"But standing here... I realize I don’t." His voice steadied.

"All I need is the truth."

Her eyes softened.

"You are my truth."

Silence filled the hall. Not empty, but full.

"You’ve made me understand what it means to love someone—not just in the good moments, but in every moment."

He swallowed slightly.

"And I promise... to stand by you through all of it."

Kathrine’s eyes shimmered.

"To choose you. Every day."

A tear slipped down her cheek.

"And to never take what we have for granted."

When it was her turn, Kathrine took his hands.

"You didn’t just become a part of my life," she said softly.

"You became the reason it feels complete."

Ethan’s breath hitched.

"You challenge me. You understand me. And somehow... you always know when I need you the most."

She smiled through her tears.

"And I promise to love you... not just as you are now—but as you grow, as you change, and as we build our life together."

Silence filled the hall and then—

"Do you take—" the priest announced, only to cut short.

"Yes," Ethan said immediately.

Laughter erupted.

Kathrine shook her head. "At least let him finish."

"Do you take—"

"Yes," she said this time.

More laughter.

"Then I pronounce you husband and wife."

And just like that—it was done.

Ethan pulled her into a kiss, not rushed, not showy. But full of everything they had just promised.

Applause filled the hall.

Cheers. Laughter. Happiness. And just as they turned, another voice spoke.

"Looks like we’re right on time."

Everyone turned.

Daniel and Anna stood at the entrance.

Anna’s hand rested gently over her stomach.

And for a moment, no one noticed.

Until—

Henry’s eyes widened. "...Wait."

Daniel stepped forward, calm as ever.

Anna, on the other hand, smiled. And then—

"We have something to announce," she said.

The room went silent.

Daniel glanced at her briefly before looking back at everyone. "We’re going to be parents."

A beat passed and then-

"What?!" Shawn shouted.

"NO WAY!" Henry added.

Betty gasped, covering her mouth.

Kathrine’s eyes filled instantly as she rushed toward Anna, hugging her tightly.

"I knew something was off!" she laughed through her tears.

Ethan stood there, stunned—then grinned. "This just became the best wedding ever."

The room erupted into celebration once again.

But louder.

Brighter.

Happier...

Because now it wasn’t just one beginning.

It was two.

****

[Hours later]

The dance floor shimmered under soft lights. Music played gently in the background as couples swayed together.

Anna stood quietly near the edge, one hand resting over her stomach.

Before she could think too much, Daniel stepped behind her.

"Dance with me."

She turned, smiling softly. "You don’t ask, do you?"

"No."

She laughed lightly, and let him pull her in.

His hand rested carefully at her waist—more cautious now.

More aware.

They moved slowly.

No rush.

No audience.

Just them.

"You’ve been quiet," Anna said softly.

Daniel looked at her. Then at her stomach. Then back at her.

"I’m thinking."

"Dangerous." He huffed a quiet breath.

"I don’t know how to do this."

Anna blinked. "Do what?"

"This," he said. "Be... this."

She tilted her head. "A father."

The word lingered, and Anna’s expression softened.

"You don’t have to know everything," she said gently.

Daniel’s gaze darkened slightly—not with doubt but with intensity.

"I will take care of you," he said quietly.

Anna stilled.

"And our baby."

His hand moved slightly, resting over hers.

"I’ll make sure... you never have to worry."

His voice dropped further.

"I’ll love you both... more than anything."

Anna’s eyes shimmered.

Daniel leaned closer, his forehead resting against hers.

"Till my last breath."

The words weren’t loud. But they didn’t need to be. Because she believed him.

Anna smiled softly, closing her eyes as she leaned into him.

And under the soft glow of the lights. With music playing and laughter surrounding them, they danced.

Not just as they were. But as everything they were about to become.

[THE END]